Colon Cleanse While Breastfeeding

One of the very real problems that women experience while breastfeeding a baby is that whatever they eat or drink, their baby consumes as well. Unfortunately, lactating moms experience the same everyday health-related issues that the rest of us are subjected to but their choices for healthy solutions are limited. Sometimes mom has ‘issues’ that tell her it’s obvious that the time has come for a good cleansing but the problem is how to colon cleanse while breastfeeding.

Reasons to Colon Cleanse while Breastfeeding

It is not uncommon for new moms to have trouble with gas and other digestive ailments. Usually a good colon cleansing regimen will take care of that kind of problem but when nursing, it’s difficult to find a product that is safe for both baby and mother. Constipation is the number one complaint with new mothers that is extremely difficult to deal with. Mothers can’t take a chemical laxative or stool softener so that leaves only a natural approach such as adding fiber to the diet or a warm, gentle enema. Some women routinely cleanse as a means to prevent colorectal cancer, yet while they are breastfeeding it needs to be curtailed. There are a myriad of reasons to colon cleanse while breastfeeding but it takes a little creativity to find a solution that is acceptable.

Cleansing to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Remembering that anything mom puts in her mouth will eventually make it through to the milk. it is important to understand that some products are altogether too harsh for baby. Most lactating mothers avoid chemical laxatives and cleansing products that promote peristalsis. Even some herbal products are not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding so it is better to be safe than sorry. In fact, it is always recommended that pregnant or nursing mothers consult their primary doctor prior to taking any dietary supplements or OTC preparations for anything whatsoever.

Methods Considered Safe for a Colon Cleanse while Breastfeeding

Acai Berry is thought to be a safe cleansing regimen because it is simply formulated from the extract of a fruit. Pure Acai Berry without any additives has been used successfully by pregnant and nursing mothers without any side effects or adverse reactions. Adding fiber to the diet is also efficient at cleansing built up matter from the intestines. Some women prefer to sprinkle crushed flaxseed over their morning cereal while others use fibers such as psyllium. Again, a warm water enema can relieve constipation, but it isn’t an efficient colon cleanser in that it only reaches the lower part of the large intestine.

The primary concern regarding a colon cleanse while breastfeeding should always be the baby. When in doubt, consult mom’s obstetrician or baby’s pediatrician as they are the only people who can advise what is safe for a lactating mother that will either not make it through to the milk or will have no effect on baby should it get through. Many products have not been studied for safety in children and they should be avoided until the baby has been weaned.