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Are there any supplements you cant take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Supplements While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and their infants, as it provides essential nutrients necessary for the baby’s growth and development. However, many new mothers wonder about the safety of taking supplements during this time. While some supplements can be beneficial, others may pose risks to the breastfeeding infant.
Supplements to Avoid
Certain herbal supplements and high-dose vitamins can be harmful when passed through breast milk. For instance, some herbs, such as ginseng, saw palmetto, and St. John’s Wort, are known to potentially affect milk production or could have adverse effects on the baby. Additionally, high doses of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, can be toxic and should be avoided.
Moreover, supplements like melatonin, often used for sleep, are not recommended during breastfeeding due to insufficient research on their safety for infants. It’s crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare providers before introducing any new supplements to their regimen.
Safe Supplements
On the other hand, many healthcare professionals recommend that breastfeeding mothers continue taking prenatal vitamins, which are designed to support both maternal health and milk production. These vitamins typically contain essential nutrients like folic acid and iron, although the iron content may need to be adjusted based on individual dietary needs.
Additionally, vitamin D is particularly important, as breast milk alone may not provide sufficient amounts for the baby. Pediatricians often recommend that breastfed infants receive a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D for the first year of life.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers can benefit from certain supplements, they must be cautious about which ones to take. Avoiding high-dose vitamins and specific herbal supplements is essential to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Always consult with a healthcare professional to tailor a supplement plan that meets individual health needs while breastfeeding.

Can I take magnesium while breastfeeding?

Oral absorption of magnesium by the infant is poor, so maternal magnesium hydroxide is not expected to affect the breastfed infant’s serum magnesium. Magnesium oxide supplementation during pregnancy might delay the onset of lactation, but it can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What negatively affects breast milk?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

What vitamins stop breastfeeding?

Use Vitamin B.
Research shows that — in women who have not yet started producing breast milk — vitamin B can limit lactation. Always consult with your physician before trying to reduce or prevent your milk production.

What can you not take while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

  • codeine phosphate.
  • decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
  • some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
  • aspirin for pain relief.

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 should not be taken while breastfeeding?

Daily ingestion of 400mg of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) should be avoided due to safety concerns for the infant. A high dose of vitamin B-6, such as 200mg-600mg daily for many months/years can increase the risk of neuropathy in the mother.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

Why no ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

What foods are not good for breast milk?

Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc. Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)

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.

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