Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Can breastfeeding moms take digestive enzymes?

Can breastfeeding moms take digestive enzymes?

Can Breastfeeding Moms Take Digestive Enzymes?
Breastfeeding can be a challenging journey for many mothers, especially when it comes to managing their own dietary needs and the potential sensitivities of their infants. One common question that arises is whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take digestive enzyme supplements.
Understanding Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are substances that help break down food into nutrients that the body can absorb. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who have enzyme deficiencies, which can lead to issues like lactose intolerance or other digestive problems. For breastfeeding mothers, the consideration of taking these supplements often stems from a desire to alleviate digestive discomfort or to address food sensitivities that may affect their babies through breast milk.
Safety Considerations
The safety of digestive enzyme supplements during breastfeeding is not definitively established, and opinions vary among healthcare professionals. Some experts suggest that while most healthy individuals do not require additional enzymes, those with specific digestive issues might benefit from them. However, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new supplement, as individual health circumstances can significantly influence safety and efficacy.
Potential Benefits for Infants
Interestingly, some studies indicate that digestive enzymes might help in cases where infants exhibit food sensitivities linked to their mother’s diet. For instance, pancreatic enzymes can potentially break down proteins in the mother’s diet into smaller peptides, which are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in infants. This could be particularly relevant for mothers whose babies show signs of discomfort or allergies related to certain foods consumed through breast milk.
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
While anecdotal evidence and some expert opinions suggest that certain digestive enzymes may be safe and even beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, the lack of comprehensive research means that caution is advised. The consensus among many healthcare professionals is to prioritize a balanced diet and to seek medical advice tailored to individual situations.
Moreover, it is essential for mothers to monitor their own health and their baby’s reactions closely. If digestive issues persist, it may be more beneficial to explore dietary adjustments rather than relying solely on supplements.
Conclusion
In summary, while there may be potential benefits to taking digestive enzymes while breastfeeding, it is imperative for mothers to approach this decision with caution. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help ensure that any supplements taken are safe and appropriate for both the mother and her baby. Ultimately, maintaining open communication with healthcare professionals and being attentive to both personal and infant health can guide breastfeeding mothers in making informed choices about their dietary needs.

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.

Are digestive enzymes safe for babies?

Digestive enzymes are crucial for kids’ digestion, helping break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into absorbable nutrients. Research supports the effectiveness of digestive enzyme supplementation in improving digestive symptoms and nutrient absorption in kids with gastrointestinal disorders.

What can a breastfeeding mother take to reduce belly fat?

To lose your baby weight, eat protein- and fiber-rich whole foods, stay hydrated, and exercise. Also, avoid eating fewer than 1500–1800 calories per day, as this may affect your milk supply. Most importantly, keep in mind that breastfeeding offers many other benefits – for both you and your child.

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.

Is digestive enzymes good during pregnancy?

Take digestive enzymes
Modern food processing depletes our food of naturally-occurring enzymes, and oftentimes pregnant and postpartum mamas don’t produce enough themselves. That’s what taking a pregnancy-safe digestive enzyme supplement can help.

Who should not take digestive enzymes?

Precautions. Before taking this digestive enzyme, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork protein; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

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.

Is it safe to do a gut cleanse while breastfeeding?

Enemas such as Fleet ® may also be used without affecting the breastfed baby. Care should be taken to ensure that the mother remains adequately hydrated throughout the preparation period and on the day of the procedure by drinking plenty of water as permitted by the pre-operative instructions.

Are digestive enzymes safe while nursing?

1 – Digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugars are not recommended for diabetics, or pregnant/breastfeeding women. This is because taking them breaks down more carbohydrates into sugars than your body normally would; so, anyone at risk of blood sugar issues should take caution.

What can I take for gut health while breastfeeding?

Maternal probiotic supplements
Maternal probiotic supplements effectively orchestrate the breast milk and infant gut microbiome with a wide range of clinical benefits and safety. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and S. boulardii can be used as maternal supplements to promote infant health.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘Bz1nZ9G9OejF4-EPuLKh4Qg__46′,’

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