How Does Taking Probiotics While Breastfeeding Affect My Baby

Most of us know that probiotics are good for our health, but what about when you take probiotics while breastfeeding?

Obviously, this will affect my child and it’s knowing which is the best course of action to take.

The answer is not so simple because there’s no one-size-fits-all formula.

The best way to figure out if you can safely use a probiotic while breastfeeding is by talking with your doctor or lactation consultant.

In this article, we have put together some great tips on how taking probiotics while breastfeeding affects your baby.

Recommendations?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all breastfed babies receive both vitamin D supplements and those containing probiotics.

This is because the AAP feels these two items will improve the health of your baby as well as the mother’s health. So if you’re breastfeeding, make sure you take these two steps.

There has been some research done on this subject that suggests that probiotic use may have an impact on lactation function. However, there is not enough data available yet for any conclusions to be made about this. In short, more research is needed in this area.

So what does all of this mean for you as a breastfeeding mother?

Probiotics are definitely something that you should consider taking – especially if you’re not getting enough vitamin D.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. In the meantime, talk to your doctor about probiotics and breastfeeding to get their advice.

When is it safe to start taking probiotics while breastfeeding

Many mothers find that they need to take probiotics while breastfeeding.  The question is when?

It’s a good idea to wait until you have finished one month of exclusive breastfeeding because breast milk contains the healthy bacteria necessary for your baby.

If you are exclusively pumping, then it may be safe to start taking probiotics soon after birth.

However, if not exclusively nursing or pumping, wait until 6-8 weeks postpartum before starting on any type of probiotic supplement.

When is it not safe to take probiotics while breastfeeding

Some probiotics are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. So, it is important to speak with your health care provider before starting any probiotic supplement.

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two types of bacteria that are often found in probiotic supplements and are generally considered safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast that is also considered safe for breastfeeding women.

However, there are some types of probiotics that should be avoided during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.

Some individuals find that certain foods like dairy products (e.g., cheese, kefir) aggravate their mental or physical problems, but others do not.

If you experience any adverse reactions when adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet (e.g., gas, bloating), then it is best to avoid these types of foods during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

What about fermented milk products?

Fermented dairy products are naturally rich in probiotics. If you are not sensitive to these foods, then they can provide more healthy bacteria for your baby.

But if you notice that a dairy product or a probiotic supplement causes any of the problems mentioned above, then avoid these foods and supplements before and during pregnancy.

If you do eat yogurt while breastfeeding, make sure that it is not flavored yogurt. Also, if you need to add sugar for palatability purposes, then use lactose-free milk because lactose can be problematic for some breastfeeding mothers.

In conclusion

The bottom line is that it’s best to speak with your health care provider before taking any probiotic supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding.

That said, most probiotics are considered safe during these times, as long as they are taken in the correct form and dosage.

A quick reminder ..

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