Is it okay to take probiotics while breastfeeding?

Probiotics and Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Overview
As the conversation around health and wellness continues to evolve, many new mothers are left wondering about the safety and benefits of taking probiotics while breastfeeding. Probiotics, often referred to as “good bacteria,” are known for their role in promoting digestive health and supporting the immune system. But is it safe for breastfeeding mothers to incorporate these supplements into their diets?
Safety of Probiotics During Lactation
Current research suggests that probiotics are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. While most dietary supplements have not been extensively studied in pregnant and lactating women, the existing evidence indicates that probiotics are well-tolerated and pose minimal risk. This is particularly important as lactating women are under significant physical demands, needing to replenish their bodies with essential nutrients to produce healthy breast milk.
Moreover, probiotics can play a beneficial role in the health of both the mother and the infant. They may help in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which is crucial during the postpartum period when women may experience digestive issues.
Benefits for Mother and Infant
The benefits of probiotics extend beyond the mother. Research indicates that maternal probiotic supplementation can positively influence the breast milk microbiome, which in turn can affect the infant’s gut microbiome and overall health. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for infants, as it lays the foundation for their immune system and can help prevent various health issues later in life.
For instance, specific strains of probiotics, such as *Bifidobacterium infantis*, have been shown to persist in the infant’s gut for up to a year, contributing to a healthy digestive system. This suggests that the benefits of probiotics can extend to the breastfeeding infant, potentially enhancing their health outcomes.
Consultation is Key
Despite the general consensus on the safety of probiotics, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen. Individual health conditions and dietary needs can vary significantly, and personalized advice is essential. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate strains and dosages based on the mother’s health status and the needs of her baby.
Conclusion
In summary, taking probiotics while breastfeeding is generally regarded as safe and can offer several health benefits for both mothers and infants. However, as with any supplement, it is advisable to seek professional guidance to ensure that the choice aligns with individual health needs. As the understanding of the microbiome continues to grow, the role of probiotics in maternal and infant health remains a promising area of research, highlighting the importance of gut health during this critical period.

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.

Can probiotics upset baby’s tummy?

Research indicates that probiotics are safe and well- tolerated in normal, healthy infants and children. Good tolerance has also been observed in premature infants, very low birth weight babies and in HIV-infected children and adults. Probiotics are also safe to use in late pregnancy.

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 probiotics are safe while breastfeeding?

Evivo is one of the best probiotics for your breastfed or bottle-fed baby. Together, breast milk and B. infantis EVC001, the single bacterial strain in Evivo, help support healthy immune function.

Why are probiotics good for newborns?

Probiotics are an important addition to an infant’s daily routine. They can improve digestion and nutrient absorption, strengthen the immune system, reduce colic, prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, lower the risk of eczema, and provide many other benefits.

Does gut bacteria pass through breast milk?

Breastmilk seeds and nurtures the microbiome with beneficial bacteria, until it is fully mature. Beneficial gut bacteria play a role in lowering risk for chronic diseases like asthma, obesity, allergies, dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Do probiotics affect baby?

Research indicates that probiotics are safe and well- tolerated in normal, healthy infants and children. Good tolerance has also been observed in premature infants, very low birth weight babies and in HIV-infected children and adults. Probiotics are also safe to use in late pregnancy.

Are probiotics good for breastfed babies?

However, recent scientific studies have shown that adding probiotics to the diet of breastfed infants can bring about a host of additional benefits. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer numerous health advantages, particularly to the digestive and immune systems.

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 taking probiotics while breastfeeding make a baby gassy?

Can probiotics make a baby gassy? Probiotics are safe for both the mother and the baby while breastfeeding. However, if you notice that your baby shows any discomfort after consuming probiotics, discontinue its intake and consult your doctor.