Can you get a relaxer while breastfeeding?

Can You Get a Relaxer While Breastfeeding?
When it comes to personal care during breastfeeding, many mothers are cautious about the products they use. One common question that arises is whether it’s safe to get a hair relaxer while nursing. This topic is particularly pertinent for new mothers who want to maintain their hair while ensuring the safety of their breastfeeding infants.
Understanding Hair Relaxers
Hair relaxers are chemical treatments used to straighten curly or wavy hair. They typically contain strong chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, or guanidine hydroxide, which serve to break down the protein structure of the hair. While these products can effectively alter hair texture, the implications for breastfeeding mothers are worth examining.
Safety Concerns
The primary concern with using hair relaxers while breastfeedingCan You Get a Relaxer While Breastfeeding?
As a new mother, navigating the dos and don’ts of postpartum care can be a daunting task. One common question that arises is whether it’s safe to get a relaxer while breastfeeding. The answer, as with many aspects of breastfeeding, is not a simple yes or no.
Relaxers and Breastfeeding: The Potential Risks
Relaxers, also known as chemical straighteners, contain a variety of ingredients that can potentially be transmitted to the nursing infant through breastmilk. These ingredients, which often include sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide, are designed to break down the disulfide bonds in hair, effectively straightening it.
While the exact effects of these chemicals on a breastfeeding infant are not fully understood, there is concern that they could be harmful if ingested. Exposure to high levels of these chemicals has been linked to potential health issues in children, such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even developmental delays.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
For many women, the decision to get a relaxer while breastfeeding is a highly personal one that involves carefully weighing the potential risks against the desire to maintain a specific hairstyle. Some mothers may choose to wait until they have finished breastfeeding before undergoing a relaxer treatment, while others may opt for a more natural hairstyling approach during this delicate time.
Consulting with Experts
Ultimately, the decision to get a relaxer while breastfeeding should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, such as a pediatrician or lactation consultant. They can provide personalized guidance based on the specific needs and circumstances of the mother and child, taking into account factors such as the infant’s age, the frequency of breastfeeding, and the potential risks associated with the relaxer ingredients.
In conclusion, while the decision to get a relaxer while breastfeeding is a personal one, it’s important to carefully consider the potential risks and consult with medical professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the nursing infant.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Antineoplastics	Leukopenia, bone marrow suppression
Gold salts	Rash, nephritis, haematological abnormalities
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring

Is it safe to take a muscle relaxer while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Amounts of cyclobenzaprine in milk appear to be very small and two infants apparently tolerated the drug in milk well. If cyclobenzaprine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

Is it safe to get a hair perm while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while performing/getting hair treatments:
When used properly, it would be unlikely that large amounts of hair care chemicals would enter breast milk because so little would get into the blood of the person getting or performing hair treatments.

Which drugs is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

What medications should be avoided when breastfeeding?

• Aspirin.
• Opioid Analgesics.
• Certain Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications.
• Birth Control Pills.
• Beta Blockers and Antiarrhythmics.
• Ergots.
• Epilepsy and Anti-Seizure Drugs.
• Cancer Treatment.

What can’t you do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Does hair relaxer affect breast milk?

Information about having hair treatments while breastfeeding is limited. However, the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists states that it is highly unlikely that a significant amount of the chemicals used would enter the breastmilk because very little enters the mother’s bloodstream.

Can you get hair relaxer while pregnant?

Chemical products designed to straighten or relax hair are generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy. However, you should avoid products that contain substances called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and products that release formaldehyde when they’re heated.

How long after giving birth can I relax my hair?

Is it ok to relax my hair now or should I wait a few months? Answer: If you used to relax your hair regularly, it should be perfectly fine to relax your hair now even though you had a baby 5 weeks ago.

Can I take a muscle relaxer while pregnant?

Baclofen is a muscle relaxer that works on nerves in your spine to relax your muscles. You should try to avoid it in pregnancy when possible. You also shouldn’t take it if you’re younger than 12. The primary concern with baclofen is the potential for withdrawal symptoms in newborns.