meds for ragweed and breastfeeding?

[summersmama]

just wondering if anyone has any experience taking an occasional seasonal allergy medication, such as claritin, zyrtec, etc., while they are breastfeeding? i have been suffering and tried to call my midwife but she is on holiday. i have a 9 month old and want to be safe about taking something while nursing her.

thanks!

[LynnS6]

I used Flonase (or the generic equivalent), which is a nasal spray. My OB said that she felt it was the best for pregnant and nursing women because it's not systemic. It is a steroid, but very little of it gets in your system and non-measurable in breastmilk.

You can also try a neti pot -- my sister uses that and swears by it. I haven't had the guts to!

[summersmama]

thanks, lynns6.

my symptoms are constant terrible itchy eyes, headache, very itchy nose and excessive sneezing. not sure if just nasal spray would help, although i could give it a try. before i had kids i would occasionally take a claritin during this time of year (fall-ragweed!) and it helped so much. some days the pollen is really bad ( i live in the country on a farm) and i hate to feel trapped in the house when my kids need to get outside to play. however i do know it will pass in a few weeks, too. dang ragweed!

[EandE]

I am breastfeeding an 8-month old.  If I really need it, I take a claritin (a couple times a month, maybe).  I also use the neti pot, take some very mild Chinese herbs and buffered vitamin C.  I dramatically cut down on dairy because I thought DD was having reactions to it in my breastmilk, and that seems to have made the biggest difference of all.