Senna is known to be an FDA-approved over-the-counter laxative. But is it safe to consume senna while breastfeeding? When nursing your newborn baby, you should monitor your intake of food or medicines as it can directly affect your baby. Consulting your doctor is important before you start anything new. Senna is mostly prescribed as a remedy for constipation. Read on to know more about senna, its usage, effects, and probable side effects of long-term use.
What Is Senna?
Senna is a laxative derived from the leaves and seeds of the senna herb. It is an FDA-approved, non-prescription laxative (available over-the-counter) that is used to treat constipation and help clear the bowels before a colonoscopy. It has been found that senna seeds are gentler than senna leaves, which makes the use of senna seeds for laxative purposes desirable and has no harmful effects on the liver or other parts of the body. If you are suffering from abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or stomach upset, you should not take senna supplements without consulting a medical practitioner. This is because the senna laxative is a stimulant that irritates the inner lining of the bowel. If a patient is already suffering from loose bowel movements before taking senna, it can further aggravate the situation. In the case of pregnant or nursing women, they must consult with their physicians before taking any herbal medicines with senna as the main constituent. Senna should only be taken in a limited dose, and it is meant to only be used as a short-term treatment for constipation (1).
Senna During Breastfeeding
Taking senna while breastfeeding has been considered controversial in the past. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified senna as usually compatible with breastfeeding, and the WHO states that senna is safe during breastfeeding. However, it can still be an issue of concern for lactating mothers (2). Since constipation and irregular bowel movements are common ailments during pregnancy and postpartum, the use of senna during this period and while breastfeeding has been supported by medical organizations. It’s very important that the recommended dosage of senna should never be exceeded (3).
Effects Of Senna While Breastfeeding
Recent studies have revealed that there is no harm in taking senna for the short term while nursing. The constituents and properties of the laxative do not cross into breast milk produced, and thus it does not cause issues such as diarrhea to babies whose mothers take senna supplements. Although other research shows that trace amounts of senna may cross into breast milk, it does not seem to cause any problem for nursing babies. If mothers use the laxative always within recommended amounts, senna should not change the frequency or consistency of infants’ stools (3).
Long Term Use Of Senna
The prolonged intake of senna can be detrimental to the health of mothers. If consumed for a long time or in high doses, senna can severely damage your liver, lead to laxative dependence, and irritate the stomach lining. It is always preferred that the dosage for this laxative be given in small, short-term, and controlled amounts to prevent any side effects or long-term problems. If a mother taking senna notices symptoms of loose stools or diarrhea, the consumption of the senna laxative should be immediately discontinued (4). Even though there is no concrete evidence of senna causing diarrhea in nursing babies, it is always desirable that the mothers consume the laxative in moderation and keep an eye on the baby’s health.
