Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Are cranberry pills safe to take while breastfeeding?

Are cranberry pills safe to take while breastfeeding?

Are Cranberry Pills Safe to Take While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether cranberry pills are safe for breastfeeding mothers is one that many new parents ponder, especially those looking for natural remedies to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). As the popularity of cranberry supplements continues to rise, understanding their safety during lactation is crucial.
Current Understanding of Cranberry Use in Breastfeeding
Cranberry products, including pills and juice, are often touted for their potential benefits in preventing UTIs. Medical experts generally suggest that taking cranberry pills is safe for breastfeeding mothers when consumed at recommended doses. This is supported by the fact that cranberry preparations are well tolerated as food, although some individuals may experience stomach discomfort or diarrhea if they consume large amounts.
However, it is important to note that there is a lack of extensive research specifically examining the effects of cranberry pills on breastfeeding mothers and their infants. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database, while cranberry does not have specific lactation-related uses, it appears to enhance the antioxidant capacity of breast milk, which could be beneficial.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Despite the general consensus on safety, some caution is warranted. There are no well-controlled studies that definitively establish how much cranberry from supplements enters breast milk, leading some experts to advise against their use due to limited efficacy. Additionally, while cranberry juice is often recommended for its nutritional benefits, the same cannot be said with certainty for cranberry pills.
For mothers who are considering cranberry pills, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. This is particularly important for those who may have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, as interactions could occur.
Conclusion
In summary, cranberry pills are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when taken in moderation. However, due to the lack of comprehensive studies and potential gastrointestinal side effects, it is best to approach their use with caution. Consulting a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy and safe.

What can I take for a UTI while breastfeeding?

These typically are trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or ofloxacin. The above antibiotics (including fluoroquinolones) for UTI are considered safe by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for nursing infants, with no reported effects seen in infants who are breastfeeding.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug Comment
Iodine High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral) Potential for serious adverse effects

Can I take cranberry pills while pregnant?

Cranberry supplements are considered safe for most people, although pregnant and breastfeeding women should ask their doctor before taking any supplement, including cranberry. Cranberry has relatively high levels of oxalate, chemicals that may raise the risk of kidney stones in some people.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

What vitamins decrease milk supply?

If you haven’t nursed your infant yet, high doses of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) may work to suppress lactation. One older study from the 1970s suggested that high doses B6, B1, and B12 suppressed lactation for 96% of the participants, with no unpleasant side effects.

Can you take a cranberry pill while breastfeeding?

Cranberry. Cranberry may be used to prevent urinary tract infections in breastfeeding mothers. There is no information on the safety and efficacy of the medicine in breastfeeding, but is considered safe to use at the recommended doses.

Do cranberries increase milk supply?

It has no specific lactation-related uses. Cranberries appear to increase the milk content of polyphenols and total antioxidant capacity. Cranberry preparations are well tolerated as a food, although stomach discomfort and diarrhea can occur with large doses.

Who should not take cranberry pills?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Diabetes.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Lung or breathing disease, like asthma.
  • Stomach or intestine problems.
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to cranberry, other herbs or plants, aspirin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Should I take cranberry pills if I have a UTI?

The American Urological Association also included a conditional recommendation in support of cranberry as a preventive measure for women with recurrent UTIs in its 2022 guidelines. 8 However, cranberry supplements should not be considered as a treatment for UTIs.

What supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

  • Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
  • Aloe latex.
  • Ashwagandha.
  • Berberine/goldenseal.
  • Bilberry.
  • Black cohosh.
  • Butterbur.
  • Dong quai.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment