Lavender oil and breast feeding - urgent advice please

[hairytale]

sorry but I need the high traffic of aibu.

I've just had a bath with lavender oil for my bad back and I'm breast feeding.

Stupidly I didn't check first - can't believe I was so dumb. Everything I can find says avoid lavender oil and now I'm worrying I've poisoned my baby :(

It's fine. Relax. No prob. I checked it out early on after a similar panic. Is wash it off your boobies though.

Is means I would!

Lavender oil should not be used on pregnant or breastfeeding women due to its estrogenic effect which may imbalance hormones. InteliHealth, alternative medicine information provided by the Harvard Medical School, states that ingestion of lavender may trigger menstruation which is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Read more: www.livestrong.com/article/141713-what-are-dangers-lavender-oil/#ixzz1x3R9haM2

I don't think you'll poison the baby but phone nhs direct if you're concerned.

Seems to be listed as safe. I know it's recommended for actual birth along with clary sage. Might make the baby a bit more sleepy than usual!

I received totally different information.

Dont panic. Lots of products out there that are specifically for babies contain lavender, so it can't be that bad. Like this

Thanks kitty and gnits I've showered thoroughly.

Perhaps a pfb moment! Hopefully will be ok.

You'll be fine toxicity-wise, going by this:

A 2.0% dilution of True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil applied to the abdomen of a volunteer, showed that approximately 10% of the Lavender oil was absorbed into the general blood circulation, showing a relatively rapid absorption rate that peaked 20 minutes after application. After 90 minutes, both linalool and linalyl acetate (the compounds tested for) had dropped almost to zero, showing almost complete biotransformation and excretion. (16)

Only a small proportion of the lavender oil in your bath would get into your bloodstream and will be gone quickly.

Thanks kitty and gnits I've showered thoroughly.

Perhaps a pfb moment! Hopefully will be ok.

I was advised by hospital to put tea tree and lavender oil in my bath to help aid healing after tearing and I was breastfeeding I did this with all 3 of my children x

Thanks.

Enjoy your baby and feeding experience. I'm loving it.

I love it too :)