Q I'm breastfeeding. Is it safe for my baby if I take herbal medicine for postpartum depression?
A We can compose a postpartum formula that can be taken while breastfeeding. Traditional blood-nourishing and spirit-calming formulas such as Guibi-tang and postpartum tonics have their components adjusted to account for transfer through breast milk. Please always let us know that you are breastfeeding before taking them.
Detailed Answer
Whether herbal medicine can be taken while breastfeeding depends on the formula composition. Strong blood-invigorating or qi-descending (hagi) herbs or toxic components should be avoided while nursing, but blood-nourishing and spirit-calming formulas of the Guibi-tang (Restore the Spleen decoction) and postpartum-tonic class have long been widely used alongside breastfeeding. The amount transferred to the baby through breast milk is extremely small, but for safety, please always tell us your current nursing frequency and the baby's age in months at the consultation so we can adjust the prescription accordingly. If you notice any changes in the baby such as low energy or digestive problems while taking it, let us know immediately.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, when prescribing herbal medicine for postpartum depression during breastfeeding, we base it on nourishing blood and calming the spirit (bohyeol-ansin), adding spirit-calming formulas to Guibi-tang and postpartum tonics while adjusting the components based on breastfeeding safety. A prescription that protects both the mother's recovery and the baby's safety is possible.
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