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Is it safe to use coconut oil while pumping?

The Safety of Using Coconut Oil While Pumping
As more mothers turn to coconut oil for its versatile benefits, questions arise about its safety during breastfeeding and pumping. Coconut oil is often praised for its moisturizing properties and potential to alleviate discomfort, but understanding its implications for both mother and baby is crucial.
Coconut Oil as a Lubricant
Many women experience discomfort while pumping, often due to friction between the breast and the pump’s flange. Coconut oil can serve as an effective lubricant, reducing this friction and making the pumping experience more comfortable. According to experts, applying coconut oil around the nipple or on the flange can help ease the pain associated with pumping, especially for those who pump frequently.
However, it is essential to consider how coconut oil interacts with breast milk. While coconut oil is generally regarded as safe for topical use, mothers should be mindful of how much they apply. Excessive amounts may not be ideal, as there could be concerns about residue transferring to the milk.
Impact on the Baby
When using coconut oil, mothers often wonder about its safety for their infants. Coconut oil is considered safe for breastfeeding, and its natural properties can be beneficial. However, it is advisable to wash off any excess oil from the nipples before breastfeeding to ensure that the baby does not ingest it in large quantities. This precaution helps maintain a balance between comfort for the mother and safety for the baby.
Choosing the Right Coconut Oil
Not all coconut oils are created equal. When selecting a coconut oil for use during pumping, mothers should opt for high-quality, organic, and unrefined coconut oil. This ensures that the oil is free from additives and chemicals that could potentially harm the baby.
Conclusion
In summary, using coconut oil while pumping can be a safe and effective way to enhance comfort during the process. It helps reduce friction and discomfort, making it a popular choice among mothers. However, it is crucial to apply it judiciously and ensure that any excess is cleaned off before breastfeeding. By taking these precautions, mothers can enjoy the benefits of coconut oil without compromising their baby’s safety.

Can I use coconut oil while pumping?

For your nipples, you can use coconut oil or olive oil before pumping/latching as well as after. They both are great for healing without clogging up anything.

Does coconut affect breast milk?

Your body uses what you eat and drink to fuel breastmilk production. Some foods, like oatmeal and coconut milk, have a reputation for increasing milk supply.

What can I use to lubricate while pumping?

by Kristine Phillips Keller

  • Your breastmilk
  • Nipple cream/ointment (suggest vegan and edible, rather than animal based)
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Almond oil
  • Infant massage oil
  • Avoid synthetics such as traditional baby oil

Is coconut oil safe for breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you can drink a spoon of coconut oil each day to help your baby get the benefits through your breast milk. You can also rub coconut oil between your fingers to make it warm and apply a little bit on and around your nipples just before you are about to breastfeed your baby.

Do I need to wipe off coconut oil before breastfeeding?

Coconut oil can inactivate several bacteria during pregnancy and also prevent common bacterial as well as viral infections. Use it in moderation when you apply it on your nipples then coconut oil will be safe even if you are breastfeeding newborns, says the expert.

Does coconut oil affect baby?

Are there any risks of using coconut oil? We do not know if there are any risks. No studies have been published that show any side effects from coconut oil. There is a small risk that your baby can develop a coconut allergy; however, this is unlikely since there are no proteins in the oil.

Can you put coconut oil in a pump?

Melissa: Whenever I pump at work, I put a little coconut oil on the inside of the pump flanges. This way the inside is lubricated and my areola doesn’t chafe alongside of the plastic flanges.

What can I use for pump lubricant?

Grease lubrication, as well as lubrication by liquid oil or atomized oil (oil mist), or even pressurized pure oil are used in various process pumps. Generally, grease is chosen for ease of lube containment, but it is limited to relatively small ANSI pumps.

Which oil is best for pumps?

Leuco S.p.A. recommends using SAE 10W-40 multi grade oils with its pumps. The code for multi grade oils consists of two numbers separated by a “W”: the first number shows the low temperature rating and the second number is the high temperature rating.

What to avoid when pumping breast milk?

Foods to stay away from when breastfeeding include:

  • Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep.
  • Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods.
  • Fish.
  • Chocolate.
  • Garlic.
  • Peppermint, sage, and parsley.
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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