What oils should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Understanding Oils to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mother and child, and many new mothers are understandably cautious about what they consume and apply to their bodies. While oils can offer various benefits, certain types can pose risks during this sensitive time. Here’s a detailed look at which oils to avoid while breastfeeding and why.
Essential Oils: A Double-Edged Sword
Essential oils are popular for their therapeutic properties, but their safety during breastfeeding is not guaranteed. Some essential oils can potentially affect milk supply or may not be safe for the infant. For instance, oils like sage, peppermint, and oregano are known to potentially decrease milk production, making them oils to avoid for nursing mothers.
Moreover, the absorption of these oils through the skin can lead to their presence in breast milk, which raises concerns about their effects on the baby. Therefore, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare providers before using any essential oils.
Oils with Potential Risks
Certain oils are particularly noted for their potential adverse effects. Clary sage, for example, is often highlighted as one to avoid due to its ability to influence hormonal balance and potentially reduce milk supply. Similarly, eucalyptus and wintergreen oils can be problematic; they may cause respiratory issues in infants if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Additionally, oils that are known to be toxic or irritating, such as tea tree oil and lavender oil, should be approached with caution. While some studies suggest that these oils can be safe in small amounts, their effects can vary significantly from person to person.
The Importance of Consultation
Given the complexities surrounding the use of oils during breastfeeding, it is essential for mothers to work closely with healthcare professionals. This collaboration ensures that any oils used are safe and appropriate for both mother and child. Healthcare providers can offer personalized advice based on individual health needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, while oils can provide various benefits, breastfeeding mothers should be cautious about their use. Essential oils like clary sage, peppermint, and eucalyptus are best avoided due to their potential effects on milk supply and infant health. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety of any products used during this crucial time. By taking these precautions, mothers can help ensure a healthy breastfeeding experience for themselves and their babies.

Why can’t you use peppermint oil while breastfeeding?

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. Altoids and other candies made from peppermint oil are a different story.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

What oils should I avoid when 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 oil is good for breast pumping?

Using lanolin or a food-grade oil such as coconut or olive oil while pumping may help the nipple to glide in the flange more easily and prevent discomfort. Moms should also avoid turning the suction up too high.

Can I use rosemary oil while breastfeeding?

Although considered relatively safe to use, rosemary oil isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (chestfeeding).

Which of these oils should be avoided during pregnancy?

Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy. Oils that can cause uterine contractions are a definite no-no during pregnancy—and that list includes some common ones like cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and clary sage.

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.

What oil dries up breast milk?

Making sense of this phenomenon
Clearly, some mothers are affected and others are not. Even a small amount of peppermint oil will reduce milk supply for some women Among those who reported no effect, some were trying to reduce their supply because they were weaning.

What essential oils are safe while breastfeeding?

Essential Oils That Are Considered Safe For Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) — Bright, clean, uplifting citrus scent.
• Black pepper (Piper nigrum) — Helpful for relaxing muscles
• Blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum) -Also called Moroccan blue chamomile, this oil has skin soothing properties.

What oils should not be diffused around babies?

Since a baby’s sinuses, lungs, and bodies are still developing, you should never use an essential oil diffuser when your baby is present. Some companies create specific essential oil blends designed with baby’s safety in mind. When possible, look for these blends to dilute instead of using the full-strength versions.