Is Mineral Oil safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Mineral Oil. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Fifty mothers who were in the first day postpartum received 15 mL of either mineral oil or Magnolax (equivalent to 3.75 mL of mineral oil and 900 mg of magnesium hydroxide), although the exact number who received each product was not stated. Additional doses were given on subsequent days if needed. None of their breastfed infants were noted to have any markedly abnormal stools, although all of the infants also received supplemental feedings.[ 5 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. In a study of women undergoing cesarean section, subcutaneous fat was removed to analyze it for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons. Hindmilk was collected from some of the women on days 4 (n = 107) and 20 (n = 71) and also analyzed for these substances. The mean hydrocarbon content of milk fat on day 4 was 55 mg/kg of fat and on day 20 it was 15 mg/kg of fat. The amount in milk fat was correlated with the amount in subcutaneous fat. Based on questionnaires completed by the women, it appeared that the source of the hydrocarbons was accumulation over time from the application of cosmetics, such as sunscreen, hand cream and lipstick.[ 3 , 4 ] Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.