Evening primrose oil

[katie-p-]

I was wondering if this is okay to take while nursing. I have EXTREMELY dry and itchy skin on my face and read in my health/healing book this was good for it. I'd probably be taking it for awhile if it seems to improve my situation. I've read about it in my Herb book and it didn't list any caution, except some possible side effects. Thanks for any input/info you all might have.

' Katie

[chevy974]

i only used it at the end of my pregnancy to help soften the cervix

[ladylee]

I haven't heard not to take it during nursing, only during pregnancy due to its effect on hormones. But I'm unclear if it would have a hormonal impact on a nursing child--which I would personally be concerned about.

I have heard of it being used for hyperactive children, though.

[zombiemommie]

In the books Superimmunity for Kids, Healing Ear Infections Naturally, and another that I forget the name of, they go into all of this discussion on EFA's (essentially fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6) and their effect on the immune system (they boost the immune system by acting on prostaglandins) and all 3 books suggest supplementing your baby/toddler/childs diet with EFA's if they are susceptible to illness, have dry skin etc and/or during times of stress and say like the winter months when everybody gets sick etc. Anyway I have been supplementing my 28 month old since he was about 15 months old with an Evening Primrose Oil and Flaxseed combination and not only has it helped it helped his skin too. MOral of the story it is safe to give directly to baby/toddler, the amount that would be excreted in your milk should be way beyond safe, KWIM ?

HTH

[ccm'smom]

Evening Primrose Oil

Do you have a La Leche League Leader in your area you can call? They have been helpful to me when I need an answer on takng medications. Perhaps they may know..

[katie-p-]

Thanks for the info everyone. I wondered about the hormonal impact on my babe but I think my hormones are out of whack and that is what is causing the dry skin. It started right after my first baby.
Zombiemommie - thAT'S GREAT TO KNOW SINCE DS HAS COME DOWN W/ HIS FIRST COLD AND HE'S ONLY 5 1/2 months. (Oops accidently hit the cap. lock button).

Ccm'smom - yes we do and I'll check w/ her.

[Aster]

http://www.kellymom.com/herbs_e.html#eveningprimrose

I've been taking EPO for the last 7 months while nursing. I havent seen anything to indicate that it is unsafe and have found it to be very beneficial.