Can You Take Benadryl While Breastfeeding?

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By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Benadryl While Breastfeeding?

Taking Benadryl while breastfeeding is usually considered safe in normal doses, but there's a catch: Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine, and while it's generally fine for treating those pesky allergy symptoms, it can pass into your breast milk.

Research, including a study from the Journal of Human Lactation2 , suggests that occasional use of Benadryl doesn't typically cause issues for your little one. However, some experts suggest that certain antihistamines could potentially decrease milk supply, especially with regular or high-dose use.

It's also worth noting that Benadryl can cause drowsiness in both you and potentially your baby. And we all know a sleepy baby might not nurse as effectively, which could also impact your milk supply.

That's why it's best to have a chat with your healthcare provider before taking Benadryl or any other medication while breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. National Library of Medicine"Diphenhydramine"Sep 19, 2021https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501878/.

  2. Jennifer L. Mitchell, PharmD"Use of Cough and Cold Preparations During Breastfeeding", vol. 15, no. 4Nov 30, 1999https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/089033449901500417.


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Updated on Dec 3, 2023

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Can You Take Benadryl While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Benadryl While Breastfeeding?

Taking Benadryl while breastfeeding is usually considered safe in normal doses, but there's a catch: Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine, and while it's generally fine for treating those pesky allergy symptoms, it can pass into your breast milk.

Research, including a study from the Journal of Human Lactation2 , suggests that occasional use of Benadryl doesn't typically cause issues for your little one. However, some experts suggest that certain antihistamines could potentially decrease milk supply, especially with regular or high-dose use.

It's also worth noting that Benadryl can cause drowsiness in both you and potentially your baby. And we all know a sleepy baby might not nurse as effectively, which could also impact your milk supply.

That's why it's best to have a chat with your healthcare provider before taking Benadryl or any other medication while breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. National Library of Medicine"Diphenhydramine"Sep 19, 2021https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501878/.

  2. Jennifer L. Mitchell, PharmD"Use of Cough and Cold Preparations During Breastfeeding", vol. 15, no. 4Nov 30, 1999https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/089033449901500417.


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