IBCLC
Arushi Agarwal is a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who started as a mom. She has four years of experience and currently works at Surya Hospital, Jaipur. Her struggles through the journey of breastfeeding led her to her mission of passionately creating awareness about the struggles of breastfeeding and the need for help. She envisions making every mother's breastfeeding journey a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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One should take utmost care of their diet and lifestyle when breastfeeding. So, if you are a nursing mother, you might be apprehensive about the safety of taking magnesium citrate when breastfeeding. Magnesium citrate is mainly used as a supplement or a laxative by many. But is it safe for you and the baby? Read on to know more about magnesium citrate, its uses, and its side effects for breastfeeding women. [mj-toc] What Is Magnesium Citrate? Magnesium citrate is prepared in salt form with the citric acid, and that's why the name magnesium citrate. Magnesium citrate attracts water through the tissues with the help of a process known as osmosis. It is also used as a dietary supplement for patients who are deficient in magnesium. Lack of magnesium in the body leads to muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat and sometimes irritability. [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]Magnesium citrate may cause a bowel movement within 30 minutes to six hours after taking...
Many women may have low hemoglobin counts while breastfeeding. If you are among them, eating fruits such as pomegranates while breastfeeding will be beneficial. Apart from improving your hemoglobin levels, this fruit is known to prevent some oral and dental conditions. Perhaps that is why the fruit is considered a superfood in several cultures. Read this post to explore whether it is safe to consume pomegranates while breastfeeding and some of its potential health benefits. This article also provides some important details on the usefulness and possible side effects of consuming this nutritious fruit. [mj-toc] What Is A Pomegranate? A pomegranate is a flavorful, colorful, and nutritious fruit with spiny skin and distinctive crown to its red [simple_tooltip text="arils" tooltip="The fleshy edible portion covering the seed of a fruit" ]. Pomegranate derives its name from its Middle French name ‘pomme garnete’ which means ‘seeded apple’. The fruit is also popular as Chinese apple and contains high amounts of nutrients. So,...
Detox is a method of cleansing your body. You may consider undergoing a detox while breastfeeding due to your apprehension about toxins accumulating in your body from eating constantly. However, some detox methods may involve over-the-counter (OTC) products. In addition, detox diets may restrict the intake of certain nutrients that are essential during lactation. Since anything you eat may pass on to your breastmilk, it’s crucial to be cautious and consult a doctor before making changes to your diet or using any supplements. Read this post to learn more about whether detox is safe for nursing mothers and how to do it naturally. [mj-toc] What Is The Meaning Of Detox? Detox is a natural way to cleanse your body of all the toxins and wastes. Various practitioners of alternative medicine also promote detoxification diets (1). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/top-10-food-ideas-6-months-baby_006689/" title="6-Month-Old Baby's Food Chart And Recipes"] Does A Detox Diet Really Work? [caption id="attachment_891090" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] There are diverse opinions about...
While breastmilk for a baby provides a booster to a healthier life, in women, breastfeeding helps to prevent various illnesses, including diabetes. However, if you already have diabetes, you might be wondering if you can take antidiabetic medications like Metformin during breastfeeding. The use of maternal medication during breastfeeding should be carefully evaluated to ensure that it does not negatively impact maternal health or the health of the baby. Since breastfeeding plays a crucial role in a baby’s growth, it is important that mothers stay healthy during breastfeeding. Read this post to know about the safety and health benefits of Metformin in breastfeeding mothers. [mj-toc] What Is Metformin? Metformin is one of the most effective and safe treatments for type 2 diabetes. Patients typically consume the drug alone or with other medications, such as insulin, to treat diabetes. Metformin falls in the ‘biguanides’ class of drugs. Apart from glucose control, metformin also offers numerous other health benefits (1). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/babys-first-month-development-guide_00101911/"...
A baby nursing at a mother’s breast is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature.” – David Suzuki. Lactation is a phase that can be challenging for new mothers. Frequent feeding and caring for a newborn often result in sleep deprivation, lethargy/fatigue, and stress, tempting mothers to use herbs such as ginseng while breastfeeding. Ginseng is popular for enhancing vitality, vigor, and overall wellness. In Chinese cultures, Ginseng has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine for its postulated health benefits. Generally, the use of ginseng is safe for adults. However, it is unclear whether ginseng is safe or effective for lactating women or can be used as an alternative medicine for various conditions. Hence, ginseng or any products containing ginseng should be used under expert supervision. Further, studies show that ginseng doesn’t have any lactation-related benefits. However, its use is prevalent among mothers as an energy source and for rejuvenation. Keep reading to learn more about whether...
Experts suggest breastfeeding as the best method for providing for the nutritional requirements of newborns (1). However, some mothers may face the problem of insufficient milk production. Though formula milk may be used in such cases, using plants such as the milk thistle herb during breastfeeding may help improve lactation. Though the use of milk thistle extract to increase milk production is not clinically proven, it has been an age-old remedy and is used as an ingredient in some products marketed for the said purpose (2). Read on to know more about potential milk thistle benefits, side effects, and precautions when used during breastfeeding. [mj-toc] What Is Milk Thistle? Milk thistle is a flowering herb found mostly in the Mediterranean. It contains antioxidant Silymarin, which is the most active ingredient in the herb. Milk thistle is not a recent discovery. Greeks and Romans used this wonder herb to treat a plethora of ailments, including liver and gallbladder issues. The herb is...
