BreastHealth+ to Support Lactation
We are so excited to introduce a new product that will be available for purchase at Women in Motion - BreastHealth+, a probiotic, prebiotic, and choline blend that helps support you and your baby throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Key Benefits of BreastHealth+
Probiotic:
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They can be naturally found in certain foods or available as dietary supplements. Probiotics have been found to support a mother and infant’s microbiome. The microbiome, genetic expression, and environmental factors are thought to contribute to a development of certain conditions and sensitivities such as clogged milk ducts, mastitis, eczema, and colic.
Who is at risk for dysbiosis or disruption of the microbiome?
Women who deliver via cesarean
Women who receive antibiotics prior to delivery
Women that have retained placental tissue
Women that deliver prior to 38 weeks of gestation
In 2022 the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine updated their clinical protocol regarding conditions on the mastitis spectrum and studies show that L. Salivarius and L. Fermentum strains of probiotics directly impact the breast microbiome, specifically during cases of clogged ducts and mastitis. They have been shown to be just as effective as antibiotics when used to treat mastitis along with supportive measures. These probiotics can decrease the likelihood of breast dysbiosis that can lead to recurrent mastitis. Supporting a healthy gut microbiome also helps to reduce whole body inflammation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has also published studies that show that probiotics may be of benefit in treatment of colic in exclusively breastfed infants and that probiotics and prebiotic treatment reduced the occurrence of eczema and atopic eczema in infants.
Prebiotics:
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers and compounds that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. Unlike probiotics, which are live microorganisms, prebiotics are substances that stimulate the growth or activity of these good bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy balance in your digestive system. They play a vital role in supporting the gut microbiome as well.
Choline:
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that all pregnant women get 450 mg of choline daily. Choline is critical during fetal development as it impacts brain and spinal cord development. Adequate amounts of choline decreases the risk of neural tube defects and improves lifelong memory function per the National Library of Medicine. The body produces some choline on its own but it isn’t enough to meet the needs throughout pregnancy. It is essential to get choline through diet or supplementation and unfortunately most prenatal vitamins do not contain choline at this time.
Choline has also been found to help reduce inflammation so it is recommended as a conservative treatment for clogged milk ducts and mastitis.
When to start:
Start with 2 capsules of BreastHealth+ in the third trimester of pregnancy. Continue while breastfeeding or pumping to prevent clogged ducts/mastitis and support a healthy gut microbiome.
At Women in Motion, we pride ourselves in bringing you the most up to date, evidence based information and products. We fully back BreastHealth+ and know that it will be a great asset to you throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
