I've been consulted by a Mom who has develped severe allergic symptoms that
developed 8 weeks following birth of baby #2 last October. (Uneventful
pregnancy, unremarkable birth attended by midwife at term.)
BFing has gone very well (I had helped her with baby #1 BFing). Mom has hx
of environmental allergies - grass, dust, mold, trees etc. However she
always considered these mild and treated using naturopathic remedies. Since
Dec. Mom reports increasing allergic symptoms - eczema, sometimes hives,
extreme sensitivity to common allergens, reports "cold sweats" and
"shakiness" at times when bfing.
Since December has experienced severe fluid retention and wt gain, this
worsening with
advent of grass/warmer weather season here. She wakes each day with eyes
swollen shut, swelling of whole body and she has zero energy, headaches,
etc. She has to limit herself to being in air-conditioned locations.
Baby is starting to develop eczema of cheek area and arms.
Mom has consulted naturopath, using dietary modifications for all identified
nutritional triggers.
Medical Dr gave her a short course of prednisone for severe allergic
symptoms, now is insisting that Mom commence allergy shots. Hale text
indicates that allergy shots have no documented effects on BFing or infant.
Husband is chiropractor - very natural focus & extremely supportive - will
do anything to preserve the BFing relationship -has cut back his hours,
hired housekeepers, childcare assistance.
A couple of hours outside this past Sunday resulted in a trip to the
Emergency for epinephrine injection and RX to restart prednisone and
reactine.
I've searched the Lactnet archives, Biancuzzo & Lawrence texts.
Also consulted all the La Leche & lactation resources available on hospital
unit that I teach on.
My question to you -
Has anyone information for me re: postpartum allergic hypersensitivity?
Lawrence text describes urticaria and angioedema symptoms in response to
progesterone sensitivity.
Do you know what additional info/support I could consult for this Mom? She
is feeling physically exhausted, miserable with the allergy symptoms and
very depressed about her physical appearance.
Thanks so much for your reply,
Catherine Hoe Harwood, RN, BSN, MScN
Associate Professor, Nursing
Perinatal Nurse Specialist
Trinity Western University
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