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Q. I had a question regarding breastfeeding I had my first child 14 mos ago and during my last trimester I developed a horrible itch all over my body the doctors told me to take benedryl an antihistamine when I breast fed I never produced alot of milk my breast never engorged once so the baby was breast fed parttime and formula fed also only until 3 mos then I stopped breastfeeding all together could the lack of milk be due to the benedryl??? I ask this question now because I am 5 mos pregnant and scared to death of what to do when the itch returns I want to be able to breastfeed soley and successfully. Please help!!!

A. Have you experienced the itching with this pregnancy? If not, it may not be a problem this time. Some women do notice a slight decrease in milk supply while taking antihistimines. If this was taken only during the pregnancy I don't see how it would have any affect at all on your milk supply.

According to MEDICATIONS AND MOTHERS' MILK by Dr. Thomas Hale ; the only affect seen from benedryl taken by a nursing mother was a slightly drowsy infant. I would suspect other problems as the cause for not being able to breastfeed your first child. Seek professional help from a Lactation Consultant in your area at the first sign of trouble with this baby. You may consider a prenatal consultation to discover what might have been the problem last time as I would doubt that the benedryl could have caused you to have so much difficulty. It is one of the most wonderful experiences of motherhood to be able to nurse your baby and watch it growing strong and healthy from your nutritious gift!

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.