Many members of the medical community agree that probiotics are safe for breastfeeding mothers. Probiotics in food and dietary supplements provide a variety of benefits for nursing moms. These benefits include allergy and diarrhea prevention, a healthy digestive system and heartburn relief. The "friendly" bacteria may also help strengthen your immune system during a round of antibiotics. Consult your physician before taking any dietary supplements while breastfeeding.
Function
Probiotics consist of healthy or "friendly" bacteria naturally present in your colon that help prevent reproduction of harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most common probiotic; however, there are several other types of probiotics, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum. Bifidobacteria are present in the digestive tract of breastfed children and are beneficial probiotics for infants and nursing moms.
Benefits
Ingesting probiotics on a regular basis during pregnancy and breastfeeding promotes a healthy immune system and may prevent certain allergies and atopic eczema. According to a 2002 study published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology," taking probiotics while nursing helps protect your child against eczema during his first two years. Probiotics also help balance your digestive system and relieve uncomfortable digestive problems such as heartburn, constipation, intestinal cramping and diarrhea. It is beneficial to take probiotics any time you or your baby take antibiotics. Although antibiotics kill harmful bacteria causing an infection, they often kill "good" bacteria as well. Probiotics help replace good bacteria and prevent yeast infections and thrush.
Food Sources
Dairy products, such as yogurt, contain live acidophilus cultures and other probiotics. Other sources include kefir, drinkable yogurt, some cheeses and cultured milk. Non-dairy sources, such as tempeh and other soy products, may also contain probiotics safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Supplements
Probiotics are also safe to consume in the form of dietary supplements. Probiotic dietary supplements come in capsules or powder form and generally require refrigeration. Both options can be found at most health-food stores and pharmacies. Drink at least 8 oz. of water or fluid when taking capsules. Powdered supplements can be mixed into smoothies, water or juice. Read the label for proper instructions. Consult your physician about which probiotic is right for you.
References
- KellyMom; Q&A: Preventing Thrush; Kelly Bonyata; May 2006
- "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;" Probiotics During Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Might Confer Immunomodulatory Protection Against Atopic Disease in the Infant; S. Rautava; January 2002
- Parenting; Ask Dr. Sears: Probiotics During Pregnancy; Dr. William Sears
- San Mateo Medical Center; Acidophilus and Other Probiotics; 2011
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