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What essential oils are not safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Essential Oils and Breastfeeding Safety
The use of essential oils during breastfeeding is a topic that requires careful consideration. While many essential oils offer therapeutic benefits, some can pose risks to nursing mothers and their infants. It is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to be informed about which essential oils are considered unsafe.
Essential Oils to Avoid
1. Oregano Oil: Oregano essential oil is known for its potential to decrease milk supply. While using the herb in cooking is generally safe, the concentrated form of the oil can have adverse effects on lactation.
2. Peppermint Oil: This popular oil is often used for its soothing properties, but it can also negatively impact milk production. Mothers are advised to limit or avoid peppermint oil if they are concerned about maintaining their milk supply.
3. Sage Oil: Similar to oregano and peppermint, sage oil is anotherEssential Oils to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Based on the search results, there are several essential oils that are not recommended for use while breastfeeding:
– Oregano Oil: Oregano oil has been shown to have milk-decreasing properties, so it should be avoided while breastfeeding.
– Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil can potentially impact milk supply during breastfeeding.
– Fennel Oil: Fennel oil can add a licorice flavor to breast milk, which some babies may not tolerate well.
– Anise, Blessed Thistle, Coriander: These ingredients in teas and herbal supplements may also raise concerns about safety while breastfeeding, due to a lack of safety data.
In general, it’s best to exercise caution when using essential oils while breastfeeding, as the safety data is limited. Topical application of certain oils like citrus oils can also increase photosensitivity, which is a concern for breastfeeding mothers.
The safest approach is to consult with a healthcare provider before using any essential oils or herbal supplements while breastfeeding, to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

What essential oils are unsafe for babies?

For example, don’t use a lotion that contains lavender and then apply an essential oil. Don’t use peppermint oil on children less than 30 months old. Peppermint used on children under 30 months of age can increase a risk for seizures. Don’t use oils near a heat source.

What essential oils should not be used in a diffuser?

Other essential oils are not suitable for diffusion because they are slightly irritating (cypress, juniper, Scots pine, etc.) or have a particular scent that makes them unpleasant to breathe (carrot, coriander, cumin, etc.).

Can I take lavender while breastfeeding?

Many of my favorite uses for lavender are especially great during postpartum and breastfeeding. Most especially, lavender helps promote a good night’s sleep and relaxation. A common cause for the reduction of milk supply is stress because it inhibits the release of the hormones that promote milk production.

Can I have honey while breastfeeding?

Yes, it is ok for a breastfeeding mother to eat honey. Botulism is not transmitted by breast milk. The Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program recommends continuing breast feeding or the feeding of expressed breast milk during the illness and recovery from infant botulism.

Can I diffuse essential oils around my baby?

Safe use of aromatherapy
There is not enough clinical research to support its use with younger children, Squires explains, and the risks of negative reactions are too high. Use only the essential oils that have been studied and found to be safe and effective for use with children over the age of 3.

What teas should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Some types of tea can affect breastmilk production and cause side effects in the baby. Teas that should be avoided include lemongrass, oregano, parsley, peppermint, ginseng, kava andillicium verum. They should be avoided whenever possible, or consumed only under the supervision of a doctor.

Are there any essential oils not safe for breastfeeding?

Essential Oils To Avoid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • Anise, Pimpinella anisum
  • Anise (star), Illicium verum
  • Araucaria, Neocallitropsis pancheri
  • Artemisia vestita, Artemisia vestita
  • Atractylis, Atractyllodes lancea
  • Birch (sweet), Betula lenta
  • Black seed, Nigella sativa
  • Buchu (diosphenol CT), Agathosma betulina ct.

What essential oil stops breastfeeding?

Sage, peppermint, spearmint, lemon balm, oregano, and cabbage leaves can all be incorporated into a pressed oil (cold pressed or hot) to make massage oils for milk suppression. Peppermint essential oil has been used traditionally for decreasing milk supply.

Is peppermint bad for breastfeeding?

Peppermint. Peppermint and spearmint can adversely affect milk supply. Drinking an occasional cup of peppermint tea should not be a problem. You’d have to drink very large amounts daily (think quarts!) to decrease your supply.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

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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