I need some help for this Mother of a 6 week old. For a month now, the baby
has been congested, but only at night when still. When he starts stirring
in the morning all is well. She states that she puts him down at 8PM each
night and by 8:30 he's gasping to breathe, and spends the remainder of
every night on her chest with Mom in a recliner. Baby has had antibiotics
and Zantac, and Mom eliminated dairy (briefly). When we spoke today for the
first time, I asked about any allergies for her and spouse, and she said,
oh yes I also get very congested at night. She said she usually takes
Claritin, but can't b/c she's BF, so they've been congested together. I
gave her Hale's info on safety of using Claritin, and she was thrilled to
see relief for herself. I'm wondering if any Claritin is received via her
BM, enough to help her babe. I'm concerned with adverse effects of long
term use. She's sick of giving her baby meds. The ped has suggested it may
be her milk causing the congestion, which she doesn't believe. She's got an
appt with an ENT. I did suggest continuing to cut back on dairy and trying
light infant massage. What else could I say or do that may help this Mom? I
enjoyed the suggestion in the archives of 20 drops of Tabasco in H2O, but
baby might object. <g>

Carrie, IBCLC

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