Colic Calm while Breastfeeding

What is Colic Calm used for?

Is Colic Calm usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Activated charcoal while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 7440-44-0

Powdered carbon with high adsorption levels.Administrated orally, it adsorbs drugs and toxins, avoiding their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. It also has uses as an antidiarrheal and antiflatulent and for marking breast lesions in mammography. Since the last update we have not found published data about its excretion in breast milk. Its zero intestinal absorption (Torbet 2005, AEMPS 1998) prevents its passing into plasma and therefore into breast milk. It use is permitted in infants under one year old (Pediamecum 2015).

Caraway seed while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 85940-31-4

Plant from the apiaceae family from which the fruit and its oil is used for medicinal purposes and as a food condiment. Its essential oil contains carvone, limonene and other terpenes. Its traditional use is as a carminative, antiflatulent and antispasmodic, even in very young infants to try to treat colic (Abdulrazzaq 2009, Stapleton 1995). A plant devoid of toxicity at usual doses (Kazemipoor 2014), although cases of hypothyroidism induced by its consumption have been described (Naghibi 2015). Carvone is excreted in milk in clinically insignificant amounts (Hausner 2011 and 2008). Given its lack of toxicity at correct doses, moderate consumption during breastfeeding would have little or no risk. Although in some cultures it is traditionally used to increase milk production (Alachkar 2011), there is no scientific evidence of its capacity as a galactogogue (Muresan 2011, Kopec 1999). The best galactogogue is frequent on-demand breastfeeding with correct technique (Mannion 2012, ABM 2011). Do not use as a galactogogue without medical supervision. Precautions when taking plant preparations: 1. Ensure that they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusing one plant with another with toxic properties, as well as poisoning from heavy metals extracted from the ground and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi. 2. Do not take in large amounts; follow recommendations from professional experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not always good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can result in poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if taken in excessive amounts or time periods.

Chamomile while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 520-36-5

It is a widely used plant even in infants. Because of lack of toxicity, a moderate use is considered to be safe. If topically used, do not apply it on the nipple because risk of contact dermatitis has been reported. There are two different species with similar properties: 1) Common or Sweet Chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita). 2) Roman, English or Bitter Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis o Chamaemelum nobile). Inflorescence of the herb is used. Contains Essential Oil, Flavonoids, Lactones and Tannins. Unproven properties are: Anti-spasmodic. Digestive, Anti-inflammatory, Sedative.

Melissa officinalis while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 977051-08-3

At latest update, relevant information on excretion into breast milk was not found. Herb which is widely used by many cultures even to treat infant's colicky pain. Since it is non toxic at appropriate dose, a moderate and occasional consumption is believed to be compatible while breastfeeding. Topical use is compatible while breastfeeding. Do not use on the breast, otherwise, do it after feeding the baby and cleanse thoroughly the surface before the next one. Leaves of plant are used. It contains essential oils (Citronella, Geraniol), flavonoids and tannins. Properties traditionally attributed but unproven are: antispasmodic, sedative, carminative and antiviral effects. It is used for relief of anxiety, insomnia, flatulence, abdominal spasms and topically to treat Herpes simplex.

Ginger while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 84696-15-1

The root of this herb is used.It contains oleoresin and essential oil along with sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and spicy substances (gingeroles and shogaols).Attributed properties: digestive, carminative, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory.Indications according to Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: motion sickness, vomiting (pregnancy, post surgery), anorexia, dyspepsia. Plant widely used in many countries as a condiment and as a medicine. In some cultures its consumption increases during pregnancy or lactation without reported complications (Nordeng 2004, Chen 2013, Kennedy 2013). It is used as a galactogogue by cultures from several continents (Raven 2007, Lamxay 2011, Sim 2103). A study with few participants shown an increase of milk production within the first 6 days postpartum but not later; there was no change on prolactin levels (Paritakul 2016). The best galactogogue result is achieved by a frequent on demand suckling and using a correct technique (ABM Protocol No. 9 2011). It may be considered compatible with breastfeeding (Dennehy 2011)Abuse may be a cause of clotting issues (bleeding) and heartburn.

