Most drugs are contraindicated in breastfeeding, because through milk they enter the baby's body and can cause serious poisoning. However, after childbirth, a woman is overwhelmed with emotions, excitement, and sometimes stress can occur, in this case one cannot do without sedatives. Most often, Valerian extract is taken for this purpose. For women, a completely natural question arises: "Is valerian possible when feeding?"
When is valerian extract used?
This is a herbal preparation with calming properties. This tool effectively helps with conditions such as:
In addition, the drug has a therapeutic and prophylactic effect in the early stages of angina pectoris and hypertension, and may give an antispasmodic effect for problems with the intestines. Most of these phenomena can disturb a woman in the postpartum period. Is valerian dangerous when breastfeeding for baby? Will the effect of it be more negative than positive?
Valerian breastfeeding
The hormonal surge, which has the strongest effect on the female body during pregnancy, does not subside even after childbirth. All mothers worry about their baby’s health. According to the instructions for the drug, valerian when feeding can be used. However, it is advisable that this remedy be recommended by a doctor. Take the drug strictly according to the instructions.
Drug action
The drug has a sedative effect, has an antispasmodic effect in case of disorders in the digestive and urinary systems, and insomnia facilitates going to bed. Sedation occurs slowly, but is quite stable. Under the influence of the drug, the coronary vessels expand, there is an increase in the secretion of the gastrointestinal tract. With prolonged use, the drug may have a weak hypotensive effect. It should be remembered that valerian with breastfeeding is also a medicine, and on it has the same effect on a child as it does on a woman. However, refusing this drug, it is necessary to take into account undesirable phenomena: irritability, drowsiness, headache and others. The child very finely feels the mood of others, and negative emotions from the mother can be transmitted to the baby.
How to take the drug?
In pharmacies, you can find various forms of release of this drug: tablets, alcohol tincture, dry rhizomes, ready-made teas. In addition, valerian may be present in many medicines and herbal preparations. During lactation, doctors recommend taking the medicine in tablets. Alcohol tinctures during breastfeeding are contraindicated, and infusions and decoctions from valerian rhizomes have too pronounced effects, which can adversely affect the baby. During the period of use of the drug, the baby must be monitored by a pediatrician. The course and admission scheme in each case are set individually. As a rule, one tablet is prescribed two to three times a day for several days, sometimes weeks. In urgent cases, you can take two tablets at the same time.
Feasible side effects
In some cases, valerian when breastfeeding can cause unwanted effects:
as with any drug, an allergic reaction may occur to this drug;
there are frequent cases when valerian extract produces the opposite effect on a child: instead of a sedative effect, it has an exciting effect;
often after using the drug, children become too lethargic, sleepy, passive and reluctant to suckle;
according to some medical studies, after taking valerian, intracranial pressure rises and brain function deteriorates, in particular, memory impairment occurs . Boys under the age of six are not advised to give this drug at all, since in the future this can adversely affect potency;
There is a theory that valerian suppresses milk production. However, it should be remembered that the main enemies of lactation are lack of sleep, nervousness, stress. But this theory has no scientific confirmation.
Also, after taking the drug, side effects such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, disorientation in space, stupor, nervous excitement, itching and redness in the anus are possible. If a valerian during breastfeeding caused any undesirable effects, the drug should be discontinued and try to cope with postpartum fatigue and depression without the help of medications. Massage, classical music, walks in the fresh air, a relaxing bath, a change of scenery, the help of loved ones - all this will help restore good mood, vitality and strength. After all, the most important thing for a baby is a cheerful, rested, affectionate mother!