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Is black seed safe for breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Black Seed During Breastfeeding
Black seed, derived from the plant *Nigella sativa*, has gained popularity for its purported health benefits, including its use as a galactagogue, which is believed to enhance milk production in breastfeeding mothers. However, the safety of black seed during lactation remains a topic of concern and debate among healthcare professionals and nursing mothers alike.
Lack of Comprehensive Research
Currently, there is a significant gap in research regarding the safety of black seed and its components in breastfeeding. According to available data, there are no studies that definitively confirm whether black seed or its oil is excreted into breast milk or its effects on nursing infants. This lack of information makes it challenging for healthcare providers to offer clear guidance on its use during breastfeeding.
Potential Benefits and Risks
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that black seed may support milk production and provide essential nutrients to nursing mothers. In certain cultures, it has been traditionally used for this purpose. However, the potential benefits must be weighed against the risks. Black seed has been noted to have various biological effects, including the ability to slow down or stop uterine contractions, which raises concerns about its use in postpartum women.
Moreover, while some sources claim that black seed is safe and beneficial for breastfeeding women, they also caution that individual circumstances, such as existing medical conditions or medications, could influence its safety. Therefore, it is essential for nursing mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating black seed into their diets.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach
In summary, while black seed may offer some benefits for breastfeeding mothers, the absence of reliable data on its safety during lactation necessitates a cautious approach. Nursing mothers should prioritize their health and that of their infants by seeking professional advice tailored to their specific situations. Until more conclusive research is available, it is prudent to err on the side of caution when considering the use of black seed while breastfeeding.

What not to take while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

  • codeine phosphate.
  • decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
  • some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
  • aspirin for pain relief.

Can you take black seeds while breastfeeding?

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if black seed is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Black seed oil is possibly safe for children when taken by mouth short-term and in recommended amounts by weight.

Do black beans cause gas in breastfed babies?

High-Fiber Foods
But certain foods containing fiber can also lead to gas in breastfed infants. Foods like bran, beans, cabbage, and whole grains are fiber-rich; therefore, these particular foods, though fantastic for a balanced diet, can lead to gas.

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

But some herbs may affect how much milk your body makes. For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

Is black seed safe for babies?

For children, half is the recommended dose to increase, while babies are not given at all. The use of Black Seed or oil in larger quantities does not increase the effect, the maximum daily dose for each disease is not recommended to exceed three teaspoons per day (15 g of seeds or 15 ml of oil).

Does black seed increase estrogen?

studied that linoleic acid, an active ingredient of N. sativa has estrogenic effects, which increases gradually the blood levels oestrogen, and increases vaginal epithelial cells (Parhizkar et al., 2016).

What supplements are not safe during 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 black seed bad for pregnancy?

Black seed was one of the most regularly used herbs during pregnancy, and supplementing with it may aid in the development of the child’s immune system and reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis (Hwang et al., 2021).

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.

Who should not eat black seed?

Also, avoid black seed if you’re taking medications, herbs, and supplements for blood pressure, blood sugar, blood clotting, sleep, low iron, anxiety, and depression.

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.

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