Herbs and Nursing

Hello,

I am a new mama of a 5 month old baby. Right after my baby was born, I became extremely wrought with anxiety, specifically ocd. At day 4 when nursing was a huge challenge and I was basically falling apart, I went to my midwife in tears. She gave me an herbal tincture that had marked on it "safe for nursing." I took it at the specified dosage for about 2 weeks. Later, I found out that one of the ingredients listed on the label was "dong quai", which is listed on many websites as something to avoid when nursing. I know that I sound crazy, but I am totally stressed about it. And I know that it is 5 months later. I'm worried that I did something that could harm my baby - part of the cautions that they list on websites about this herb is photosensitity and I had him in the sun because of jaundice - also there are estrigen properties in the herb.

My question, is this a typical herbal tincture that is given by midwives? Is it generally considered safe? How much could pass from the breast milk to him?

I appreciate any thoughts that you all might have. Again, I know I sound totally luney

Thank you.

ive never heard of it. There doesnt seem to be much info on how safe it is during breastfeeding which is why most places dont recommend it. Your best bet is to talk to the midwife who gave it to you.

If you are in the UK you could try ringing the BFN, they have a pharmacist who offers information on what is safe for breastfeeding.

Brilliant information...

http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk.html

I have heard of herbs being used through complimentary therapies. Densie Tiran and Maggie Smith do course on them with expectancy but I don't know much about the subject myself just done one day on it but it was very very interesting Xx