“Help! I Get Hives Every Time I Breastfeed—What’s Going On?!”
Breastfeeding is often painted as this blissful, bonding experience—and sometimes, it is. But for some people, the reality is a lot more confusing (and itchy). One of my clients came to me desperate for answers after breaking out in full-body hives every time she nursed her daughter. She was frustrated, uncomfortable, and starting to dread every feed. If you’ve ever had a weird or even scary body reaction during breastfeeding, you are so not alone. Understanding what’s happening in your body can help you take back control, reduce your symptoms, and feel more confident about continuing to nurse—if that’s what you want to do. Unfortunately, many people suffer in silence because these symptoms aren’t talked about enough in the postpartum world.
When Hormones Take a Wild Turn
For many, the culprit behind breastfeeding-related hives is a quirky combination of hormones, histamine, and nervous system response. But most people never get the information they need to connect the dots.
Here’s why so many struggle to figure it out:
They assume it must be an allergy to something external (like food or detergent)
Their providers brush off their concerns or don’t know about lactation-related histamine reactions
They’re told “just stop breastfeeding” without deeper exploration
They don’t know what symptoms to track or how to advocate for testing or care
They feel alone and ashamed for having such a “weird” reaction to something that’s supposed to be natural
But here’s the good news: I’m going to walk you through how to untangle what’s going on—and what steps to take if this happens to you or someone you love.
Step 1: Track Your Symptoms
Understanding the pattern is the first and most important step.
Ask yourself: when do the hives show up? Is it only while breastfeeding or also after pumping? Do they show up immediately when letdown starts, or a little while later? My client, for example, noticed they always began a few minutes into nursing and faded within an hour. That timing helped us realize it wasn’t something she was eating—it was tied to the physiological letdown response. If you start a journal and log what you ate, what time you nursed, how long the reaction lasted, and what other symptoms appeared (itching, anxiety, nausea, dizziness), you can start to piece together a fuller picture.
Step 2: Don’t Dismiss the Role of Hormones and Histamine
This is where most people go wrong—they treat it like a skin issue, when it’s actually an internal one.
During breastfeeding, a flood of hormones is released—especially oxytocin and prolactin. For some folks, these hormones can trigger a histamine release, similar to what happens during an allergic reaction. This is particularly true for people who already have mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), chronic allergies, or are in a hyperreactive postpartum state (think: poor sleep, nervous system overload). My client had a history of seasonal allergies and eczema—classic signs that her histamine bucket was already full. To reduce symptoms, she began working with her provider on safe antihistamine support, cut back on common histamine-triggering foods (like aged cheese and wine), and added in more nervous system support.
Step 3: Regulate the Nervous System and Support Your Healing
There is a light at the end of the tunnel—and it involves calming your entire system, not just treating the symptoms.
With some intentional nervous system support, many people find their symptoms begin to decrease. My client started using calming breathwork during letdown, took magnesium before bed, and carved out small moments of rest and grounding throughout the day. With her care team, she also explored whether postpartum depletion and nutrient gaps might be contributing to her hypersensitivity. After a few weeks of this new routine, the hives went from daily to occasional—and she felt like she had tools instead of panic.
In summary:
If you’re breaking out in hives while breastfeeding, it might not be random. Hormones, histamine, and stress can all play a role—but there’s hope.
Your next step?
Start a symptom journal today and bring it with you to your next appointment. If you need more support, ask your provider about postpartum histamine reactions or look for someone familiar with MCAS and lactation. You’re not imagining it—and you don’t have to choose between being comfortable and breastfeeding.
Love,
Emily
