Can I Take a Probiotic While Breastfeeding?

Did you know that right now, more than 800 species of bacteria can be found in your gut? These bacteria help by digesting our food properly, extracting vitamins and minerals, and being active members of our immune system. With so many species of bacteria in one space, there is a delicate balance that must be maintained between them. One way to support a balanced gut is to eat plenty of fibre, which feeds beneficial bacteria. Too much sugar in the diet, and the bad bacteria begin to overpopulate the gut, disrupting the balance.

One way we see bacterial gut imbalance is through excessive gas, bloating, constipation, and the less obvious consequence, frequent colds and flu. This is because our immune system depends heavily on a balanced gut, and without it, our defenses are overwhelmed and vulnerable. The bacterial strains that are extremely beneficial in supporting digestion, restoring balance to the gut microbiome, strengthening the immune system, and reducing inflammation have been harvested and encapsulated into probiotic supplements. By adding a daily intake of probiotics, we can encourage a better balance in our gut, benefiting our entire system.¹

PROBIOTICS & BREASTMILK

Breastmilk has a wide range of immune cells and stem cells, all responding dynamically to the baby’s needs. When a baby nurses, small amounts of their saliva enter the nipple pores, changing the contents of the milk according to the baby's needs.² One study found that when a mother takes probiotic supplementation, her breastmilk will have 24 percent more probiotic bacteria than it did without supplementation.³ Beyond a direct transfer of probiotic bacteria, moms taking probiotics have a stronger, more supported immune system, which directly benefits the nursing baby's immune system.

Not breastfeeding? Not a problem! Mixing probiotics for babies directly into baby formula/food is also a great way to support the baby's gut and immune system.

POTENTIAL RISKS

While probiotics are considered a safe supplement, the most common side effect is mild to moderate digestive discomfort. People with a compromised immune system or gut lining should consult a physician before taking probiotics, as these live bacteria might do more harm than good. A very rare risk of invasive infection due to probiotic supplementation has been seen in preterm or very low-birth-weight infants, so it is beneficial to consult a physician about probiotic supplementation before administering it. Probiotic doses should always be taken as directed, as extremely high doses can have harmful effects.³ This is true of any natural health product.

INFANT PROBIOTIC ROUNDUP:

• Florastor Kids
• Biogaia Probiotic drops
• CanPrev Pro-Biotik Infant Drops
• Culturelle Daily Probiotics

PROBIOTIC YOGURT ROUNDUP:

• Yoggu Yogurt: This dairy-free yogurt is extra creamy and delicious.
• Riviera yogurt: This yogurt has dairy and non-dairy options, with a soft and silky texture.

ANTIBIOTIC DOS & DON'TS

DO

1. Do use age-appropriate probiotics: Infant probiotics should be in drops or powders. Do not open an adult capsule to use for an infant/child. Formulas should specify they are safe “from birth” or list a minimum age.

2. Do keep probiotics stored properly: Some require refrigeration; others are shelf-stable. Heat destroys live bacteria, so avoid adding drops to hot bottles.

3. Do check for allergens and additives: Many probiotics have dairy, soy, and gluten, and should be avoided with a known allergy.

4. Do take probiotics with food: Unless specified otherwise, probiotics should be taken with food to avoid their destruction in the acidic environment of the stomach.

DON’T

1. Don’t expect immediate results: Improvements in gut symptoms such as colic, gas, or constipation can take time to take effect. Improvement in immune system function can take even longer to take effect. Expect to see improvements within 2–3 weeks.

2. Don’t assume all probiotic strains work the same: Benefits are strain-specific. A strain that helps with diarrhea isn’t always the best choice for gas or colic.

3. Don’t exceed the recommended dose: More does not mean better. Very high doses can cause unnecessary gas, bloating, or loose stools.

4. Know when to stop use: Don’t continue taking probiotics if symptoms become worse.

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30248200/

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37236499/

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37660760/