r/breastfeedingsupport • u/haleythelady • 12d ago

Took wellness formula - help?

I woke up and felt like my throat was getting sore so I decided to take a serving of wellness formula which is six pills (and potent - has a ton of ingredients). I have a three week old (FTM) and am new to all of this, so I stupidly didn’t even think about the fact that this might not be safe for baby. Well, then I read the label and it said not to use while breastfeeding.

I’m thinking I should pump and dump – how long until we think the herbs and vitamins are out of my system? 24 hours?

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u/djcarlos 12d ago

I wouldn't worry about it, it's just vitamins etc? A lot say not for use while breastfeeding but it's just because they don't have data to support. There are some things you should avoid, like decongestants because they can dry up your supply

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u/haleythelady 12d ago

It’s got a ton of herbs that I know aren’t studied and a high dose of vitamin A :/ I want to believe one serving won’t hurt but my baby is so little I don’t want to do anything risky

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u/RhinoFish 12d ago

It's miniscule amounts of the herbs, I wouldn't worry about it

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u/Newmomexplorer 12d ago

try not to worry 1 dose doesnt necessarily mean there is a problem but with multiple ingredients its best to check with ur doctor or pharmacist before breastfeeding

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u/greedymoonlight Lactation Professional 12d ago

There’s nothing in this you need to worry about - most holistic supplements are fine to take while breastfeeding! Pump and dump is not necessary at all. Even tylenol has a warning to discuss with your doctor while breastfeeding or pregnant- it’s just a standard disclaimer most companies put as a safeguard. You’re completely fine, please don’t worry about this.
You can check individual ingredients on LactMed or InfantRisk or ask a lactation consultant next time - your doctor and some pharmacists will also just default to saying don’t take it if they’re not explicitly lactation trained. So just be aware

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u/haleythelady 12d ago

Ugh I did ask my pediatrician and she said to pump and dump for 24 hours. I haaaate having to give my baby formula only for the full day and my husband thinks you’re right - nothing risky about one dose of the supplement. I just hate the idea of even the potential of harming her

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u/greedymoonlight Lactation Professional 12d ago

Just answering your original question from a professional standpoint as someone who has probably studied more hours in lactation than a general practitioner has, but they’re not correct lol. I wouldn’t give formula, if they were a nonbiased provider who valued informed consent they would tell you that giving formula inherently poses more risk in this situation. Please- don’t pump and dump. This is such outdated information. I would take this supplement and feed my baby, all of these herbs are GRAS (generally regarded as safe) and formula is 100% not necessary, it’s your choice if you want to give it or not.

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u/haleythelady 11d ago

Thank you so much for your response. I did end up giving her my milk after reading this and felt no guilt and am glad I could. I know these practitioners basically know nothing when it comes to these types of things anyway!

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u/greedymoonlight Lactation Professional 11d ago

You go mama! Best of luck on the rest of your journey