New moms often struggle with sleep deprivation because of changes in lifestyle and daily routine. It has been reported that postpartum anxiety and depression occur in women with chronic sleep loss as adverse pregnancy outcomes (1). In such a situation, many women may want to know if it is safe to take sleeping pills when breastfeeding. Most doctors do not advise taking sleeping pills during motherhood because they may leak into the breast milk and cause adverse effects on the baby. However, if you have considerable trouble sleeping, you may seek the guidance of your healthcare provider, whose prescription may contain drugs that have a low ability to pass into the milk. You may also try some effective home remedies to enhance sleep and relax. Read the post to know about the safety of sleeping pills when breastfeeding and the natural remedies that should be taken care of to sleep better. [mj-toc] Can I Take Sleeping Pills While Breastfeeding? [caption...
Lactation massage is a breast massage technique to relax breast tissue and reduce breastfeeding problems. Although breastfeeding is a pleasant experience for most mothers, lactation woes, such as low milk flow and breast pain, are common and overwhelming. Lactation massage helps to empty breasts and stimulate milk production. Most nursing issues are self-resolving, and you may try lactation massage to manage the breastfeeding discomforts. Read on to know the benefits, methods, and tips for lactation massage. [mj-toc] Benefits Of Lactation Massage Research highlights that breast massage could help resolve the following breastfeeding problems (1) (2). Breast pain: A nursing mother could develop breast pain due to breast engorgement or breast infection (mastitis). Different types of breast massage could effectively help ease breast pain, preventing adverse outcomes, such as reduced breastfeeding or early cessation of nursing (3). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/yeast-infection-under-breast-causes-treatment_00765757/" title="Breast Yeast Infection: Signs, Causes, Treatment, & Prevention"] Low milk flow: Breast massage in association with breast pumping could increase breast milk...
If you are a breastfeeding mother, it is quite natural to think twice before undergoing any procedures, such as ones involving radiation-emitting devices. Hence, many mothers are concerned about using tanning beds while breastfeeding, fearing it may harm their little one. If you love to have that amazing beach-like tan from the tanning bed but are worried about its possible risks to your newborn, then this post may address all your concerns. Read on as we discuss the safety concerns, possible side effects, and a word of advice before you use tanning beds while breastfeeding. [mj-toc] About Tanning Beds A tanning bed or a sun bed is a technological device that tans the skin artificially. A typical tanning bed emits 95% UVA and 5% UVB. The ultraviolet radiation produces an artificial tan. Most artificial tanning beds make use of several fluorescent lamps, which can emit high-intensity UVB rays that can have many side effects (1). Types Of Tanning Beds According...
Apples are a popular and nutritious fruit. When consuming apple juice while breastfeeding, you should ensure it is freshly extracted and unsweetened. Lactating women need more fluid and calories than non-lactating women. For sufficient breast milk and nutrients, nursing mothers should consume healthy foods along with plenty of fluids. Along with water, fruit juices can help meet their daily fluid requirement. However, it may be more beneficial to consume the fruit on its own to get the raw goodness of vitamins, folate, calcium, and iron. The fruit may also serve as a tasty weight-loss snack. Read this post to learn about the benefits of apples for lactating women and whether apple juice is good for breastfeeding mothers. [mj-toc] Benefits Of Apples For Breastfeeding Women [caption id="attachment_891113" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Apple is a good source of calcium, iron, folate, and vitamins A and C. As a breastfeeding mom, you need a good supply of all these nutrients. A lack of...
Comfort nursing for babies is a term for the practice of breastfeeding for reasons other than satisfying the baby’s hunger or thirst. While the primary purpose of breastfeeding is to provide nourishment to an infant, some babies suckle to self-soothe. It is called “comfort-nursing” because it calms the baby down. A mother may comfort nurse to soothe an upset baby or calm them down when they are cranky or unwell. Comfort nursing provides the same benefits as those from skin-to-skin contact during nursing. Read the post to know more about the benefits and techniques of comfort nursing for babies. [mj-toc] Is It Normal For Babies To Feed For Comfort? [caption id="attachment_891496" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yes, it is normal for infants and toddlers to breastfeed for comfort. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nursing provides closeness to the mother. This maternal physical and emotional closeness provides psychological benefits, leading to mental calmness in babies (1). It is why babies...
Lipase is a naturally occurring enzyme in breast milk that helps hydrolyze milk fat into easily digestible and absorbable fatty acids. The cause for high lipase in the breast milk of only some mothers is unknown. Expressed and stored breast milk is believed to have higher lipase levels. High lipase levels in breast milk can make it smell and taste off and soapy. These changes may be why some babies refuse to breastfeed or bottle-feed expressed breast milk. Parents may also feel apprehensive about these changes and worry if the expressed milk is safe for the babies. Read to learn more about the causes of high lipase milk, the impacts of lipase activity on breast milk, and ways to manage it. Causes Of High Lipase In Breast Milk There’s no evident cause as to why breast milk could develop high lipase content. It\'s simply the case that some mothers have excess lipase in their breast milk while others don’t. Lipase...
While it is a well-established fact that breast milk is the best form of nutrition for infants, have you ever wondered what does breast milk tastes like? Many women often ponder the question to determine if their baby is getting healthy breast milk. It is also believed that changes in breast milk\'s taste may affect the breastfeeding baby\'s appetite. This post carries answers to your questions regarding breast milk’s taste, factors affecting it, and whether it is okay for you and your partner to taste breast milk. [mj-toc]What Does Breast Milk Taste Like? [caption id="attachment_891850" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Human breast milk tastes sweet and creamy and a lot similar to cow’s milk. This interpretation, however, varies from person-to-person. Some people find breast milk heavily sweetened, almost like honey or sugar water, while others recall it being sweet-salty. Whatever the perceived taste, the vital point to note is that breast milk does have a peculiar taste. But if that’s the...