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Is magnesium safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Magnesium Safety During Breastfeeding
As new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding, one common concern is the safety of taking supplements, particularly magnesium. This essential mineral plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, and its implications for both mother and baby are significant.
Magnesium’s Role and Benefits
Magnesium is vital for numerous physiological processes, including muscle function, nerve transmission, and energy production. For breastfeeding mothers, maintaining adequate magnesium levels is essential, as it not only supports their health but also contributes to the nutritional quality of breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers provide their infants with magnesium and other essential nutrients through their milk, which helps in developing a robust immune system.
Safety of Magnesium Supplements
The consensus among health experts is that most forms of magnesium are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers when taken in recommended dosages. Research indicates that magnesium supplementation does not typically lead to adverse reactions in breastfeeding women or their infants. However, it is important to note that certain types of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate, may have specific considerations. Some studies suggest that magnesium citrate taken during pregnancy could delay the onset of lactation, but this effect does not necessarily carry over into the breastfeeding period .
Potential Effects on Milk Production
While magnesium does not directly increase milk production, it can help mothers manage stress levels, which may indirectly facilitate a smoother breastfeeding experience. By promoting relaxation, magnesium can potentially enhance the flow of breast milk. This aspect is particularly beneficial for mothers who may experience anxiety or stress during the early stages of motherhood.
Precautions and Recommendations
Despite the general safety of magnesium supplements, there are important precautions to consider. Excessive intake of magnesium can pose risks to both mother and baby, particularly for those with underlying health conditions such as allergies, heart issues, or kidney problems. Therefore, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.
In conclusion, magnesium is not only safe for breastfeeding mothers but is also recommended to support their health and the nutritional needs of their infants. As always, moderation and professional guidance are key to ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.

Is magnesium calm safe while breastfeeding?

Can I take magnesium while breastfeeding? Yes! Magnesium also doesn’t cross over into milk very well, so your baby doesn’t get too much magnesium from your supplement (plus, your baby’s digestive system doesn’t absorb it well anyways).

Is it okay to breastfeed while on magnesium sulfate?

In this case, you may have to pump, which can make breastfeeding difficult for other reasons. If you have severe preeclampsia, you may be treated with magnesium sulfate, which can cause nausea and make it more challenging to feed. Also, when a baby is born early, it can take longer for your milk to come in.

Why can’t you take magnesium while breastfeeding?

Oral absorption of magnesium by the infant is poor, so maternal magnesium citrate is not expected to affect the breastfed infant’s serum magnesium. Magnesium citrate supplementation during pregnancy might delay the onset of lactation, but it can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.

Does magnesium increase estrogen?

Hormone creation – magnesium actually makes your hormones progesterone, estrogen and testosterone, so if you’re getting into perimenopause or are just coming off the Pill and your levels are low, it’s a great help to your body.

Is magnesium safe postpartum?

In order to decrease the risk of eclampsia, magnesium sulfate is administered to women with pre-eclampsia with severe features through continuous intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injections intrapartum, and may be continued postpartum.

Can I take magnesium while breastfeeding?

Oral absorption of magnesium by the infant is poor, so maternal magnesium hydroxide is not expected to affect the breastfed infant’s serum magnesium. Magnesium oxide supplementation during pregnancy might delay the onset of lactation, but it can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.

What does magnesium do for breast?

Magnesium supplements taken in the second half of the menstrual cycle (usually the 2 weeks before the next period) relieve cyclic breast pain as well as other premenstrual symptoms. Eating a very low-fat diet. Decreasing the amount of caffeine you consume. Some women feel they have less breast pain when they do this.

Can a breastfeeding mom take magnesium?

This is why it is important to ensure an adequate supply of magnesium even after giving birth. Mothers should be supplemented with this mineral while breastfeeding.

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.

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.
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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