I have a cold is Benedryl Ok while breastfeeding?

by Kim
(Hopewell Junction,NY-US)

My son is three weeks old and we already had a strike last week when he started refusing to nurse after being given a bottle.We are still getting back on track.I now have a bad cold that came out of nowhere-is it safe to breastfeed while taking Benadril?If not how long should I wait after taking it??

Answer from the lactation consultant
Thanks for asking, Benedryl is not recommended while breastfeeding. Not because it is dangerous for baby but because it can dry up your milk supply in a few doses. I would not recommend taking any antihistamine or decongestant. They can both result in low milk supply. So none of the over the counter cold medications are recommended. You can take Advil or tylenol, use saline nasal spray or afrin nasal spray for congestion, use a humidifier and allow the cold to run its course. You can take zinc to shorten the duration of the cold. One of those times you just have to hang in there.
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC