Herbal Supplements and breast milk

[AspenRose]

I am a first time mom of a 3 month old son. (Excited about my first Mother's Day coming up!)

I have a bottle of herbal supplements here at home that I was taking before I conceived (to aid in conception...guess it worked ;-), and would like to begin taking them again to promote postpartum healing.

This supplement contains:
Vitamins A, C, E, Niacin, Thiamin, Zinc, Pantothenic Acid and Folic Acid, as well as...

Flax Seed (essential fatty acids)
Damiana leaf
Oriental Ginseng root
Licorice Root
Aletris Root (Unicorn root)
Gotu Kola
Red Raspberry leaf
Sarsaparilla Root
Wild Yam
Cayenne
Cloves

My question is whether taking it will cause problems for my son when he consumes my breast milk. Should I wait until he's weaned to take the supplements? Are any of the herbs listed above not good for babies?

Any herbalists or naturalists, or homeopaths who may be able to help, I'd appreciate your advice.

Thanks :-)

[Pithlet]

1. Contact a lactation consultant and your baby's pediatrician.

If you gave birth at the hospital, particularly a large one, they probaby have references. Or your local Laleche League. Mine also had one on staff at the hospital. As you know, because you asked this question, lots of things can pass to your baby through your breastmilk. I had to be careful about certain foods because they upset my babies tummy.

And congratulations! :bounce:

[wildeyed]

2. No idea.

The only herb I remember taking postpartum was fennel to increase milk flow. I kept taking my prenatal vitamins, too. Those are usually safe for postpartum. But be careful with vitamins/supplements. Many are not safe for nursing babies.

Check with your mid-wife or lactation consultant to find out what is safe.

[AspenRose]

3. Thanks. Unfortunately I've called La Leche and they have

not returned my call. I also asked my doula and she didn't know, so that's why I called LLL.

Guess I'll call them again *shrug*

There is a very reputable herbal store in Santa Fe called Herbs Etc. I'll call them too.

[nclib]

4. Try kellymom.com

http://www.kellymom.com/index.html

There's a section on breastfeeding and herbs. It looks like ginseng isn't safe.

[Debbi801]

5. I second Kelly Mom...

They're great with that kind of info. Also, try a local LC. I would not ask your pediatrician or pharmacist except as a last resort because they'll (at least my experience) say something is not safe, even if they don't know. Unfortunately, too many pediatricians are lacking when it comes to lactation information.

You might try posting on a "real" parenting board to see if someone there has access to Hale's book. He is an "expert" at drug interaction with lactation, much of the info on Kelly Mom's site came from his book.

HTH! And, congrats on the new baby!
Debbi

[Citizen Jane]

8. I'll third KellyMom

Hale is good for some stuff, not so good for others. Some of the conclusions he drew about antidepressants and Breastmilk run counter to experts in the field, but only in minor ways (I see one of the guys whose research is predominant in the field for PPD).

KellyMom is, generally, great and repeats a lot of what Hale says.

FWIW, I have sworn of ginseng until I am done nursing based on a variety of sources. So, if it were me, I wouldn't take the supplement but would instead take a Prenatal vitamin or general multivitamin.


Here is the info from Kellymom in case you haven't had time:


Most important is this disclaimer:

"Most herbal treatments have not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to lactation. Herbs are drugs, and some caution is necessary. I am presenting this data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and am not liable for its accuracy nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on this information."


Vitamins A, C, E, Niacin, Thiamin, Zinc, Pantothenic Acid and Folic Acid, as well as...

Kellymom says:

"Most mineral supplements (e.g., iron, calcium, copper, chromium, zinc) taken by the mother do not affect breastmilk levels.

Water soluble vitamin supplements (e.g., B vitamins, vitamin C) taken by the mother usually increase breastmilk levels. Breastmilk levels of some water soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, only increase up to a certain point, then remain steady – even if mom increases her dose.

Fat soluble vitamin supplements (e.g., vitamins A & E) taken by the mother can concentrate in human milk, and thus excessive amounts may be harmful to a breastfeeding baby.

The safety of herbs and other nutritional supplements should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis – some are safe and some are not."



Flax Seed (essential fatty acids)

"Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum)

Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are reported safe for nursing moms.

