Have an account?
Log in to check out faster.
Loading...
May, 2024
June, 2024
Learn why you should start your probiotics journey with Bio-K+
Our scientifically proven formulas are designed to support your unique health journey
The postpartum period brings significant changes to gut and vaginal flora. Probiotic supplements are commonly used postpartum. This page covers current research on breastfeeding safety. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
A review published in Canadian Family Physician by the Motherisk Team at the Hospital for Sick Children states that probiotics do not appear to pose safety concerns for pregnant and lactating women (PMC3056676). Probiotics from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are rarely absorbed systemically in healthy individuals and are unlikely to transfer into breast milk in meaningful amounts. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement while breastfeeding.
The Motherisk Team at the Hospital for Sick Children conducted a review of probiotic safety during pregnancy and lactation, published in Canadian Family Physician (PMC3056676). The review examined published randomized controlled trials and concluded that probiotics do not appear to pose safety concerns for lactating women and are unlikely to transfer into breast milk. This remains a key clinical reference for this question. Always consult a healthcare provider, as individual circumstances vary.
The postpartum period involves significant hormonal shifts, and both the gut and vaginal microbiome undergo measurable changes. Factors affecting gut microbiome composition postpartum include hormonal recalibration, changes in diet and sleep, and antibiotic use, all of which are common in the weeks following birth. If antibiotics were used during or after birth, gut bacterial diversity may be temporarily reduced. Consistent daily probiotic supplement use can be part of an overall approach to supporting digestive health.†
Research has confirmed that breast milk contains its own microbiome, and beneficial bacteria in breast milk contribute to early colonization of the infant's gut. Some research suggests this microbiome may be influenced by the mother's gut through the entero-mammary pathway, an active research area, not a settled clinical finding. Postpartum digestive changes are common. Supporting gut flora health through consistent daily probiotic supplement use contributes to a healthy digestive system.†
The vaginal microbiome undergoes significant changes after birth. Hormonal shifts in the postpartum period can temporarily alter vaginal flora composition. Research into probiotics for postpartum vaginal flora is still developing; evidence is strain-specific. Women's Health Probiotic Capsules, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1™ and Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14™, help restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora and reduce yeast and bacteria on vaginal surfaces. No postpartum recovery or breastfeeding claim is made. Consult a healthcare provider.
Full strain name: look for the complete genus, species, and alphanumeric designation. "Lactobacillus blend" is insufficient. CFU must be guaranteed until expiry, not at manufacture. Bio-K+ Extra Care Probiotic Capsules contain 50 billion live and active bacteria, guaranteed until expiry, supporting digestive and immune health.† Original drinkables contain 50 billion, guaranteed until expiry. Always consult your healthcare provider before use.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
In the United States, probiotic supplements are regulated by the FDA as dietary supplements under DSHEA. No probiotic dietary supplement holds an FDA-approved claim for breastfeeding support, lactation, or milk supply. Approved structure-function claims relate to digestive and immune health.† If a product advertises breastfeeding or lactation benefits, verify its label claims. Bio-K+ follows FDA guidelines and carries only authorized claim language.
A review published in Canadian Family Physician by the Motherisk Team at the Hospital for Sick Children states that probiotics from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium do not appear to pose safety concerns for lactating women. Probiotics are unlikely to transfer into breast milk in meaningful amounts. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any supplement during breastfeeding.
There is no single best probiotic for all breastfeeding women. Look for full strain names with alphanumeric designations and a guaranteed CFU count until the expiry date. Most safety research in breastfeeding populations has used Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Discuss any product with your healthcare provider before starting.†
Research indicates that probiotics from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are unlikely to transfer into breast milk in meaningful amounts; they are rarely absorbed systemically in healthy individuals (PMC3056676). The breast milk microbiome is a separate and naturally occurring ecosystem. Maternal probiotic supplementation does not appear to significantly alter its composition based on current evidence.
The vaginal microbiome changes significantly in the postpartum period. Some research suggests probiotic strains may support a balanced vaginal environment, though evidence specific to the postpartum breastfeeding context is still developing. Women's Health Probiotic Capsules (GR-1™/RC-14™) help restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora and reduce yeast and bacteria on vaginal surfaces. No postpartum recovery or breastfeeding claim is made. Consult a healthcare provider for personal guidance.
Many women who used a daily probiotic supplement during pregnancy choose to continue in the postpartum and breastfeeding period. Current research suggests this is generally safe for healthy lactating women using Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. A daily probiotic supplement supports digestive and immune health as part of an overall wellness routine.† Always discuss continuation with your healthcare provider to ensure the product is appropriate for your situation.
Follow @biokplususa and tag us to be mentioned
