Can breastfeeding moms take evening primrose oil?

Can Breastfeeding Moms Take Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening primrose oil (EPO) has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, particularly among breastfeeding mothers. However, the question of its safety and efficacy during lactation is one that requires careful consideration.
Safety and Recommendations
The consensus among health professionals is that evening primrose oil is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. This precaution is particularly important because individual health conditions and circumstances can vary widely. With a doctor’s approval, EPO can be used to alleviate issues such as sore nipples and breast pain, which some nursing mothers experience.
Moreover, evening primrose oil is classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when used as a food supplement. This designation suggests that it is unlikely to pose significant risks to breastfeeding infants. However, while EPO is often deemed safe, the evidence surrounding its effects on breastfed infants is not entirely conclusive. Some studies have indicated that it may have a positive impact on conditions like atopic dermatitis in infants, but more research is needed to fully understand these effects.
Potential Benefits
Breastfeeding mothers may find evening primrose oil beneficial for several reasons. Traditionally, EPO has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), eczema, and even symptoms associated with menopause. For nursing mothers, it may help reduce discomfort associated with breastfeeding, such as nipple soreness and breast engorgement.
Additionally, some midwives and alternative health practitioners advocate for the use of evening primrose oil as a natural remedy to prepare the body for labor, although this is more commonly discussed in the context of pregnancy rather than breastfeeding.
Cautions and Considerations
Despite its potential benefits, there are some cautions to keep in mind. While no significant negative effects on breastfeeding have been reported, the long-term safety of evening primrose oil during lactation remains an area that requires further investigation. Mothers should also be aware of any personal allergies or sensitivities to the oil, as these could lead to adverse reactions.
In summary, while evening primrose oil is generally regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers and may offer several health benefits, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before use. This ensures that any potential risks are assessed and that the supplement aligns with the mother’s overall health strategy during this critical period.

How much evening primrose oil should I take for breast pain?

The simplest and perhaps most commonly used first line treatment for mastalgia is Evening Primrose Oil, which proves helpful for many women. This preparation should be taken at a dose of four 1000mg capsules per day. You will usually need to take evening primrose oil for about six months.

What is bad about evening primrose oil?

Evening primrose oil may raise the risk of bleeding among people who take anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. It may also raise the risk of seizures as well as serious nausea and vomiting for people taking a class of drugs known as phenothiazines.

What are the risks of taking evening primrose?

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea. If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using evening primrose oil or other herbal products; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.

Is evening primrose oil safe while breastfeeding?

Breast-feeding: It is possibly safe to take evening primrose oil while breast-feeding, but it’s best to check with your healthcare provider first. Children: Evening primrose oil is possibly safe when taken by mouth in doses up to 6 grams daily. It is also possibly safe when applied to the skin.

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.

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.

Does evening primrose oil help postpartum?

13.3 ± 3.28; P = 0.0001), 10 (11.2 ± 1.22 vs. 14.9 ± 3.6; P = 0.001), and 14 postpartum (11.7 ± 1.3 vs. 13.05 ± 2.6; P = 0.08). Conclusions: The use of evening primrose oil effectively reduced the severity of postpartum blues.

Who should avoid evening primrose oil?

Don’t take evening primrose if you have a bleeding disorder. Oral use of the supplement might increase the risk of bleeding. If you’re planning to have surgery, stop taking evening primrose two weeks beforehand. Also, don’t take evening primrose if you have epilepsy or schizophrenia.

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.

Does evening primrose oil affect baby?

Studies haven’t been conducted to confirm whether evening primrose oil is safe to use during pregnancy. And in some women, it might increase the risk for serious complications. If you’re thinking about giving evening primrose oil a try, talk with your doctor or midwife first.