Senna During Breastfeeding: Safety And Health Benefits

Determining the safety of laxatives when nursing is vital to avert potential side effects.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jessica Madden, MD, FAAP, IBCLC Dr. Jessica Madden Dr. Jessica MaddenMD, FAAP, IBCLC MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Neonatology, Pediatrics, and Lactation Experience: 19 years
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Benefits Of Senna During Breastfeeding

Image: iStock

Senna is known to be an FDA-approved over-the-counter laxativeiA substance that encourages bowel movement. . 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 natural remedy for constipation. Read on to know more about senna, its usage, effects, and probable side effects of long-term use.

In This Article

What Is Senna?

Senna is a laxative derived from the leaves and seeds of the senna herb and is a popular medicinal plant in traditional and alternative medicine.

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 colonoscopyiA procedure where the doctor uses a scope to examine the intestines and rectum. . 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, digestive system, or other parts of the body.

If you are suffering from abdominal cramps, diarrhea, stomach upset, or other gastrointestinal tract issues, you should not take senna supplements without consulting a medical practitioner. This is because the senna laxative is a stimulantiA medication that boosts your breathing rate, heart rate, and brain function. 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.

What Is Senna

Image: IStock

In the case of pregnant women or nursing mothers, they must consult with their physicians before taking any herbal medicines, or herbal supplements 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 women’s health and wellness (2).

Since constipation and irregular bowel movements are common ailments during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, 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 in maternal nutrition should never be exceeded (3).

protip_icon Expert says
According to the UK NHS, use Senna only after trying osmoticiA kind of laxative that makes bowel movements easier by drawing more water into the intestines. and bulk-forming laxativesiLaxatives that absorb water from intestines and swell to form soft, bulky stool. (8).

Effects Of Senna While Breastfeeding

There is no harm in taking senna for the short term while nursing

Image: Shutterstock

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 as a stool softener do not cross into breast milk produced, and thus it does not cause issues such as diarrhea to babies whose mothers take senna herbal or dietary 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).

protip_icon Quick fact
Senna intake may make your pee reddish brown. However, the change in urine color is harmless and resolves as soon as the intake is discontinued (8).

Long Term Use Of Senna

The prolonged intake of senna can be detrimental to maternal health.

If consumed for a long time or in high doses, senna can severely damage your liver, affect colon health, 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 infants, it is always desirable that the mothers consume the laxative in moderation and keep an eye on the infant’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I eat senna after delivery to lose pregnancy weight?

Senna is used in herbal weight-loss products, but it is not advisable to use such products to lose pregnancy weight. Long-term use of these products may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalanceiAn imbalance in the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood. and bowel disturbances, which may be problematic in the postpartum period and while breastfeeding (5) (6).

2. How long does senna take to work?

Senna may take about eight hours to work. You need to take six to eight glasses of water for senna to work properly (4).

3. How frequently can I consume senna when I am breastfeeding?

Stimulant laxatives such as senna should be used occasionally during breastfeeding. Routine usage may cause you to rely on it for bowel movements (7).

4. Why is senna taken at night?

Since senna typically takes eight hours to show its effect, it is commonly taken before bed to permit its action while you sleep (4).

5. Should I eat after taking senna?

Senna can be taken either with or without a meal (4).

Senna is a laxative derived from seeds and leaves of the senna herb and helps relieve constipation. Studies have not shown any side effects, such as diarrhea, in breastfed babies when the mother consumes the herb in moderation. Although it is considered safe for lactating mothers, excess amounts may cause side effects. Excess consumption of Senna while breastfeeding may cause it to reach breast milk. Long-term use of senna may lead to complications such as liver damage, irritation of the stomach lining, and dependence. Always seek advice from your doctor before taking any laxatives and consult about safer home remedies.

Infographic: Risks Of Taking Senna With Other Medications When Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers need to avoid Senna if they are taking any of the drugs mentioned in the infographic. Senna may interact with these medications and cause side effects, which might also affect the breastfeeding infant. You may save and share it with other nursing moms.

why you should not take senna with these meds when nursing (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Senna is an FDA-approved, non-prescription laxative derived from the leaves and seeds of the senna herb that is used to treat constipation.
  • Senna is usually compatible with breastfeeding, and there is no harm in taking senna for the short term while nursing.
  • However, prolonged intake of senna can be detrimental to the health of mothers causing liver damage, laxative dependence, and irritation of the lining of the stomach.
Senna While Breastfeeding_illustration

Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Senna.
    https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601112.html
  2. Senna.
    https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/652.html#:~:text=Senna%20is%20an%20FDA%2Dapproved
  3. Senna.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501349/#:~:text=Summary%20of%20Use%20during%20Lactation
  4. How and When to Take Senna.
    https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/senna/how-and-when-to-take-senna/
  5. Jiamei Le et al.; (2021); Pharmacology Toxicology and Metabolism of Sennoside A A Medicinal Plant-Derived Natural Compound.
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.714586/full
  6. Side effects of senna.
    https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/senna/side-effects-of-senna/
  7. Constipation Treatment in Breastfeeding Mothers.
    https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/constipation
  8. About senna.
    https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/senna/about-senna/
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Dr. Jessica Madden
Dr. Jessica MaddenMD, FAAP, IBCLC
Jessica Madden is a pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation consultant, and mother of four, who has been taking care of newborns for more than 19 years now. She works as a neonatologist in the NICU at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and founded Primrose Newborn Care, a newborn medicine and “4th trimester” home-visiting and telemedicine practice, in 2018.

Read full bio of Dr. Jessica Madden
Jessica Albert
Jessica AlbertBE
Jessica Albert is a passionate writer who seeks to connect with her readers through wit and charm. Her work aims to invoke curiosity and keep the readers engaged through and through. She has two years of experience working with magazines and e-commerce establishments as a content marketer and editor.

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Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Anindita Ghatak
Anindita GhatakB.Tech
Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

Read full bio of Anindita Ghatak