What Herbs Are Dangerous While Breastfeeding?

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Herbs are popular items to take. They can help make you healthier naturally and don’t have very many negative side effects to be worried about. However, if you are breastfeeding, it is important to avoid some herbs that could cause harm to your baby. Here are a few of the ones you will want to not take while you are breastfeeding. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here

Herbs that Affect Milk Supply

Naturally, one of the first herbs that you will want to avoid are those that affect your ability to produce milk. Some of the ones you will definitely want to avoid are black walnut, oregano, parsley, peppermint, yarrow, spearmint, sage and a number of others. Naturally, these are only a few of the herbs that could cause these types of troubles so make sure you do your research regarding this area.

Harmful Herbs

There are also several herbs that are actually harmful to the mother’s or the baby’s health while breastfeeding. For example, herbs like ginseng, ephedra, dong quai, buckthorn, kava-kava, wormwood, and others have been shown to cause damage to the health of the mother or her baby if they are taken while the mother is breastfeeding.

In addition to these, some particular other herbs have been shown to cause minor issues in babies. For example, St. John’s Wort is an herb that some women take to help them cope with depression. However, some studies have shown that it can cause babies to become listless or to develop colic.

Fenugreek is something that women tend to take to improve their milk supply. However, this is not something that has actually been proven to be helpful. Instead, it can cause low blood sugar and high blood pressure in breastfeeding moms. Babies are more likely to develop diarrhea and colic when their mom’s take this while they are breastfeeding as well.

Comfrey is also something that women have used in the past while they are breastfeeding. It is used to help women deal with cracked and sore nipples that often surface during breastfeeding. Unfortunately, it is dangerous for the baby and has actually been banned in a number of areas.

The best thing to do before you begin taking any type of herb while you are pregnant is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to give you all the pros and cons regarding the herbs you are considering so that you can make the best choice. With their help, you will be able to get the desired results from the herbs without putting your life or the life of your baby at risk.

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Maureen Stephens, BS, RN
Maureen Stephens, BS, RN | ConceiveEasy
Ms. Stephens has spent over twenty years in the healthcare world, specializing in obstretical and medical/surgical nursing. She joined ConceiveEasy as she has a strong interest in educating and empowering women and promoting fertility awareness.

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