Herbal Products - All About Breastfeeding - Parent Education Resources - Women’s Services - Medical Services and Programs - Seton

What are Herbal Products?

• Herbs are plants and herbal products are plants that may have been dried, crushed, made into tinctures, tablets or tea, etc. Herbal products have been used for centuries and have become very popular, but there are safety concerns. Breastfeeding mothers need to be careful using herbal products to avoid harm to mother or baby.

What is the Difference between Herbal Products and Medicine?

• Herbal products are made from plants just like many medications are. Some plants may have strong effects on mother and baby. Many prescriptions or over-the-counter medications may use the same plant products.
• Herbal products are not necessarily safer than prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
• There is very little information on the safety of using herbal products while nursing. Many are considered safe because they have been used safely for years, but not because they have been clinically studied.
• Herbal products are not regulated by the U.S. Government, but medicines are. Medicine is clinically tested to make sure it is safe, pure, and does what it claims. Herbal products do not have the same requirements. The regulations controlling herbal products differ by country.
• Herbal products are treated as food products in the U.S. By law, food products cannot make claims about what they can be used for. They also cannot list possible bad effects or warnings.

Herbal Products may have More Safety Concerns than Strictly Regulated Medicines. For Example:

• Plants can be named the wrong thing or mistaken for a different plant any time during collection, processing, or packaging.
• One package of herbal product can be stronger than another package even if it is the same brand.
• Some herbal products are not pure. They may have been mixed, but not labeled, with other plant materials, dangerous heavy metals, or other medicine products (especially in Chinese products).

How can I most Safely use Herbal Products if I am Breastfeeding?

• Educate yourself. Read about herbal use. Look for a consultant trained in herbal medicine and ask for credentials.
• Remember that most herbs you take will also be in your breast milk. Take only herbal products that will not affect the baby's normal health.
• Take only the amount recommended and no more. Look for a label that says "standardized dose."
• Use only products from a source that can be trusted. Be sure you know what herb you are taking and that nothing harmful is mixed with it.
• Use products that contain only one herb.
• Be aware that some herbs reduce milk supply (avoid these unless you are trying to wean).
• Choose a tea or a weaker form of the product.
• baby by mouth.

What about Herbal Products to Make More Breast milk?

Breastfeeding mothers often ask about herbal products to increase their milk supply. Folk medicine has a long history of using herbal products for that reason. There is very little scientific proof that herbal products increase breast milk. Ask a Lactation Consultant for more information about ways to make more milk before choosing herbal products.