Breastfeeding mothers must pay special attention to any prescription or over-the-counter medications they use. A number of medications are contraindicated for use while breastfeeding, leading many women to search for alternatives. While garlic has a long history of medicinal use, it is known to be safe for breastfeeding mothers only in quantities you would typically consume in food. If you are breastfeeding, consult your child's pediatrician, your physician or a qualified lactation consultant before taking or using any alternative remedies.
Longer Nursing
When breastfeeding mothers were given garlic, their infants nursed longer, according to a 1991 study published in the journal "Pediatrics." The study showed that eating garlic affected the smell of breast milk, with the odor peaking about two hours after ingestion. When their mothers' milk smelled of garlic, the infants in the study nursed for longer periods of time, ingesting more milk. This suggests that eating garlic occasionally may help the reluctant infant nurse for longer periods of time.
Treating Thrush
Thrush, a yeast infection also called candidiasis, affects the nursing mother's nipples and her baby's mouth; it can also cause a painful yeast diaper rash in the infant. Thrush makes nursing painful for both mother and baby. Garlic features antifungal properties, and the website Breastfeeding Essentials suggests adding garlic to your diet could help treat thrush.
Treating Mastitis
Mastitis is a painful condition wherein one of the mother's milk ducts becomes inflamed, plugged or blocked, and possibly infected. Some cases of mastitis can be treated with bedrest, increased fluids and frequent nursing, while some cases also require antibiotics. Garlic can work much like a broad spectrum antibiotic, fighting infection without causing a yeast infection or thrush as some antibiotics can. The breastfeeding professionals at KellyMom recommend between 2 and 5 cloves of raw garlic daily for mastitis, in addition to other treatment measures. If you suspect mastitis, especially if you are running a fever, consult your lactation consultant or child's pediatrician immediately.
References
- "Pediatrics"; Maternal Diet Alters the Sensory Qualities of Human Milk and the Nursling's Behavior; Julie A. Mennella and Gary K. Beauchamp; October 1991 (Abstract)
- BreastfeedingEssentials: Could We Have Thrush?
- KellyMom: Natural Treatments for Nursing Moms: Mastitis: Non-Antibiotic Treatment
- MedlinePlus: Garlic
Member Comments