Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Does magnesium sulfate pass through breast milk?

Does magnesium sulfate pass through breast milk?

Understanding Magnesium Sulfate and Breastfeeding
The question of whether magnesium sulfate passes through breast milk is an important consideration for nursing mothers who may require this medication. Magnesium sulfate is often administered intravenously for various medical conditions, including preeclampsia and eclampsia during pregnancy.
Passage into Breast Milk
Research indicates that magnesium sulfate does indeed enter breast milk, but the extent of this transfer is relatively limited. Studies show that while intravenous magnesium sulfate increases the magnesium concentration in breast milk, the increase is only slight. For instance, one study noted that the breast milk of women treated with magnesium sulfate contains higher magnesium levels compared to control subjects, but the levels are not significantly elevated after 24 hours post-infusion .
Impact on Infants
Despite the presence of magnesium in breast milk, the oral absorption of magnesium by infants is poor. This means that even if magnesium sulfate is present in breast milk, it is unlikely to significantly affect the serum magnesium levels in breastfed infants. The available evidence suggests that infants nursing from mothers treated with magnesium sulfate show only minimally higher magnesium levels .
Moreover, the short duration of elevated magnesium levels in breast milk—lasting only about 24 hours after the infusion ends—further mitigates any potential risks to the infant.
Safety Considerations
Given these findings, maternal magnesium therapy is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The low oral bioavailability of magnesium means that the amount absorbed by the infant from breast milk is not expected to lead to adverse effects.
In summary, while magnesium sulfate does pass into breast milk, the implications for breastfeeding infants are minimal. The slight increase in magnesium levels in breast milk does not translate into significant absorption by the infant, making it a safe option for nursing mothers who require this treatment.

Can I breastfeed after using Epsom salt?

– Rinse with fresh water before nursing, as baby may not like the salty taste. – Nurse baby soon after soaking. **If you don’t have time to submerge your breasts before each feed, then you can sit in a hot bath with a cup of Epsom Salts for about 10 – 20 minutes, rinse off, then nurse your baby.

Can I breastfeed if I have preeclampsia?

Yes you can; in fact, you may be at an even higher risk if you did not have preeclampsia during your pregnancy.

Does magnesium affect breasts?

In our study, doubling of magnesium is associated with greater breast density, which could be a reflection of estradiol effects on breast tissue, magnesium reabsorption, and subsequent effects of the latter on normal cell proliferation (13).

Does magnesium sulfate pass into breast milk?

Intrapartum magnesium sulfate treatment increases breast milk/colostrum magnesium levels significantly for only 24 hours after discontinuation of the infusion. After 24 hours, milk magnesium levels are the same as those of control subjects.

Does magnesium pass through breast milk?

Furthermore, median levels of magnesium in the breast milk of healthy women are 1.27 to 1.40 (range 0.62–2.63) mmol/l and remain fairly stable during the course of lactation.

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.

How long to soak in Epsom salt postpartum?

Add ½ cup of Epsom salt. Soak the perineum with the knees bent or even better, legs out of the water for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times daily during the acute phase.

Can I take magnesium laxative while breastfeeding?

E.g. Magnesium Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulphate, Lactulose, Movicol ®. Passage of osmotic laxatives into breastmilk is low and they can all be used during breastfeeding.

Does magnesium sulfate affect baby?

Side effects in babies
Mag should not be given for longer than five to seven days during pregnancy, as long-term mag therapy can cause low calcium in a baby’s bones.

How to dry up milk with mastitis?

If you stop removing milk from your breasts too fast, you can get clogged ducts, engorgement or a breast infection called mastitis. For this reason, you need to stop breastfeeding or pumping gradually to dry up your breasts. body from making milk: It is best to lessen your milk removal or not empty your breasts.

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