Infrared Sauna While Breastfeeding: A Detailed Guide To Nursing Moms
Can you use an infrared sauna while breastfeeding? The quick answer is - YES! Infrared saunas are safe for most breastfeeding moms. A common concern about the therapy is that it can reduce milk supply and release toxins through the milk. However, if taken moderately and your body is well-hydrated, you can easily avoid these risks. For extra safety, taking a doctor's advice before using the infrared sauna is crucial.
Can you go in an infrared sauna while breastfeeding?
The main concern of sauna is raising the body temperature, sweating, and dehydration. Some health experts do not recommend an infrared sauna because it can reduce the milk supply. Except for this, the therapy is generally relaxing and beneficial for breastfeeding moms.
This contradiction may confuse you. Many would even ask - can you do an infrared sauna while breastfeeding? Without being confounded, prioritize how your body reacts to it while breastfeeding. Infrared sauna centers also encourage you to consult a healthcare expert about whether you should or should not go in an infrared sauna as a breastfeeding mother.
How long should you take sauna while breastfeeding?
The optimal time for a sauna session is between 15 and 20 minutes. As a nursing mother, you can take 5 to 10 minutes of infrared sauna without physical complications. Limiting the sauna time prevents dehydration. The approach should not affect milk supply if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, if you can adapt, the session can be longer while breastfeeding.
Benefits of infrared sauna for breastfeeding mothers:
The infrared sauna offers several advantages to breastfeeding mothers, except for minor physical issues.
1. Pain relief
Infrared sauna works excellent against pain linked to mastitis, clogged ducts, and postpartum muscle aches. The heat generated in the sauna promotes blood flow. It helps you cure discomfort, inflammation, and postpartum period pain.
2. Improve circulation
Infrared rays enhance blood circulation to the breasts. It is an effective way to treat clogged ducts in the breast. Thus, the therapy boosts milk production and supply. Besides, stimulation in blood circulation improves your overall wellness.
3. Detoxification
When we sweat, it naturally detoxifies our bodies. Infrared saunas cause a deep sweat and eliminate toxins from your body. Along with overall wellness, it also improves milk quality.
4. Stress reduction
The relaxing environment in sauna rooms is designed to lessen stress levels. It can improve your mood and lower stress by releasing endorphins, also called the happy hormone. Thus, you can sleep better at night, which benefits breastfeeding mothers.
Is it safe to use an infrared sauna while breastfeeding?
Due to limited research on the topic, experts found no direct answer to the question. There is no strong evidence that infrared sauna impacts milk production. Moderate session of the therapy is found safe for most nursing moms. But, the milk supply can be less if your body is dehydrated.
If you have uncontrolled diabetes, you should avoid infrared sauna or consult a doctor first. Diabetic people are more prone to excessive dehydration and low blood sugar levels during the sauna session. In the case of uncontrolled diabetes, sauna can worsen the health condition. Pregnancy is another unsafe period for sauna baths because the heat is harmful to the fetus.
Risks involved in the infrared sauna while breastfeeding:
Infrared sauna has no major risks for breastfeeding mothers. Here are the minor issues you can experience.
1. Dehydration
The most common issue in the sauna is dehydration, caused by excessive sweating during the session. If you do not consume sufficient liquid, it can reduce your breast milk supply. A breastfeeding mother must be extra careful about dehydration if she decides to take an infrared sauna bath.
2. Toxins
Detoxification is a key benefit of sauna. But, toxins can transfer through breast milk. Though the amount of toxins found after sauna is harmless for babies, you still should seek personalized advice from a doctor.
3. Overheating
An infrared sauna will surely raise your body temperature. You need to be careful if you are obese and have chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Overheating can be a risk factor if you are taking certain medications reactive to overheating.
Safety recommendation for a sauna while breastfeeding:
Infrared saunas will not harm breastfeeding moms if they follow expert recommendations. Let’s check them out:
Consult a health care expert to assess the risk of sauna for you. They can give you personalized advice, whether you can go for a sauna or not.
After taking a sauna bath, wait at least 2 hours before breastfeeding your baby. The interval will prevent the transfer of heat or toxins through breast milk.
Stay hydrated before and after the sauna session. Drink plenty of liquid so the sauna does not reduce your milk supply.
Start slowly if you are a beginner, or taking a sauna after a long gap. Short sessions [5 to 10 minutes] are recommended for breastfeeding moms.
Listen to your body during the therapy. If you experience nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness, stop the sauna bath immediately and cool down your body.
Check the milk supply and quality after a sauna. If anything seems abnormal, contact a doctor soon.
Do steam saunas and infrared saunas have any different impacts?
Different opinions are there about the steam and infrared sauna. Generally, any sauna is discouraged for breastfeeding mothers due to potential risk factors. However, both can be beneficial if the individual is aware of them and takes preventive steps.
A humid environment is created in the steam sauna to raise body temperature. The method causes excessive sweating and dehydration, which can affect milk supply.
In contrast, infrared light is used to heat the body directly in infrared sauna services. Infrared waves can penetrate deeper into tissue without raising the room temperature. It is more safe for people who cannot tolerate heat and humidity.
So, an infrared sauna is the best option for breastfeeding moms comparatively. It can stimulate your lactation, improve sleep quality, reduce stress hormones, and increase milk flow if taken with precautions.
Alternative to the sauna for breastfeeding mothers
If you are looking for an alternate approach to sauna, here are the best options.
1. Yoga
Yoga is popular around the world as a physical activity to stay fit. It is an excellent combination of exercise, breathing, and meditation. This activity will improve your overall fitness and stimulate the breast milk supply. Yoga postures are very relaxing and effective for stress reduction. It makes your body flexible, cures pain and prevents injury.
2. Meditation
Try meditation once if you use the sauna as a stress reliever and mental wellness. It is a powerful practice that trains you to focus on the present moment and develop strong attention. Millions of people do meditation to improve their moods and reduce anxiety. It has different types and levels. So, consult an expert to help you choose the ideal one.
3. Massage
Body massage has numerous benefits beyond relaxation and pain relief. Some therapists offer prenatal and postnatal massage that are highly beneficial for breastfeeding moms. It improves blood flow and ensures your overall wellness.
4. Warm bath
One of the best alternatives to sauna is the warm bath. A warm bath is highly effective if you want a soothing way to lessen stress and tension. A warm bath is quite relaxing and provides a similar feeling to a sauna bath. It boosts your blood circulation and ensures quality sleep at night. You can add essential oils to warm baths for an extra relaxing experience.
The Verdict
Sauna and breastfeeding are often seen as conflicting. However, it offers several mental and physical advantages for breastfeeding mothers. Many believe that sauna bath decreases milk supply or releases toxins through breast milk. The evidence for these claims is weaker. However, dehydration is a common risk that you can easily prevent by consuming sufficient liquid. Infrared saunas can be unsafe for people with specific health conditions. So, always consult a doctor before you decide to take a session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can sauna alter the breast milk quality?
No direct evidence is found that a sauna can alter the quality of breast milk.
Q. What is the best time of the day to go to the sauna?
Morning is the best time to take a sauna for anyone. You can enjoy a mental sharpness all day long.
Q. Should you take a traditional or infrared sauna as a nursing mother?
The infrared sauna is safer for breastfeeding moms due to their gentle heat and deep tissue penetration.
