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Getting "Our" Daily Dose
Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbal Formulas While Breastfeeding
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
(Wiley, 1996), medical professionals are not taking any chances. "There is virtually no research on the effects of herbal supplements or remedies on a fetus or breastfed newborn," Kleiner says. "Universally, physicians and dietitians recommend that pregnant and nursing moms avoid all herbal supplements. What may have been helpful to them prior to pregnancy may be a time bomb to their baby."
"There were many herbs I would have been interested in trying, particularly to help with my postpartum depression," says Crystel Riggs, a homemaker from Clemson, S.C. "But there are no studies, no FDA approval or regulation for their safety, so I was left without a lot of information. Anytime I considered taking something new, or making any changes, I consulted my doctor. Most doctors, in my experience, won't advise taking supplements, herbs and vitamins beyond the usual multivitamin."
Knowing what is acceptable and what is not when discussing supplements while breastfeeding can be more confusing than the average consumer would think. According to Bucci, the best way to be sure is to educate yourself as much as possible, but allow your doctor to guide you along the way. "The best advice for consumers is to read product labels," Bucci says. "If there is a statement about not consuming during pregnancy or nursing, follow the recommendations. Most supplement products, especially from older, larger companies, pay careful attention to labeling. And if you still have questions, talk to your doctor; he or she is still the best resource available."
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