Herbal Safety in PregnancyLactation~List

[naturalbirther]

Sooo....
I was researching the safety of some herbs that are in a supplement that my chiro gave me, just to be sure they were safe for ds while bfing (he said they were safe but the bottle said contraindicted)...
Any who , I found this site and thought might be helpful to some of you as well!
Ash
Oh, and BTW, all the herbs in this supplment checked out as o.k.!
http://www.growinglife.com/herbalsafety.htm

[DoulaYvonne]

I wonder why garlic is listed as something to be cautious of during lactation. I'm curious, does anyone know why?

[earthgirl]

[pambell]

I believe garlic can cause stomach upset in some babies - maybe that's why.

[betterbirths]

I think that garlic in just contraindicated because it can cause breastmilk to have a strong garlic flavor and not too many babies like garlic.

[bparrish]

I looked it up in "Medications and Mother's Milk" and it is listed as an L3 (considered moderately safe, but no controlled studies in bfing women). The only negative note I found in the source said: "Although garlic oil is commonly used, the safety for long term use is still unresolved. The extract has caused a reduction in liver and kidney protein in animal studies and a potential interaction with other anticoagulants (warfarin)should be expected. Transfer of the odorous components in human milk has been documented. Adult concerns: few reported, but observe for excessive bleeding."

Perhaps in a newborn with an unknown Vit K or clotting factors, it could potentially cause problems?

[DoulaYvonne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by betterbirths I think that garlic in just contraindicated because it can cause breastmilk to have a strong garlic flavor and not too many babies like garlic.

Interesting. I have always been told by others in the lactation field, and have noticed in my own children that babies love to breastfeed after mom has eaten garlic. Also, garlic can be a cultural thing. Think of mothers and babies in the mediteranean - there's a lot of garlic there!

[happy heartsong]

I think spices and foods that are used as such are fine. It is when you are using something more medicinally that it might be a problem.
Also check who is offering the caution and what backs it up. It may be based solely on a chemical analysis of the herb and not have any relation to whole herb actions. Herbs contain many compounds that are synergistic or buffer more toxic components.
For instance: Slippery elm is often labeled not for use in pregnancy. It is a very safe herb used for nourishing debilitated people and babies, soothing mucous membranes, for nausea, and more. It absorbs a lot of water. Possibly it could be used like laminaria to swell open the cervix. The caution is not very valid.
You have to know the plant. Some plants may not be good for long term use but ok if you really have an acute need. And to put it all in perspective- women are taking tylenol, and other over the counter meds at the drop of a hat or smoking or ... Not to approve but to give perspective when herb scares come up.