Are You Using Deodorants While Breastfeeding?

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Soon after you become a mother, you are in for a bumpy ride. Not only do you have to deal with post-pregnancy weight gain, but you might also suffer from one too many sleepless nights. On top of this, the “stinking” problem is thrown into the mix, another issue for a new mother to deal with. Though it might come as a surprise to you all, it is true. Breastfeeding is often associated with this symptom – excessive sweating – perhaps because of hormonal changes (1). With all these hormones creating a havoc in your system, we appreciate how you manage to stay so patient and calm throughout.

The excessive sweating might tempt you to begin using a deodorant or an antiperspirant, especially to get rid of the associated bad smell. However, when you are breastfeeding, you tend to think twice before picking anything off the shelf. The same rethinking exercise happens when you are about to purchase deodorants and antiperspirants. Don’t fret! The key is to be on a lookout for the ingredients, always.

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Let us start with the basics. What is the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant? While the former creates a barrier that prevents you from sweating altogether, the latter just masks the smell of your sweat. They usually contain an aluminum-based ingredient that helps plug the sweat ducts temporarily or block out the smell. Mostly, this active ingredient is the main concern for a new mother since it has been regularly associated with diseases such as breast cancer or Alzheimer. While most of it has not been scientifically proven yet, it still makes a woman hesitant to use an antiperspirant when she is breastfeeding.

The presence of high levels of aluminum might result in various health issues in a pregnant woman. The toxicity of aluminum may result in anemia and osteomalacia. Extremely high exposure to it has also been linked to several neurological disorders (2). Also, newborn babies can be really sensitive to smell. Even the slightest of smell might be quite strong for their delicate, budding noses. It may affect their breathing and eventually their desire to feed to their satisfaction. In other words, using s strong deodorant might put them off during nursing. Babies have a tendency to keep latching on to different parts of the body, including armpits. Exposing their mouth to such harmful chemicals may scare a few mothers too. So, it may not be a bad idea for new mums to avoid frequent use of antiperspirants or deodorants.

Image: Shutterstock

Since the sweating can get quite excessive during the pregnancy and breastfeeding phase, you might feel enticed to use a deodorant or an antiperspirant. But, if you have any reservations about whether or not you should be using it, you can always go for a few remedies suggested here:

  • Try adding a few lemon drops into your bath, or even rosewater may work.
  • You can try changing your clothes a little more frequently too.
  • Keeping yourself dehydrated and having lots of fruit juices might help.
  • You can switch to a mild talcum powder instead.
  • You can also make your own natural deodorant by combining baking soda with coconut oil.

These are some of the many home remedies that you can opt for.

Any chemical product off the market shelf may scare you a little bit. Especially when you have a baby to take care of. After all, it is not just about you anymore. But, don’t worry so much. You can always opt for home-based natural solutions instead. Also, you can always consult your doctor. Sometimes these fears might just be unsubstantiated, and if it is, your doc will tell you exactly that!

As hard as it may be to imagine right now (with all the “new mother” chaos), you are a superstar. Just trust yourself. And, we know that you will sail through this phase too. Good luck!

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