Don’t Take Them Lightly! Herbal Ingredients Breastfeeding Mothers Should Avoid

After giving birth, you may start receiving plenty of advice about herbal foods and drinks that are said to help support breast milk production. But is everything labeled “herbal” really safe to consume while breastfeeding?

The fact is, not all herbal ingredients have the same level of safety. Some are generally considered safe, while others have limited scientific evidence or may be better avoided altogether. Let’s take a closer look at the facts so you can make more informed choices about herbal products while breastfeeding without compromising your little one’s well-being.

Why Should Breastfeeding Mothers Be More Selective When Choosing Herbal Products?

Active compounds from foods and beverages can enter the body, and some of these compounds may pass into breast milk in certain amounts. Not all herbal ingredients have been adequately studied in breastfeeding mothers, and there is a significant difference between consuming them as everyday cooking ingredients and taking them as highly concentrated supplements.

Understanding Herbal Categories: Generally Safe, Use With Caution, or Best Avoided

Herbal ingredients that are generally considered safe when consumed as part of a regular diet include ginger, turmeric, moringa leaves in food-sized portions, and garlic. Keep in mind that their safety profile may differ when consumed as extracts or high-dose supplements.

Herbs that require caution include fenugreek, peppermint, sage, and large amounts of parsley. Scientific evidence surrounding these herbs remains mixed, and they may potentially affect milk production in some breastfeeding mothers. It is therefore important to pay attention to how your body responds after consuming them.

Herbal ingredients that should be avoided without guidance from a healthcare professional, according to various sources, include ginseng, kava, and comfrey, as well as herbs containing compounds that are potentially toxic. The main concerns are limited safety data and the possibility of side effects that are not yet fully understood.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), herbal galactagogues such as fenugreek, fennel, and milk thistle have limited evidence supporting their effectiveness in increasing breast milk production, although they generally have a low risk of toxicity.

Because herbal products do not undergo the same strict standards for ingredient verification and manufacturing purity as approved medicines, the quality can vary significantly from one product to another.

“Natural” Does Not Always Mean Safe: How to Critically Evaluate Herbal Information

Source: Pexels

It is important to distinguish other people’s personal experiences from well-established scientific evidence. Be cautious of claims promising to “boost breast milk instantly,” as such claims are rarely supported by strong research.

It is also important to understand the differences between traditional herbal remedies, herbal teas, and herbal supplements, as the concentration of active compounds can vary significantly. Reading the product’s full ingredient list before purchasing can help you avoid ingredients whose safety has not been clearly established.

Are all herbal ingredients safe for breastfeeding mothers? No, some herbs are generally considered safe when consumed as food, while others may need to be limited or avoided because evidence regarding their safety remains limited.

Which herbal ingredients should be avoided while breastfeeding? Some examples frequently discussed in the literature include ginseng, kava, and comfrey due to limited safety data.

Also read: Foods That Support Breast Milk Quality: Here’s the List!

Factors to Consider Before Consuming Herbal Products While Breastfeeding

• Consider your baby’s age

• Your health condition

• Whether your baby was born prematurely or at full term

• Any medications you are currently taking

• A family history of allergies before trying certain herbal products, especially in supplement form.

When Should Breastfeeding Mothers Consult a Doctor or Lactation Consultant?

Consult a healthcare professional if you plan to consume herbal products daily, use high-dose herbal supplements, notice changes in your baby’s behavior after consuming a particular herbal product, have an underlying health condition, or experience an unexplained decrease in breast milk production.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, scientific evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of most lactation supplements, including herbal galactagogues, remains inconclusive. Therefore, caution is still advised before incorporating them into your routine.

Maintaining Breast Milk Quality Goes Beyond Herbal Products

Many other factors can have a greater impact on breastfeeding success, including breastfeeding or pumping frequency, effective breast emptying, a balanced and nutritious diet, adequate fluid intake, sufficient rest and stress management, as well as proper breast milk storage.

After Expressing Breast Milk, Proper Storage Is the Next Important Step

Source: Hegen

When you have made an effort to maintain a healthy diet and establish a good breastfeeding routine, proper handling of expressed breast milk also becomes an important part of the lactation journey. Hygienic storage helps keep breast milk ready for use whenever your little one needs it.

Hegen supports hygienic breast milk storage with specially designed containers that make it easier to manage your breast milk supply at home while maintaining cleanliness throughout the storage process. 

Hegen Premium PPSU Bottles are made from high-quality, durable materials designed for repeated use, making them a long-term solution throughout your breastfeeding journey. They are also BPA- and BPS-free, in accordance with the official product specifications.

With the Hegen Feeding System, he same container can be used across different stages, from storing expressed breast milk to feeding your little one. This makes your breastfeeding routine more practical and efficient.

Checklist Before Consuming Herbal Products While Breastfeeding

• Look for information from trusted medical sources

• Check whether the herbal product is consumed as food or as a supplement

• Avoid excessive use

• Consult a healthcare professional if using it regularly

• Observe how both you and your baby respond

• Do not replace medical treatment with herbal products without guidance from a healthcare professional.

Also read: When and How to Effectively Do Power Pumping

Maintain Your Nutritional Intake and Follow an Optimal Breastfeeding Routine

Choosing herbal ingredients while breastfeeding should not be based solely on tradition or trends. It is also important to consider scientific evidence and your individual circumstances. Not all herbal ingredients have the same safety profile, so consulting a doctor or lactation consultant is a wise step before consuming herbal products regularly, especially in supplement form.

In addition to maintaining your nutritional intake and following an optimal breastfeeding routine, make sure that expressed breast milk is handled properly. Hegen supports hygienic breast milk storage, while Hegen’s premium PPSU bottles, designed for safe, long-term use, provide a practical solution for mothers looking to make their breastfeeding journey more comfortable and efficient.

FAQ About Herbal Products for Breastfeeding Mothers

1. Are all traditional herbal remedies safe for breastfeeding mothers? No, safety depends on the type of herb, dosage, and form of consumption.

2. Is ginger safe to consume while breastfeeding? It is generally considered safe in moderate amounts as part of a regular diet.

3. Can peppermint affect breast milk production? It may affect milk production in some mothers, so it is important to observe how your body responds after consuming it.

4. Can breastfeeding mothers consume moringa leaves? They are generally considered safe in regular food portions, but caution is advised when consuming them as high-dose supplements.

5. Which herbal ingredients should be avoided while breastfeeding? Some examples frequently discussed in the literature include ginseng, kava, and comfrey.

6. How should expressed breast milk be stored to maintain hygiene? Use a tightly sealed container, preferably made from medical-grade PPSU, and follow appropriate storage guidelines based on the temperature.

Reference

1. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Medication Safety in Breastfeeding. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2022/1200/medication-safety-breastfeeding

2. Cleveland Clinic. Lactation Supplements and Your Breast Milk Supply: Why To Be Cautious. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/lactation-supplements-to-increase-milk-supply

3. Fenugreek. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). National Library of Medicine (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501779/