Are there any supplements you shouldn t take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Supplements While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mothers and infants, and while many women focus on their diet to ensure they provide the best nutrition for their babies, the question of supplements often arises. Not all supplements are safe during this time, and some can even pose risks to both mother and child.
Supplements to Avoid
Certain supplements should be approached with caution or avoided altogether while breastfeeding. Medicinal herbs are a significant category of concern. Many herbs can have potent effects and may not be safe for nursing mothers. For instance, supplements containing soy and flaxseed are advised against, as they can affect hormone levels and potentially impact milk supply or infant health.
Additionally, supplements like melatonin, which is often used for sleep regulation, may not be safe during breastfeeding. The effects of melatonin on infants are not well-studied, and its use could lead to unintended consequences.
Safe Practices
While some supplements are beneficial, such as prenatal vitamins that include essential nutrients like iron and folic acid, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen. Vitamin D is particularly important; breastfeeding mothers are often advised to take a daily supplement of 10 micrograms to ensure adequate levels for both themselves and their infants.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
Given the complexities surrounding nutrition during breastfeeding, it is essential for mothers to seek personalized advice from healthcare professionals. Each woman’s health status, dietary needs, and the specific needs of her baby can vary significantly. Therefore, what works for one mother may not be suitable for another.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding mothers should be mindful of their nutritional intake, they must also be cautious about the supplements they choose to take. Avoiding certain herbs and unregulated supplements, while ensuring adequate intake of essential vitamins like D, can help support both maternal and infant health during this critical time.

What medications dry up milk supply?

What medications do you think have been found to decrease milk supply? Choose 1 or more:

• Epinephrine.
• Labetolol.
• High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol)
• Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Testosterone.
• Estrogen.
• Methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

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 are the don’ts of breastfeeding?

Don’ts

• Don’t give up on breastfeeding your newborn no matter how hard you find it.
• Do not ignore your pain if you are experiencing sore nipples.
• Don’t eat any painkillers or medicine unless your doctor prescribes it.
• Don’t start breastfeeding when you are feeling angry or depressed.

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.

Why avoid vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Although prolonged high doses can cause neuropathy in the mother, no negative effects have been reported in infants. Vitamin C has been shown to be safe in high doses, such as 1000mg a day, and does not appear to significantly increase the breastmilk level, unless mom was deficient before taking the supplement.

What vitamins should not be taken while breastfeeding?

Fat soluble vitamin supplements (e.g., vitamins A & E) taken by the mother can concentrate in human milk, and thus excessive amounts may be harmful to a breastfeeding baby.

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 not to 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.

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.