Select Page

St. John’s Wort and Breastfeeding

by Oct 28, 2011Postpartum Depression

Affiliate Disclosure: We partner with great companies that offer products that help our readers achieve their goals! If you purchase through our partner links, we get paid for the referral at no additional cost to you! Read our Disclosure for more info.

Medical Disclaimer: Mamashine does not intend to provide medical advice. Although we try to empower our readers to be advocates for their own health, the content on this blog is not meant to be a substitute for medical guidance. For more information, please read our full Disclaimer.

St. John’s wort is one of the best herbal remedies for mild to moderate depression. Many mothers with postpartum depression benefit from St. John’s wort. There is, however, conflicting information in general about the safety of herbs and breastfeeding, including St. John’s wort.

From what I can find, there are no large studies on the matter. However, there have been several small studies that are very supportive of St. John’s wort and breastfeeding.

One set of studies offers no reports of any adverse effects on the nursing infant. While another study states the need for larger safety data, it also suggests that standardized St. John’s wort extracts may prove a safe alternative to SSRIs for postpartum depression.

The dosage used in the study was 300 mg of standardized St. John’s wort. Most regular depression protocols for St. John’s wort recommend 300 mg three times per day.

Here are some tips if you are considering trying St. John’s Wort

  • If you are not breastfeeding, you can start with 300 mg dose once per day for a few days, then increase to two per day until you reach three 300 mg capsules per day. Some women take up to two weeks to notice a difference, but others feel a change immediately.
  • Though it is unlikely, if your baby gets unusual symptoms like becoming colicky or drowsy, then stop entirely. It may be that the herb increases the letdown reflex of the breast milk, and the baby can have trouble adjusting. Alternatively, the baby may be particularly sensitive to the herb. Although babies go through lots of changes in their bodies all the time, it’s important to be safe.
  • When breastfeeding, it’s best to start any herbal supplement gradually. Find the lowest dose that you feel benefits from. Even a small dosage over months as a part of a larger regimen may be very beneficial to you.

[pullquote align=”normal”]St. John’s wort is a very important herb for alleviating the symptoms of depression, and specifically postpartum depression, but don’t rely on it alone.[/pullquote]

It won’t restore the lost nutrients you may be needing, or heal any hormone imbalance issues. Nor will it address any feelings of isolation or stress you may be experiencing. Postpartum depression is complex and you, wonderful mom, deserve lots of support! Do consult your physician and a lactation consultant for more information.

Do NOT use St. John’s wort if you are currently taking prescription antidepressants, the birth control pill, or are sensitive to the sun. St. John’s wort is not recommended for severe depression.


Products in This Post


Medical Disclaimer

Mamashine does not intend to provide medical advice. Although we try to empower our readers to be advocates for their own health, the content on this blog is not meant to be a substitute for medical guidance. For more information, please read our full Disclaimer.

Affiliate Disclosure

Mamashine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.