Can I Take Benefiber While Breastfeeding? What You Need to Know

Many breastfeeding mothers are curious if they can take Benefiber while breastfeeding 

Some people believe that you can’t take any medications or supplements when breastfeeding, but that’s not always the case.

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to using Benefiber while nursing or pregnant with the answers so that you have all of the information necessary in one place when making your final decision on how best to proceed with treatment options.

Let’s get started!

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Is Beniber Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers?

Yes, you can take Benefiber while breastfeeding your baby. However, it’s important to note that there are some things you need to know before taking the supplement and we’ll go over them here so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for your situation.

It might be worth discussing the use of Benefiber with your doctor before starting to take it just to be on the safe side.

Benefiber is a gentle, non-constipating fiber supplement that is safe for both mothers and babies. It dissolves quickly and easily in any beverage, without changing the taste or texture.

Why do We Need Fiber?

Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet for everyone, but it’s especially crucial during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Fiber helps to keep things moving along smoothly in the digestive tract, preventing constipation which can be uncomfortable (not to mention dangerous) during these times.

In addition, fiber is beneficial because it helps to regulate blood sugar levels and can even reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes down the road.

Pregnancy dietary fiber-rich diets have also been proven to lessen the risk of allergy disorders in newborns.

The fiber and other nutrients found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables promote successful fetal development and breast milk quality by supplying the vitamin B, folate, magnesium, and selenium required to prevent spina bifida, anencephaly, low birth weight, and immune and nervous system problems (see detailed research on benefits of fibre in breast milk)

What Is a Good Dietary Fiber Intake for Nursing Mothers?

A good daily fiber intake for nursing mothers is around 25-30 grams per day.

You can try to get this amount of fiber from food sources, or if that’s proving to be difficult you can supplement with a product like Benefiber.

Wholemeal bread and pasta, morning cereals, rice, pulses such as beans and lentils, and fruit and vegetables are high in fibre – after having a baby, some women experience digestive difficulties and constipation, and fibre helps with both of these.

There is a growing amount of research demonstrating the importance of fiber and prebiotics for the gut microbiota and why it is critical for newborns to acquire oligosaccharides, bacteria, and other nutrients through breastfeeding.

These breast milk components aid in the development and establishment of an infant’s growing microbiome.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Taking Benefiber While Breastfeeding?

There are a few potential side effects that you may experience if you decide to take Benefiber while breastfeeding. These can include gas, bloating and diarrhea.

If you are breastfeeding, it is important to get enough fiber in your diet. However, many women find that they have a hard time digesting the recommended amount of fiber every day.

Why Take Fiber Supplements –

Getting enough dietary fiber can be difficult for anyone but if you are also trying to breastfeed then getting the right amount of fiber can be even more challenging.

The health benefits of having a good gut health system while breastfeeding are too important to ignore.

It should be noted that fiber supplements do not give the same benefits as following a high-fiber diet.

Many fiber supplements are derived from functional whole food fibers that have been physically, chemically, or enzymatically removed from meals.

When compared to fiber consumption from whole food forms, supplement consumption (in pill or powder form) doesn’t really go through the same digestion by the gut microbiota.

Although some evidence suggests that fiber supplements may be prebiotic sources for gut microorganisms and can still be processed by bacteria to make SCFA they do not provide the other essential nutrients present in foods.

Fortunately, for breastfeeding women, there is an easy way to get extra daily fiber without having any negative side effects on your baby or yourself!

Benefiber Fiber Supplement Powder dissolves instantly in water so it’s easy to drink and gentle on your tummy – plus it comes from natural sources like wheat dextrin which makes it safe for both mom and baby!

Can Benefiber Affect Breast Milk?

There is no evidence that Benefiber will affect your breast milk.

The ingredients in the Benefiber supplement are all natural and there have been no reports of any problems with breastfeeding mothers taking this product.

If you are experiencing constipation or other digestive issues, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor or lactation consultant about adding a fiber supplement to your diet.

Taking too much Benefiber at once might cause problems with your gastrointestinal tract. Begin with a tiny dose, and see how you respond.

If you don’t like the powder form, you can even try the gummies which are a fabulous alternative.

Soluble Fiber vs Insoluble Fiber

There are two types of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble.

Benefiber is a soluble fiber supplement, which means that it dissolves in water. This type of fiber slows digestion and can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

Insoluble fibers, on the other hand, do not dissolve in water and instead work to add bulk to your stool to help with a bowel movement.

This type of fiber helps to speed up the passage of food through your digestive system and can be helpful in relieving constipation.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnancy hormones and the effect of your developing fetus pushing on your intestines cause your intestinal muscles to relax, which can induce constipation.

Both soluble and insoluble fibers are important for a healthy diet, but it is generally recommended that you get most of your fiber from whole foods rather than supplements.

What About Stool Softeners?

Stool softeners are a type of medication that helps to make stools softer and easier to pass.

They work by increasing the amount of water in your stool, which can help to prevent constipation. These can be helpful for new moms who are struggling to do a bowel movement.

Fiber therapy, either in the form of a supplement or through diet, is a better option that a stool softener because it helps to keep your gut healthy.

Pregnant women and new mothers should always seek professional medical advice before taking any medications.

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is important to speak with your doctor about the best way to manage your symptoms.

IBS can be exacerbated by dietary changes, so it is important to work closely with a health professional to figure out what works best for you.

Will Benefiber Increase Breast Milk Supply?

There is no evidence that Benefiber will increase your breast milk supply.

In fact, if you are taking a fibre supplement to increase your milk supply, you may want to try a herbal supplement like Fenugreek instead or a lactaction tea like mothers milk.

A healthcare professional can give you advice in improving your diet with other foods like leafy greens and oat milk drinks to improve milk supply.

Will Benefiber cause gas in breastfed babies?

There is no evidence that Benefiber will cause gas in breastfed babies.

Gas is a common problem for newborns, but it is usually caused by swallowing air while feeding or from bacteria in the gut.

If your baby seems to be experiencing excessive gas, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant.

Take Away

Benefiber is a dietary fiber supplement that can be helpful for people who are suffering from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other gastrointestinal problems.

The soluble fibers in Benefiber will help to regulate blood sugar levels and slow digestion while the insoluble fibers will provide bulk to your stool.

Fiber therapy with supplements like this one is an option if you struggle with irregularity, but it’s important to work closely with your doctor first.

Getting enough fiber through diet rather than supplementation should also still be considered as well because there have been no reports of any complications when taking Benefiber during pregnancy or breastfeeding.