allergies

[oldtownmom]

I have a terrible allergie to cats. I was on zyrtec before becoming pregnant and it worked great. But I can't take that while breastfeeding. My 2 month old son and I are invited to a halloween party at a close friends house this weekend, but she has 2 cats!!
Is there something I can take that won't affect him since I am breastfeeding?? Should I pump and feed him with a bottle?

[Sharon_Mattes]

Dear Mom:

Who said you can't take Zyrtec? According to Dr. Thomas Hale's reference
- 'Medications and Mother's Milk' - it is a low risk choice that penetrates the
Central Nervous System poorly so doesn't cause sedation (for you or baby).
Studies in dogs suggest only 3% of dose is transferred into milk. Don't take
with alcohol (increases potency of all effects).

I feel very comfortable telling mothers this is a safe choice while nursing.
Dr. Hale recommends that when taking a drug that is only given once
daily - you can take it at the time your baby is sleeping the longest and
doesn't nurse as often. This gives them the lowest possible dose.

This is not known to dry up your milk either. Ephedrine (sudafed) will
cause a milk supply reduction but not usually antihistamines. :)