FAQ- Using Herbs While Breastfeeding FAQ- Using Herbs While Breastfeeding

05 Oct , 2016

Using Herbs While Breastfeeding


One area we often see confusion is surrounding using herbs while breastfeeding.  There are definitely some herbs that should be avoided and some herbs that should be embraced during breastfeeding!  As a general rule of thumb, anything that was used during pregnancy may be used while breastfeeding as well- there are a couple of exceptions that you’ll discover below.

Obviously, the herbs you consume will pass through your milk and on to your baby.  Some women choose to consume herbs specifically for this reason if their infant is getting sick or is colicky, other times this is definitely something we want to avoid.  

The following lists are not comprehensive so before using any herbal products or herbs while breastfeeding it’s a good idea to check with a trusted practitioner to ensure safety for you and for your baby.

Some herbs might decrease your milk supply and should be used in extreme moderation or eliminated completely.  These include: Sage, Peppermint, Spearmint, Bugleweed, Jasmin, Parsley, Lemon Balm, Thyme and Sorrel.  

We utilize some of these herbs in our Milk Be Gone blend which is designed to help reduce milk supply when weaning.  Sage is a common culprit of calls to lactation consultants around Thanksgiving.  Be careful with what you eat on Thanksgiving this year as consuming too many of that yummy sage dressing may decrease your supply!

Other times herbs may be harmful to a breastfeeding Mama or to baby, these include herbs such as: Aloe, Bladderwrack, Borage, Chaparral, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Ephedra, Goldenseal, Kava Kava, Licorice Root, Pulsatilla, Tobacco, Uva Ursi, Wintergreen, Wormwood and many more

Kelly Mom has comprehensive information and resources regarding herbs and breastfeeding if you’re curious about more.  

There are some herbs known as galactagogues which can help build and support breastmilk supply, quality and overall health for Mama.  We use some of these herbs in Our Lady of La Leche Tea Blend.  These include: Anise, Goat’s Rue, Fennel, Fenugreek, Milk Thistle, Nettle, Marshmallow Root, Oatstraw,  and Raspberry Leaf.

 

Herbs are a fantastic way to help nourish yourself and your nursling.  We hope this helps provide you with some more peace of mind.  Feel free to reach out at info@birdsandbeesteas.com if you have any other questions or concerns.  

As always, consult with your healthcare provider before undergoing any changes to your healthcare regime.  These statements are educational and not intended to be taken as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Pin this post! 

 

The post FAQ- Using Herbs While Breastfeeding appeared first on Birds & Bees Teas.

Using Herbs While Breastfeeding


One area we often see confusion is surrounding using herbs while breastfeeding.  There are definitely some herbs that should be avoided and some herbs that should be embraced during breastfeeding!  As a general rule of thumb, anything that was used during pregnancy may be used while breastfeeding as well- there are a couple of exceptions that you’ll discover below.

Obviously, the herbs you consume will pass through your milk and on to your baby.  Some women choose to consume herbs specifically for this reason if their infant is getting sick or is colicky, other times this is definitely something we want to avoid.  

The following lists are not comprehensive so before using any herbal products or herbs while breastfeeding it’s a good idea to check with a trusted practitioner to ensure safety for you and for your baby.

Some herbs might decrease your milk supply and should be used in extreme moderation or eliminated completely.  These include: Sage, Peppermint, Spearmint, Bugleweed, Jasmin, Parsley, Lemon Balm, Thyme and Sorrel.  

We utilize some of these herbs in our Milk Be Gone blend which is designed to help reduce milk supply when weaning.  Sage is a common culprit of calls to lactation consultants around Thanksgiving.  Be careful with what you eat on Thanksgiving this year as consuming too many of that yummy sage dressing may decrease your supply!

Other times herbs may be harmful to a breastfeeding Mama or to baby, these include herbs such as: Aloe, Bladderwrack, Borage, Chaparral, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Ephedra, Goldenseal, Kava Kava, Licorice Root, Pulsatilla, Tobacco, Uva Ursi, Wintergreen, Wormwood and many more

Kelly Mom has comprehensive information and resources regarding herbs and breastfeeding if you’re curious about more.  

There are some herbs known as galactagogues which can help build and support breastmilk supply, quality and overall health for Mama.  We use some of these herbs in Our Lady of La Leche Tea Blend.  These include: Anise, Goat’s Rue, Fennel, Fenugreek, Milk Thistle, Nettle, Marshmallow Root, Oatstraw,  and Raspberry Leaf.

 

Herbs are a fantastic way to help nourish yourself and your nursling.  We hope this helps provide you with some more peace of mind.  Feel free to reach out at info@birdsandbeesteas.com if you have any other questions or concerns.  

As always, consult with your healthcare provider before undergoing any changes to your healthcare regime.  These statements are educational and not intended to be taken as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Pin this post! 

 

The post FAQ- Using Herbs While Breastfeeding appeared first on Birds & Bees Teas.

Leave a Reply

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing