Can You Do A Parasite Cleanse While Breastfeeding? What Every Mom Should Know

A new mother will find that there are a lot of things happening all at once in your life. From sleepless nights to constant feeding, you are always on your toes. However, amidst all the chaos, have you ever considered the possibility of having a parasitic infection? 

Yes, it’s a common occurrence, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Unfortunately, these parasites can also be transferred to your baby through breastfeeding. The big question, then, is whether you can do a parasite cleanse while breastfeeding. 

Define parasite infection

Before we dive into the details, let’s first understand what parasitic infections are. These infections are caused by organisms like helminths, protozoa, and ectoparasites. 

Some of the most common parasitic infections in humans are caused by:

• Giardia
• Round worm
• Pin worm
• Tapeworm 

The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fatigue. Infants and young children are more likely to have severe symptoms, particularly if they have a weak immune system. 

Parasites and the Symptoms they Can Cause

Parasite	Symptoms
Tapeworms	Abdominal pain
	Nausea and vomiting
	Weight loss
	Weakness
	Diarrhea
	Bloating
Roundworms	Abdominal pain
	Diarrhea
	Coughing
	Shortness of breath
	Fatigue
	Fever
Pinworms	Perianal itching
	Restlessness at night
	Irritability
	Loss of appetite
	Difficulty sleeping
Giardia	Nausea and vomiting
	Diarrhea
	Abdominal cramps
	Weight loss
	Fatigue
	Bloating

Can you do a parasite cleanse while breastfeeding? 

The answer is yes, but with caution. 

When considering a parasite cleanse while breastfeeding, there are several important factors to consider. An active parasitic infection may pose a risk of transmission to the baby through breast milk, thus maintaining good hygiene is vital. Certain cleanses recommend introducing it in small amounts to observe how the baby adapts.

A parasite cleanse can potentially affect the milk supply, either by lowering production or changing the composition of the breast milk. While some sources suggest that a parasite cleanse is okay during breastfeeding, it’s not highly recommended.

Certain ingredients commonly used in parasite cleanses, like wormwood, are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. There’s also a concern that toxins released during a cleanse could potentially enter the breast milk. 

That said, some sources do suggest that new mothers can safely embark on certain types of detoxes even while breastfeeding, provided they are done responsibly and under professional guidance. 

Dr Zulfiquar Ahmed shows the impact on different worms on pregnancy:

Solving parasite infections with natural herbs

The best way to tackle parasitic infections is through natural remedies. Start by boosting your immune system through a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. 

You can also increase powerful herbs like:

• garlic (food + a high-quality aged-garlic supplement)
• ginger (fresh tea or capsules — doubles as anti-nausea)
• turmeric (in food, or a curcumin supplement once nursing is established)

These superfoods have antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help flush out parasites in the body. 

Anti-parasitic

Another great natural remedy is consuming herbs that are known for their anti-parasitic properties. Some of the commonly used herbs are: 

All three are readily available in supplements and tinctures. 

General Guide on how to use anti-parasitic while breastfeeding if given the green light by your integrative doctor

Black Walnut Husk: This herb is often available in capsule form. The typical dosage is one capsule taken two to three times daily, preferably with meals. 

Wormwood: Wormwood is usually taken as a tea or tincture. For the tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried wormwood in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink. 

For a tincture, follow the instructions on the product label. Note that wormwood contains thujone, which can be harmful in large amounts, and it’s not recommended for long-term use. 

Clove: Clove can be consumed as a spice in meals, as a tea, or in capsule form. For the tea, steep 1-2 cloves in hot water for 15 minutes, then strain and drink. 

If taking a capsule, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. While clove is generally considered safe in food amounts.

Gentle, breastfeeding-friendly support options

If your provider gives you the green light to do something while nursing but wants you to skip the strong herbal tinctures for now, two gentler tools are worth knowing about: food-grade diatomaceous earth and a quality probiotic.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder of fossilized algae. It works mechanically — not chemically — by binding to and helping flush out unwanted critters in the gut. It is not absorbed systemically, which is part of why so many nursing moms feel comfortable starting with it. Begin with a small amount stirred into water on an empty stomach and work up slowly.

For more on how to use it, see our walkthrough: How to Use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth for Detox: My 30-Day Experience.

A nursing-mom probiotic matters because anything you do that disturbs gut flora — even gentle binders — benefits from rebuilding the good bacteria. Pick a multi-strain product designed for postpartum or breastfeeding mothers.

Maintain proper hygiene

In the context of considering a parasite cleanse while breastfeeding, the utmost importance should be placed on maintaining impeccable hygiene. 

Ensure that all meats are cooked thoroughly to kill any potential parasites. Likewise, fruits and vegetables should be meticulously cleaned before consumption. These simple yet effective measures can significantly reduce the risk of parasitic infections.

Concluding thoughts about “Can You Do A Parasite Cleanse While Breastfeeding”

Parasitic infections are common, and as a new mother, you need to be vigilant. Boost your immune system with a healthy diet and natural remedies like garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Consult your integrative healthcare professional before taking any treatment.

Sources and additional reading

1. LactMed (NIH/NCBI) — drug and herb safety database for nursing mothers
2. InfantRisk Center — evidence-based information on medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding
3. CDC: Parasitic infections overview
4. HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Pinworms
5. Empathic Parenting Counseling: Can I do a parasite cleanse while breastfeeding?
6. TriLight Health: Parasite cleanse FAQ
7. The Milk Cleanse: Is it safe to do a parasite cleanse while breastfeeding?
8. What To Expect community thread
9. BabyCenter community thread
10. Modern Alternative Mama: Can you detox while pregnant and breastfeeding?

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