Passion Flower and Breastfeeding

It is generally recommended that breastfeeding women avoid passion flower. Breastfeeding could be dangerous because it is not known whether the herbal supplement passes through breast milk. Until more information is available about passion flower and breastfeeding, nursing mothers are generally advised to avoid the supplement.

 

An Overview of Passion Flower With Breastfeeding

It is not known whether passion flower supplements are safe for use in breastfeeding women. Passion flower is an herbal remedy often used to treat anxiety or insomnia, although it is sometimes claimed to be useful for other conditions as well. Until more information is available, it is probably a good idea to avoid passion flower while breastfeeding.
 

Passion Flower and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?

Sometimes passion flower is listed among "safe" herbs to take while breastfeeding. This is based on European experience with the herb, not real scientific evidence.
 
It is not known whether passion flower passes through breast milk, and it is not known whether it is safe for breastfeeding women. Although it is a "natural" product, this does not necessarily mean that it is safe for use during breastfeeding. Many women try to avoid medications while breastfeeding and turn to herbal remedies as an alternative, assuming that "natural" automatically means "safe." However, natural products can be quite toxic. For instance, many poisons and toxins are natural products. It just does not make sense to use an herbal supplement for which there is no information available about safety during breastfeeding.
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Passion Flower and Breastfeeding

You should talk with your healthcare provider about passion flower and breastfeeding. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about passion flower and breastfeeding that is right for you.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;