Sniffles, Sneezes, and Breastfeeding: Surviving Allergy Season

Ah, spring—the season of blooming flowers, warmer weather, and… relentless sneezing. If you’re a breastfeeding mom dealing with seasonal allergies, you might be wondering: Can I take allergy meds while nursing? Will my allergies affect my milk? Will my baby suddenly develop a pollen allergy because I sniffled too close to them? (Spoiler: No, but I love how dedicated you are.)

Let’s break it all down so you can survive allergy season while still feeding your little one with confidence.

Can You Take Allergy Medications While Breastfeeding?

Yes! But (there’s always a but), not all allergy meds are created equal when it comes to breastfeeding. Here’s what you need to know:

✔️ Antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra) – These are generally considered safe while breastfeeding. They’re non-drowsy, which is great because, let’s be real, you don’t need any extra help feeling tired.

❌ Benadryl (diphenhydramine) – While it’s not necessarily forbidden, it canmake both you and baby drowsy, and in some cases, it may decrease milk supply. If you must take it, consider a low dose when you have a longer stretch between feeds (if that unicorn moment ever happens).

✔️ Nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort) – These are actually a fantastic option because very little medication enters your bloodstream, meaning it won’t affect your milk.

✔️ Eye drops – If itchy eyes are your main issue, allergy eye drops are a great choice with minimal impact on breastfeeding.

Will My Allergies Affect My Milk?

Nope! Your body is an overachiever and will continue making the good stuff even if you’re sneezing 47 times an hour. In fact, breast milk contains antibodies that help protect your baby from infections and may even reduce their chances of developing allergies later in life. That’s a win!

What About Baby’s Allergies?

If your little one seems extra fussy, congested, or rashy during allergy season, you might wonder if they’re reacting to something in your milk. While true food allergies can happen, seasonal allergies (to pollen, grass, etc.) rarely appear in babies under one year old. If you suspect a reaction, talk to your pediatrician—it’s usually more of an irritation than a true allergy.

Natural Ways to Ease Allergy Symptoms

If you want to minimize medication use, try these:
🌸 Saline rinses – A simple saline spray or rinse can clear out pollen from your nose.
🌿 Shower before bed – Washing off pollen helps reduce nighttime congestion.
🚪 Keep windows closed – As tempting as fresh air is, keeping windows shut during peak pollen times (mornings) helps.
🫖 Stay hydrated – Good for milk supply and for thinning out mucus (ew, but true).

You’re Doing Amazing!

Whether you’re toughing it out, taking meds, or experimenting with every possible natural remedy, you’re doing a great job. Allergy season is temporary, but your dedication to your little one? That’s the real magic.

Hang in there, mama—and may your tissues be plenty and your sneezes be few.

If you found this helpful, please share it with a fellow mom who could use some allergy-season reassurance—let’s grow this community of supportive, amazing parents together! 💛