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Can I take traditional Chinese medicine while breastfeeding, and will it affect my child?

Mar 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, breastfeeding women can take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but they should choose it carefully and follow the guidance of a doctor. Whether TCM affects the baby depends on the type of herbs used. If the TCM is for nourishing blood, replenishing qi, or promoting lactation, it generally has no adverse effects. However, if the TCM is used for treating diseases or contains toxic ingredients, it may have potential effects on the baby.

Generally speaking, women who are breastfeeding can take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but they should choose it cautiously and under the guidance of a physician. Whether TCM affects the baby depends on the type of herbs used. If the TCM is for nourishing blood, replenishing qi, or promoting lactation, it generally has no significant effect. However, if the TCM is used for treating diseases or contains toxic ingredients, it may have an impact. A detailed explanation is as follows:

If a breastfeeding mother needs to take TCM for treating illness or body regulation, it should be done under the guidance of a professional physician. The physician will choose medications that have the least possible impact on the baby based on the mother's specific condition.

If the TCM taken by the breastfeeding mother is intended for nourishing blood, replenishing qi, or promoting milk production, such as Herba Tetrandrae (Fang Feng), Jujube (Da Zao), Chinese angelica (Dang Gui), or Donkey-hide gelatin (E Jiao), these herbs mainly promote lactation and generally do not affect the quality of breast milk, thus posing minimal risk to the baby.

If the TCM taken by the breastfeeding mother is used for treating diseases or contains toxic ingredients, such as Radix Aconiti (Chuan Wu), Aristolochia (Mu Tong), Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian), or Musk (She Xiang), these herbal components may pass into the baby's body through breast milk and potentially cause adverse effects. The baby may experience side effects such as diarrhea or vomiting, and in severe cases, it could affect the baby's development.

During the period of taking TCM, close attention should be paid to both the mother's and the baby's conditions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication. If any discomfort or abnormal reaction occurs, medical attention should be sought promptly, and the doctor should be informed that TCM is currently being used.

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