Are Herbal Supplements Safe to Take While Breastfeeding?

Our world is amazing.  For those willing to investigate, it often offers much of what we need to care for ourselves through herbal supplements, allowing us to heal ourselves naturally.  However, for breastfeeding mothers, this natural path may not always be the safest one.  The question remains: are herbal supplements safe to take while breastfeeding?

Herbal supplements may be safe to take while breastfeeding, but this depends entirely on the supplement itself, as well as how long you ingest it.  With research and help from other natural remedies like Dr. Nice’s Moisturizing Gel, you should have no issue continuing your pure path to healing!

We’ve made it easy to research a few of the most common herbal supplements, as well as provided some alternatives for those which may not be the safest for you or your baby.  Read on to learn more about the world of natural healing!

Safe Herbal Supplements for Breastfeeding

Supplements are any herbal cures you use to help your body naturally achieve a certain goal.  For many new mothers, common goals are relaxation, deeper sleep, and pain reduction.

Below, find two incredibly common herbal supplements that you should have no problem taking during this precious time! The following ingredients have been deemed safe for use by breastfeeding women.

Chamomile

For centuries, chamomile has been used to relax and soothe. You’ve likely seen this product sold in tea form, often promising to help lull you to sleep during otherwise stressful nights.  What you may not know is that this herbal supplement makes a fantastic addition to any new mother’s nighttime routine!

Post-birth, your body is going through a cycle of readjustment.  You may be experiencing extreme cramps, aches, and anxiety that can arise simply from a readjusting sleep schedule.  In addition to having a soothing quality, chamomile can physically lower your inflammation, alleviating these aches and pains without causing any harm to you or baby!

Try brewing a cup of chamomile tea right before bed to fully take advantage of its calming, regulating effects.  

Ginger

Hopefully, you’ve already had an opportunity to see the truly astonishing way that ginger can reduce nausea; it’s already a fairly common cure to morning sickness that can occur during pregnancy.  That morning sickness may be a thing of the past, but the ginger you used doesn’t have to be!  This herbal supplement has boundless benefits to offer you during this time in your life as well, all without affecting your breastmilk.

In addition to helping you fight off nausea, ginger can be used to help your body fight off colds, infections, and other illnesses. It’s especially helpful at slowing the growth of bacteria, and there’s some evidence to support the theory that it can help stave off RSV as well!

Like chamomile, ginger is an anti-inflammatory supplement, meaning it can help lower the inflammation that causes many common aches and pains post-pregnancy.  Best of all, it’s easy!  Try sprinkling a little dried ginger powder into your smoothies or soups.  If the taste turns you away, look for capsules instead. 

Supplements to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Though all of the herbal supplements below have definite value during other times of your life, they are best left on the shelf when you’re breastfeeding. 

Kava Kava

Derived from the roots of a plant commonly found on Pacific islands, kava is an herbal supplement that’s been used for centuries in native medicines.  When powdered, this substance contains substances known as kavapyrones, which act almost like alcohol on your brain, helping you feel relaxed and calm.  It’s also been used as a sleep aid, pain reliever, and anxiety reducer.

While this herbal supplement is natural, it can have negative effects on the liver when taken in large doses or over extended periods of time.  Because of these effects and the similarity to alcohol, this herb is best left alone during breastfeeding.  Instead, turn to herbal supplements like chamomile and lavender for relaxation instead. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a controversial cure in the world of natural healing. Many well-meaning doctors recommend this plant to mothers in solution to the pain that can often come along with breastfeeding. 

While there is technically nothing wrong with using aloe vera, the flavor can be bitter, reducing your baby’s desire to feed.  Breastfeeding is all about quantity; the more you feed, the more breastmilk your body will make.  If your baby is turned away by the flavor of bitter, sharp aloe on your nipples, you may see a reduction in your output as a result.

Instead of aloe vera, take advantage of help from expert lactation consultants through products that relieve your pain without slowing your milk production.  Dr. Nice’s Moisturizing Gel is the only all-natural, vegan, and lanolin-free product on the market that can fully guarantee immediate relief and long-term protection.  

This product works by sealing in tiny cracks of the skin, forming a barrier that locks moisture in and seals germs out.  The cooling, peppermint tingle provides fast comfort, while the moisturizing formula gives your nipples the support they need to fully heal.  Best of all, you can transition immediately from application to breastfeeding.

 As a mother, you already make so many sacrifices in the name of your baby’s health and happiness.  With Dr. Nice’s Gel, your comfort doesn’t have to be one of them!

All-Natural Cures and Your Baby

Anything you consume, your baby will eat hours later!  To make sure they aren’t eating anything unsavory or unhealthy, research all supplements thoroughly.  If you’re in doubt about any supplement, contact your family doctor and pay close attention to your baby.   If you suspect they may be suffering a reaction, trust your gut. 

As you research, be sure to look into other natural products that may be available to take the place of any questionable supplements.  Through the internet and self-education, there’s no limit to what you may be able to find!