Sunflower lecithin is often used by nursing mothers to help manage and prevent blocked milk ducts and mastitis. Out of an abundance of caution, it is advisable to seek medical advice prior to adding any herbs or supplements to your diet. Benefits of using Sunflower lecithin include:
1. Improving Milk Flow
Sunflower lecithin is a natural emulsifier, which means it helps break down fats in breast milk alowing more fat to slide off the milk sinuses for effective expression.
2. Reducing Risk of Blocked Ducts
One of the main reasons sunflower lecithin is recommended for breastfeeding mothers is its potential to reduce the risk of developing clogged ducts. By helping fats to remain suspended in the milk rather than clumping together, lecithin can make it easier for milk to flow freely through the ducts, reducing the chances of blockage.
3. Supporting Healthy Milk Consistency
Since lecithin helps with the emulsification of fat, it can potentially allow for increased milk extraction, preventing fatty deposits from sticking to the walls of the milk ducts.
4. Preventing Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection that can occur when a milk duct becomes blocked and inflamed. If the blockage is not relieved, it can lead to infection. By helping to keep milk flowing and preventing clogs, sunflower lecithin may lower the chances of mastitis developing.
NOW® Sunflower Lecithin has phosphatidyl choline, the most abundant phospholipid in the cell membrane, where it plays a key role in cellular signaling and synaptic function.* NOW® Sunflower Lecithin also naturally abounds in phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and essential fatty acids. Lecithin in the diet aids in emulsifying fats, enabling them to be dispersed in water; and as a choline-containing phospholipid, its choline is easily absorbed and utilized by the body.* NOW® Sunflower Lecithin Softgels are non-GMO and soy-free.
Pro Breastfeeding Tip: The recommendation for breastfeeding mothers dealing with clogged ducts or a history of mastitis is to take around 1200mg of Sunflower Lecithin 4 x per day.
CAUTION: If you are pregnant or taking medications for kidney disease, blood pressure or metabolism, avoid this supplement. Avoid if allergic to sunflower seeds.