Caraway seed while Breastfeeding

Caraway (Carum carvi) seeds contain numerous volatile oils, the most prominent being carvone and limonene. Caraway is a purported galactogogue,[1][2][3][4][5] but it has also been used to decrease breastmilk oversupply in Persian traditional medicine.[6] Maternal use has been advocated to reduce colic in the breastfed infant.[7] No scientifically valid clinical trials support these uses, although one small, old study found no galactogogue effect. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[8] Two studies found small, but measurable amounts of d-carvone in the milk of mothers given the chemical experimentally. Caraway is "generally recognized as safe" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is usually well tolerated, with the primary side effects being gastrointestinal such as heartburn, eructation, flatulence, and nausea. In two studies nursing mothers were given d-carvone. No adverse effects were noted in mothers or infants. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Chamomile while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 8002-66-2

Two different plant species with similar effects are known as chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both contain similar ingredients, including sesquiterpenes (e.g., bisabolol, farnesene), sesquiterpenelactones (e.g., chamazulene, matricin), flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, luteolin), and volatile oils. Chamomile is used orally as a sedative and for gastrointestinal conditions; it is used topically for wound healing. Both herbal and homeopathic preparations have been used to treat mastitis and cracked, bleeding nipples.[1] Chamomile has been used as a galactogogue;[2][3] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[4] Chamomile is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a spice, seasoning, or flavoring agent. No data exist on the safety of chamomile in nursing mothers or infants, although rare sensitization may occur (see below).[5] It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, diarrhea, and other conditions,[6][7][8][9] so the smaller amounts expected (but not demonstrated) in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses. Note Clostridium botulinum (botulism) spores have been found in some loose-leaf chamomile teas sold in health food stores. Topical chamomile is a known sensitizing agent, even with homeopathic products.[10] Two women developed contact dermatitis of the nipples and areolas after applying Kamillosan ointment for cracked nipples. The product was purchased in England and contained 10.5% Roman chamomile extracts and oil. Reactions were confirmed to be caused by Roman chamomile by patch testing in both women. Drinking chamomile tea can exacerbate topical skin rashes and has caused anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals.[11] Chamomile has possible cross-reactivity with other members of the aster family (e.g., echinacea, feverfew, and milk thistle).[5] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Fennel seed while Breastfeeding

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds contain the volatile oil composed largely of anethole, which is a phytoestrogen, as well as fenchone, estragole, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), and other constituents. Fennel is a purported galactogogue and is included in some proprietary mixtures promoted to increase milk supply.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Two small studies found an increase in some parameters such as milk volume, fat content and infant weight gain with fennel galactogogue therapy. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[12] Immersing the breast in a warm infusion of fennel seeds and marshmallow root has been suggested as a treatment for breast inflammation,[13] but no scientific data are available that support this use. Anethole is excreted in breastmilk.[14] Fennel is generally well tolerated in adults, and fennel oil is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic,[15][16][17] so the smaller amounts in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses. Some sources recommend limiting the duration of treatment to 2 weeks. Excessive maternal use of an herbal tea containing fennel, anise and other herbs appeared to cause toxicity in 2 breastfed newborns that was consistent with toxicity caused by anethole, which is found in fennel and anise. Fennel can cause allergic reactions after oral or topical use affecting the respiratory system or skin, including photosensitivity. Diarrhea and hepatomegaly occurred in a woman taking fennel, fenugreek, and goat's rue as galactagogues.[18] Elevated liver enzymes occurred in another woman taking Mother's Milk Tea, which contains fennel.[19] Avoid excessive sunlight or ultraviolet light exposure while using this herbal. Fennel should be avoided by mothers if they or their infants are allergic to carrots, celery, or other plants in the Apiaceae family because of possible cross-allergenicity. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Ginger while Breastfeeding

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root contains the pungent principles or gingerols that are considered to be responsible for its pharmacological activity. Ginger is commonly used for nausea and motion sickness. It has no specific lactation-related uses in Western medicine, but is reportedly used as a galactogogue in some parts of Asia.[1] A randomized study in Thailand found that milk production was higher on day 3 but not on day 7 with ginger compared to placebo twice daily.[2] In Thailand it is reportedly used as part of a topical herbal mixture to shorten the time to full lactation and also part of a topical herbal mixture used for breast engorgement.[3][4] Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[5] Very limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of ginger in nursing mothers or infants. However, ginger has a long history of use as a food and medicine and is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) as a food flavoring by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including during lactation.[6] When used as a medicinal, ginger is generally well tolerated in adults, but mild gastrointestinal side effects such as bad taste, heartburn and abdominal discomfort, are reported occasionally. In Thailand it is used as part of a topical herbal mixture to shorten the time to full lactation.[3] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

What should I do if I am breastfeeding mother and I am already exposed to Colic Calm?

I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Colic Calm, is it safe?

If I am using Colic Calm, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Colic Calm in breastfeeding?