Is Rhubarb safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Rhubarb. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
In an old uncontrolled study, 9 nursing mothers were given 9.2 mL of rhubarb syrup on day 5 postpartum and each successive evening until discharge. Although all of the mothers had a laxative effect from this regimen, none of their breastfed infant had any noticeable laxative effects.[ 1 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. After administration of 9.3 mL of rhubarb syrup to 9 nursing mothers, anthraquinones were undetectable ( 220 mg/L of rhubarb using a colorimetric method) in breastmilk collected over 20 hours. The authors also cite a previous study that found no detectable aloes in the milk of mothers given rhubarb using an ultraviolet fluorescent assay. In both studies, laxative principles were detectable in breastmilk after other anthraquinone-containing laxatives were administered to nursing mothers.[ 1 ] 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.