What can I take for itching while breastfeeding?

Understanding Itching While Breastfeeding
Itching during breastfeeding is a common issue that many new mothers face, particularly in the early weeks. This discomfort can stem from various causes, including skin irritations, infections, and even the breastfeeding process itself. Understanding the underlying reasons for this itching can help mothers find effective relief.
Common Causes of Itching
1. Skin Irritation: The skin around the breasts can become dry and irritated due to hormonal changes, frequent nursing, or the friction caused by nursing pads and clothing. This irritation often leads to itching, which can be exacerbated by environmental factors like dry air.
2. Thrush: A yeast infection known as thrush can affect both the mother and the baby, leading to itchy nipples. This condition is characterized by a burning sensation and can be accompanied by white patches in the mouth of the baby. If thrush is suspected, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.
3. Contact Dermatitis: Allergic reactions to soaps, lotions, or even laundry detergents can cause contact dermatitis, resulting in itchy and inflamed skin. Identifying and eliminating the irritant is key to alleviating symptoms.
4. Let-Down Reflex: Some mothers experience itching as part of the let-down reflex, which is the body’s response to milk ejection during breastfeeding. This sensation can be uncomfortable but is generally harmless.
Relief Strategies
To manage itching while breastfeeding, several home remedies and treatments can be effective:
– Moisturizers: Applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can help soothe dry skin. Look for products specifically designed for sensitive skin to avoid further irritation.
– Cold Compresses: Using a cold compress on the affected area can provide immediate relief from itching and reduce inflammation.
– Oatmeal Baths: Soaking in an oatmeal bath can help calm irritated skin. Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties and can be beneficial for overall skin health.
– Proper Latch: Ensuring that the baby has a proper latch can minimize discomfort during breastfeeding, which may help reduce associated itching.
– Consulting a Professional: If the itching persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or unusual discharge, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. They can diagnose conditions like thrush or other infections and recommend appropriate treatments.
Medications and Safety
When considering medications for itching, it’s vital to choose options that are safe for breastfeeding mothers. Over-the-counter antihistamines may provide relief, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for use while nursing. Avoid medications that contain alcohol or certain decongestants, as these can affect milk supply and may not be safe for the baby.
Conclusion
Itching while breastfeeding can be uncomfortable, but understanding its causes and exploring safe relief options can help mothers manage this common issue. By taking proactive steps and consulting healthcare professionals when necessary, breastfeeding mothers can find comfort and continue to nourish their babies effectively.

What anti itch medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Non-sedating antihistamines are the preferred choice for a breastfeeding mother:

• Loratadine (Clarityn®) (Powell 2007, Hilbert 1997),
• Cetirizine (Zirtek®, BecoAllergy®, Piriteze®, Benadryl®) reaches low levels in breastmilk and is recommended by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Powell 2007)

How can I stop itching while breastfeeding?

How are nipple pain, itching and rashes treated?

1. Topical steroid cream, to treat dermatitis or nipple blebs.
2. Antibiotics, to treat subacute mastitis.
3. Heat (breast warmers), to treat nipple vasospasm.

When does postpartum itching stop?

Itchy lochia (postnatal bleeding)
It’s made up of all the excess tissue and blood that lined your uterus while pregnant. Many women think of it as a long period after birth, which lasts for up to 6 weeks. If the lochia gets left on your skin, it can cause itching and irritation until washed away.

Can I use Benadryl itch cream while breastfeeding?

Benadryl doesn’t affect the amount of milk your body makes. However, it may decrease the flow of milk from your breasts. Benadryl can also be passed to your child through your breast milk when you take the pills or use it on your skin.

What can I take for an itchy rash while breastfeeding?

According to medical studies, steroid creams like betamethasone valerate and allergy medications like the antihistamine pheniramine are safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can I take Benadryl and breastfeed?

Taking Benadryl while breastfeeding isn’t considered to be a good option, even though it’s largely safe during pregnancy. Benadryl is believed to pass through breast milk and it can affect a nursing baby.

What can I take for postpartum itching?

Make use of over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help alleviate perineal pain and discomfort. An antihistamine can help with the itching, especially at night when itching tends to worsen.

What is the most safe antihistamine while breastfeeding?

Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the recommended antihistamines when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra and Xyzal.

Does Benadryl dry up breast milk?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.