Cracked flaxseed is used as a laxative, and should be ingested only with adequate liquid. When flaxseed is taken as recommended, there are no known side effects. Not for use by persons with bowel obstruction. Flaxseed is not absorbed systemically, and therefore poses little threat to the nursling during breastfeeding. More here.

Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. It's a dietary source of LNA (alpha-linolenic acid). The Food and Agricultural Organization recommends that at least 6% of the calories of a lactating woman's diet be from the essential fatty acids (linolenic acid and LNA). Both LA and LNA play a very important role in brain development.

I've heard from one source that flaxseed oil can increase milk supply - I have no idea if this is true. One midwife suggests taking an essential fatty acid supplement (flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids) to aid milk supply, because the fatty acids help us to make the hormones we need for breastfeeding."


Damiana leaf

"Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Damiana appears to be safe for nursing moms at the recommended dosages. It is on the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list and is widely used as a food flavoring. However, because damiana contains low levels of cyanide-like compounds, excessive doses may be dangerous. The only common side effect of damiana is occasional mild gastrointestinal distress. Excessive amounts can cause insomnia and headaches, and excessive long term use may be toxic to the liver. Do not use if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. More here and here."


Oriental Ginseng root

"Ginseng (Panax ginseng)


Panax Ginseng is not considered a "safe" substance for long-term use in lactating women. Ginseng may cause estrogenic side effects as well as platelet changes. The most common form is the American root called Panax quinquefolium L. (this is an endangered species). There is also an Asian variety (panax ginseng), also called Korean or Chinese ginseng. These two varieties are practically identical. No data are available concerning transfer into human milk. According to Hale, no pediatric concerns have been reported but caution is urged. Also known as white ginseng, red ginseng, panax, minimycin, and red kooga. Possible side effects include tachycardia and hypertension. A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs (O'Hara et al) says, "We do not recommend ginseng use for pregnant or lactating women or for children until safety and efficacy are proven in randomized controlled trials." More on Is Ginseng Safe for Nursing Mothers? and ginseng in general."


Licorice Root

"Licorice Root


Some sources consider this herb to be OK in small amounts and for short-term use, but others say that it is contraindicated for nursing moms. There is one case report of a baby who became lethargic after mom drank large amounts of a tea containing licorice root; baby recovered after mom stopped drinking the tea. Do not use during pregnancy. According to the American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Index, licorice is not for prolonged use except under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Prolonged use may cause hypertension, edema, headache, vertigo, potassium depletion and hypertension, which can lead to heart failure or even cardiac arrest. Not for use by persons with hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, cirrhosis of the liver and cholestatic liver disorders, diabetes and cardiac conditions. More here on licorice and breastfeeding and licorice in general."


Aletris Root (Unicorn root)

Not listed.


Gotu Kola

Not listed.


Red Raspberry leaf

"Red Raspberry


Considered safe for nursing moms. Red raspberry may cause mild loosening of stools and nausea. See additional info on the galactagogue page. Reported useful for nursing moms who are trying to conceive. See additional info in HealthNotes, WebMD and The Natural Pharmacist."


Sarsaparilla Root

"Sarsaparilla Root


No known contraindications for nursing moms. There is no known toxicity documented for sarsaparilla, however according to the German Commission E monograph, sarsaparilla may cause stomach irritation and temporary kidney irritation. Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents. Additional general info is available at HealthNotes, WebMD and rain-tree.com."


Wild Yam

Not listed.


Cayenne

Not listed.


Cloves

Not listed,

:hi:

[Sabriel]

6. Try the Community Pharmacy in Madison, WI

Their number is 608-251-3242. There's a naturopath (sp?) on duty at all times, and they're all very helpful and knowledgeable.

[AspenRose]

7. Thanks all!

And Happy Mother's Day to you!

[Ilsa]

9. Some herbs will either increase or decrease your milk supply.

And some pediatricians are concerned about babies developing allergies if exposed too early. The raspberry and licorice and some of the others may increase your supply. Have talked to the pedi yet?

I wish I had read your thread sooner.

Ilsa
(I've been to several seminars that cover this. I'm an RN who works with nursing mothers.)