8 Ways to Use Coconut Oil For Breastfeeding (+ Pumping!)
If you're wondering if you can use coconut oil for breastfeeding, we’re here to tell you an absolute YES!
Millions of people around the world use coconut oil every day as a natural remedy for different things and pregnant and breastfeeding mamas are no exception!
(this post may contain affiliate links)
Can coconut oil be used during pregnancy?
Yes! Did you know that ingesting some coconut oil may help relieve pregnancy-induced nausea and heartburn? Simply eat a spoonful of coconut oil or stir it into your favorite smoothie or soup recipe!
Not only that - it’s a healthy fat that’ll help you absorb more calcium during pregnancy!
As an external treatment, you can also rub coconut oil on your belly to help combat pregnancy stretch marks.
If you have doubts, you can always talk to your doctor to verify that it is safe and effective for you to use.
It’s a GREAT idea to take a simple and affordable breastfeeding class. Breastfeeding is something you need to LEARN to do. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Class is on-demand and perfect for new moms.
Is Coconut Oil Safe For Breastfeeding?
Yes, as long as it's used in moderation when applied to the breast, coconut oil should be safe for breastfed newborns.
This doesn't mean that they should be ingesting it on their own but it DOES mean that if you have a bit on your breasts to help with cracked or dry nipples, you shouldn't worry that it's going to cause them any harm.
If you notice your baby has any sort of sensitivity to the coconut oil, you should stop using it immediately and consult with your doctor before you use it again.
Our favorite coconut oil is THIS ONE, because it’s extra virgin, cold-pressed, non-GMO, organic, and very affordable!
Does coconut oil help produce breast milk?
While there are no scientific studies demonstrating that coconut oil increases milk supply, there IS evidence that ingesting coconut products increases the antimicrobial properties of breast milk!
A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that breastfeeding women who ingested coconut oil had significantly higher levels of lauric acid in their breast milk which has powerful anti-microbial fatty acids that protects the immune system of your baby.
Coconut oil for breastfeeding nipples
Let's be real. Breastfeeding nipples can sometimes be an absolute nightmare when you’re learning how to latch your baby successfully.
Coconut oil is a great way to keep them moisturized and to prevent cracking.
Coconut Oil for Cracked Nipples
If you're already to a point where your nipples are cracked, stay calm and grab the coconut oil.
Even though there's no way to "instantly heal" them, you can apply the coconut oil to make them less dry and hopefully to take away some of the pain. Since coconut oil is a natural product, you don't have to worry about chemicals or anything else that you'll find in things that are over the counter.
Related Article: 6 Home Remedies For Sore, Cracked Nipples
refined or unrefined coconut oil for breastfeeding?
You can actually use both when it comes to breastfeeding. Unrefined coconut oil just means it’s less processed.
use coconut oil on your breast pump flange
Did you know you can actually use coconut oil on your breast pump flange to remove some friction between the pump and your nipples?
It can make pumping so much more comfortable and you may end up pumping more milk because of it!
Just rub a little bit of coconut oil around the flange area of your pump before you begin.
Coconut Oil can help with thrush
If your baby develops thrush from breastfeeding, rubbing some coconut oil on your nipples may help the thrush to go away faster.
PRO-TIP: A little bit of coconut oil can also go quite a long way so you don't need to use a ton for it to be effective.
Our favorite coconut oil:
