Diarrhea When Breastfeeding: Causes, Treatment And Natural Remedies

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Diarrhea while breastfeeding could develop in a few new mothers due to underlying conditions such as acutegastroenteritisⁱXinflammation of the lining of the stomach and the intestines.或其他原因。Although this is not a serious illness requiringcessationⁱXEnding a condition.of breastfeeding, if you have diarrhea, you must maintain proper hygiene to prevent any risks of transferring any illnesses to your newborn. In addition, ensure proper hydration for maintaining a sufficient milk supply and preventing dehydration due to diarrhea.

Mild diarrhea is usually resolved with the help of natural home remedies. However, it is best to seek a doctor’s advice for severe, long-lasting diarrhea while breastfeeding. Browse through this post to learn more about the common causes, signs, remedies, and treatment options for diarrhea in breastfeeding mothers.

Common Causes Of Diarrhea When Breastfeeding

Various infectious and noninfectious acute and chronic conditions can cause diarrhea. Breastfeeding women can also develop diarrhea from similar causes as others. Common causes ofacute diarrheamay include the following(1).

• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach bug)
• Food allergies
• Bacterial gastroenteritis
• Certain medications such as antibiotics
• Parasitic diarrhea
• Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea after consuming dairy products
• 人造甜味剂,例如sorbitol, found in sugar-free chewing gums and candies

Gastrointestinal disorders can also causechronic diarrhea.

• Celiac diseaseⁱXAn autoimmune disorder that results in a reaction to gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye, and other grains.
• Irritable bowel syndromeⁱXAn intestinal disorder that has multiple symptoms such as abdominal cramping, pain, bloating, and gassiness, among others.
• Microscopic colitisⁱXAn intestinal inflammation that causes watery diarrhea.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases such asulcerative colitisⁱXUlcerative colitisandCrohn's diseaseⁱXAn inflammation of the digestive tract that causes swelling of the tissues and leads to abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, and malnutrition.
• Pancreatic insufficiencyⁱXProper functioning of the pancreas ensuring digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.(steatorrhea) diarrhea with high amounts of fat in feces

Conditions causing chronic diarrhea should be evaluated and treated by a specialist. OTC medications andnatural remediesmay not cure it.Breastfeeding women may also seek medical care if they develop any other symptoms such as fever, chills, abdominal pain, weight loss, or dehydration.

Washington-based board-certified lactation consultant,Lilly Hubschman-Shaharsays, “If diarrhea is caused by certain medications, radiopharmaceuticals, or any of the conditions for which the CDC states breastfeeding is contraindicated, then the parent should refrain from breastfeeding. These conditions include HIV (in the absence of a suppressed viral load), Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus 1&2, illicit drug use, Ebola virus, brucellosis, HSV, or monkeypox.”

自然Diarrhea Treatments For Breastfeeding Moms

Diarrhea with fever or blood in loose stools needs medical care since it can be due to parasitic or bacterial infections. Mothers with diarrhea lasting more than two days should also see a doctor.

Non-severe diarrhea can be managed with home remedies. You may try the following natural remedies for non-complicated diarrhea while breastfeeding(2).

1. Stay hydrated

To maintain hydration and avoid dehydration it is important to drink plenty of clear fluids.Diarrhea causes fluid loss from the body, and nursing mothers are more likely to develop dehydration since water is also taken from the body for milk production. You may consume more water than other days during diarrhea. You may also take an oral rehydration solution (ORS) as per doctors’ recommendations to cope with fluid and electrolyte loss.

You may drink diluted juices and broths other than water. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages should be avoided since they may worsen diarrhea.

2. Eat probiotics

Probiotics products contain special microorganisms,such as yeastor bacteria. Lactobacilli or lactic acid bacterium is a well-known probiotic found in yogurt and other dairy products.

Probiotics are often recommended for people with mild diarrhea. It is believed that probiotics reach the bowel and suppress the germs that cause diarrhea and help the body recover(3).

Dairy products, such as milk, may worsen diarrhea in most people. Yogurt and kefir (fermented milk drink) is often suggested during diarrhea. However, you may avoid adding too much sugar to probiotics since sugar may worsen diarrhea.

There are also non-dairy probiotic foods and drinks, including non-dairy yogurts and kefirs, apple cider vinegar, and various krauts.

3. Drink chamomile tea

Chamomile teais known to reduce diarrhea. Drinking a mug of chamomile tea can be beneficial. This Mediterranean herb is known for its calming effect on the body, including the gastrointestinal system(4).

4. Drink red raspberry leaf tea

Red raspberry leaf tea is a gentle and nutritious tea that acts as a mildastringentⁱXChemical compounds that shink body tissues.to help dry up the diarrhea and tone the body. It’s safe to drink in moderate amounts up to three cups per day when pregnant or nursing.

5. Take apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may help to improve the condition of an upset stomach. You may dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water and consume it.

6. Avoid certain foods

Maternal diet can also play a role in reducing the incidence of diarrhea. Keeping your fluid intake high and avoiding high fat, high protein, and high fiber food could reduce diarrhea and other digestive issues. You may avoid the following foods during stomach upset.

• Dairy products other than probiotics
• Fatty and fried foods
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Spices
• 全麦产品
• Sugary foods and drinks

Although known to be beneficial, keep in mind that overconsumption of apple cider vinegar, chamomile tea, and probiotics may cause negative effects, such as vomiting and heartburn. Therefore, do not overconsume any natural remedy.

Treatment For Diarrhea When Breastfeeding

The use of over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) to treat mild diarrhea in breastfeeding mothers is controversial(5). Only minimal amounts reachbreast milksince this drug is poorly absorbed from the gut. However, many physicians do not recommend its use while breastfeeding due to its mechanism of action. Loperamide is an opiate receptor agonist similar to the pain medication morphine. It works to slow the transit of stool in the gut.The US Food and Drug Administration warns that large amounts of Imodium can cause heart palpitations.

Diarrhea with fever and blood in stools requires further evaluation and could need prescription medications such as antibiotics. It is not recommended to take prescription medications while breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary since all medications are not lactation-safe. Consult with a physician familiar with the special needs of nursing mothers and their infants, before taking any medication. Remember to have plenty of water and easily digestible food even if you are on medication.

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