Herbal Remedies Caution During Breastfeeding: What Every Mum Should Know
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby—but it also comes with a list of what’s safe and what’s not. When illness hits, many nursing moms wonder if they can take their usual supplements or home remedies. While some herbal treatments are beneficial, others may impact your milk supply or pass into breast milk. Some herbs may interfere with milk production, cause digestive issues in infants, or even pass harmful compounds through breast milk.
This article explores the importance of herbal remedies caution during breastfeeding, highlighting safe practices, common risks, and how to choose remedies that support both maternal health and infant safety.
Safe Medications for Breastfeeding Mothers
Many over-the-counter and prescription medications are considered safe while breastfeeding. These include:
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) for pain and fever relief.
* Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin) for allergies.
* Certain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, may be safe in small doses but could reduce milk supply.
Always follow dosage recommendations and check with your healthcare provider if unsure. Remember, what’s safe for the general population may not always be safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Medications to Avoid
Some medications can affect milk production or pass into breast milk in ways that may harm your baby. Common examples include:
* Aspirin – Can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome in infants.
* Certain cold medications containing high levels of pseudoephedrine – Can significantly reduce milk supply.
* Antibiotics such as tetracycline or ciprofloxacin – May impact a baby’s developing teeth or bones.
Before starting any new medication while nursing, consult your OB-GYN or paediatrician to determine safety and potential side effects.
Flu Treatment Considerations
If you catch the flu while breastfeeding, supportive care is often the first step. That includes:
* Staying hydrated
* Getting plenty of rest
* Taking temperature-reducing medications like acetaminophen
Some antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may be prescribed in severe cases and are considered safe for nursing mothers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends breastfeeding continue during mild or moderate flu symptoms to protect the baby from infection through the passive immunity found in breast milk.
Herbal Remedies Caution
When it comes to herbal remedies, extra caution is required. “Natural” doesn’t always mean “safe”—especially for breastfeeding moms. Herbal ingredients can pass through breast milk and affect your baby’s digestion, development, or mood.
Herbs to Be Cautious About:
* Echinacea: Often used for immunity, but lacks safety data for infants when consumed through breast milk.
* Ginseng: May overstimulate infants, leading to irritability or restlessness.
* St. John’s Wort: Can reduce milk supply and cause drowsiness in babies.
* Goldenseal: Can be toxic to newborns and is best avoided completely.
Some moms wonder, can I take Airborne while breastfeeding? For answers, check out this guide: herbal remedies caution during breastfeeding. The article offers a detailed look at Airborne’s ingredients and their potential risks.
Safer Herbs:
* Fenugreek and blessed thistle are often recommended to increase milk supply—but should still be taken under guidance.
* Ginger, chamomile, and peppermint are usually safe in moderate amounts, such as tea.
Even with safer herbs, moderation is key. Always choose products with transparent labelling and consult with a lactation consultant or herbalist with experience in postpartum care.
Continuing Breastfeeding During Illness
When you’re sick, your body produces antibodies that are passed to your baby through breast milk. This is why continuing to nurse—even with a cold or mild flu—is one of the best things you can do.
Tips for nursing while sick:
* Wear a mask while breastfeeding to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.
* Practice good hand hygiene.
* Rest as much as possible between feeds.
* Stay hydrated and nourished to support milk production and healing.
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, breastfeeding during minor illnesses is usually safe and even beneficial for your baby.
What If You’re Too Unwell to Nurse?
If your illness becomes severe, and you’re unable to breastfeed directly, pumping can help maintain your supply until you recover.
Here’s what to do:
* Use a hospital-grade or double electric breast pump.
* Stick to your regular pumping schedule—around every 3 hours.
* Ask for help from a family member or partner to bottle-feed expressed milk.
* Store milk safely using sterilised bottles or freezer bags.
Pumping while sick may feel exhausting, but it keeps your supply stable and ensures your baby continues receiving breast milk's immune-boosting benefits.
Conclusion
Navigating illness while breastfeeding can feel overwhelming—especially with conflicting advice about what’s safe. While medications and herbal remedies might offer relief, it’s essential to proceed with caution. Always remember that herbal treatments can affect both you and your baby, so herbal remedies caution during breastfeeding should never be overlooked.
Stay informed, speak with trusted health professionals, and make choices that support both your wellness and your baby’s health. In most cases, with the right support and information, you can continue breastfeeding safely while recovering.