What supplements are bad for breastfeeding?

Understanding Supplements and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and infants, and while many mothers seek to enhance their health and milk supply through supplements, not all supplements are safe or beneficial during this time. Understanding which supplements to avoid is essential for ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.
Harmful Supplements for Breastfeeding Mothers
Fat-Soluble Vitamins: One of the primary concerns with supplements during breastfeeding is the intake of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A and E. These vitamins can accumulate in breast milk, and excessive amounts may pose risks to the breastfeeding infant. High levels of vitamin A, for instance, can lead to toxicity, potentially causing developmental issues in babies.
Medicinal Herbs: Certain herbal supplements are also advised against during breastfeeding. For example, herbs like sage and peppermint can reduce milk supply, while others may have unknown effects on infants. It’s crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers before using any herbal remedies.
Collagen Supplements: While collagen is popular for skin health, there is insufficient research on its safety during breastfeeding. Experts recommend that mothers avoid collagen supplements until after weaning, as the effects on breast milk composition and infant health remain unclear.
Soy and Flaxseed: These supplements are often touted for their health benefits, but they can interfere with hormonal balance and may affect milk supply. Additionally, they can introduce phytoestrogens into breast milk, which could have unintended effects on a breastfeeding infant.
Melatonin: This sleep aid is another supplement that lacks sufficient research regarding its safety during breastfeeding. While it may help mothers sleep better, its effects on infants are not well understood, making it a risky choice.
The Importance of Consultation
Given the potential risks associated with various supplements, it is vital for breastfeeding mothers to engage in open discussions with healthcare professionals. This ensures that any supplement taken is safe and appropriate for both the mother and her nursing child.
Conclusion
In summary, while many mothers may feel inclined to use supplements to enhance their health during breastfeeding, caution is warranted. Fat-soluble vitamins, certain herbs, collagen, soy, flaxseed, and melatonin are among the supplements that should be approached with care or avoided altogether. Prioritizing safety and consulting with healthcare providers can help mothers navigate the complex landscape of dietary supplements during this crucial time.

What are the don’ts of breastfeeding?

Don’ts

• Don’t give up on breastfeeding your newborn no matter how hard you find it.
• Do not ignore your pain if you are experiencing sore nipples.
• Don’t eat any painkillers or medicine unless your doctor prescribes it.
• Don’t start breastfeeding when you are feeling angry or depressed.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

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 vitamins stop breastfeeding?

Use Vitamin B.
Research shows that — in women who have not yet started producing breast milk — vitamin B can limit lactation. Always consult with your physician before trying to reduce or prevent your milk production.

What not to take while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What vitamins should not be taken while breastfeeding?

Daily ingestion of 400mg of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) should be avoided due to safety concerns for the infant. A high dose of vitamin B-6, such as 200mg-600mg daily for many months/years can increase the risk of neuropathy in the mother.

What negatively affects breast milk?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

Why no ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

What medications dry up milk supply?

What medications do you think have been found to decrease milk supply? Choose 1 or more:

• Epinephrine.
• Labetolol.
• High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol)
• Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Testosterone.
• Estrogen.
• Methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

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.