Can I take magnesium when breastfeeding?

Can I Take Magnesium When Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding mothers often find themselves navigating a myriad of dietary considerations, and magnesium is no exception. As a vital mineral, magnesium plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone health. For nursing mothers, understanding the implications of magnesium supplementation is essential for both their health and that of their infants.
Safety of Magnesium During Breastfeeding
The consensus among health experts is that most forms of magnesium are safe to take while breastfeeding. Research indicates that magnesium supplementation does not pose significant risks to breastfeeding mothers or their infants when taken in recommended dosages. In fact, magnesium is essential for nursing mothers, as it helps support overall health and well-being during this demanding period.
While some specific forms of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate, have been noted to potentially delay the onset of lactation when taken during pregnancy, they are generally considered safe during breastfeeding. No special precautions are required for their use in nursing mothers .
Recommended Dosages
Breastfeeding increases a mother’s magnesium requirements, with recommendations suggesting an intake of around 300 mg of magnesium daily. Some experts even advocate for higher doses, suggesting that up to 600 mg may be beneficial due to the increased nutritional demands of breastfeeding. However, it is always advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any supplementation to tailor the dosage to their individual needs.
Benefits of Magnesium for Nursing Mothers
Magnesium not only supports the mother’s health but also contributes to the quality of breast milk. As mothers breastfeed, they pass on essential nutrients, including magnesium, to their infants, which is vital for the baby’s development and immune system. Additionally, magnesium can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation, which may indirectly support milk flow and breastfeeding success.
Conclusion
In summary, taking magnesium while breastfeeding is generally safe and can be beneficial. It is important for nursing mothers to ensure they meet their magnesium needs, either through diet or supplementation, to support their health and that of their baby. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended to determine the best approach for individual circumstances.

Is magnesium safe postpartum?

In order to decrease the risk of eclampsia, magnesium sulfate is administered to women with pre-eclampsia with severe features through continuous intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injections intrapartum, and may be continued postpartum.

Can too much magnesium affect baby?

In a baby, magnesium toxicity can cause low muscle tone. This is caused by poor muscle control and low bone density. These conditions can put a baby at greater risk for injuries, such as bone fractures, and even death.

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 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.

What does magnesium do for breast?

Magnesium supplements taken in the second half of the menstrual cycle (usually the 2 weeks before the next period) relieve cyclic breast pain as well as other premenstrual symptoms. Eating a very low-fat diet. Decreasing the amount of caffeine you consume. Some women feel they have less breast pain when they do this.

What does magnesium do to a newborn?

“The evidence from this study supports the use of magnesium sulphate for reducing brain inflammation and improving myelination in preterm infants deprived of oxygen,” he said.

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 magnesium relieve anxiety?

Magnesium may reduce anxiety symptoms by improving sleep quality, calming the nervous system, improving mood, and decreasing muscle tension. Research suggests that magnesium L-threonate and magnesium glycinate may be especially beneficial for improving anxiety.

How much magnesium is safe while breastfeeding?

Breast-feeding females—340 to 355 mg per day. Children 7 to 10 years of age—170 mg per day. Children 4 to 6 years of age—120 mg per day. Children birth to 3 years of age—40 to 80 mg per day.

Will taking magnesium help my breastfed baby sleep?

Adding magnesium to a body lacking in it, really can help your child sleep. Without sufficient magnesium, the body struggles to regulate cortisol levels, which leads to elevated alertness levels. Highly alert is NOT what we want your child to be at night.