by Kelly
(Australia)

Hi,

I hope you can tell me if you think taking Olive Leaf Extract while breastfeeding is safe.

I started taking it about two months ago, and I'm breastfeeding a 10-month-old. I have now stopped. But this week, my son's weight was checked, and he is 2kgs underweight for his height.

Do you think this may be from me taking the olive leaf extract while breastfeeding? He doesn't like solids that much but still eats quite a bit. And regularly breastfeeds still.

My two older sons never had any weight issues.

Thanks so much.

Comments for Olive Leaf Extract While Breastfeeding
by Tracy

Olive leaf extract is often used instead of an antibiotic, even while breastfeeding, with no ill effects; however, that is no guarantee that it is safe since no scientific research can back its safety.  Olive leaf extract is sometimes given to older children in smaller amounts...they don't like the taste too much. I don't think it has anything to do with your baby's weight.

If your baby's weight stays on the same centile line, they won't be too concerned about it as long as he grows steadily. They will monitor you closely for a while to ensure that his length and head circumference stay within the same growth pattern as the weight. Don't worry too much about this. He is probably just a little smaller than the average baby his age.

How much does your baby consume in 24 hours, including breastfeeding?

Kind regards

Tracy

Reply
by: Kelly

Hi Tracy, Thanks so much for getting back to me. All your information is fantastic. Loxley will feed:5am. Breastmilk6.30am. Baby Iron enriched banana porridge with mashed up banana 8 am Breast milk 10 am. Baby yogurt12pm. Mashed fruit of some variety2pm. Breastmilk4pm. I usually give him dinner rather than afternoon tea. Usually tuna with rice puree, chicken and veg puree, or beef and veggies.. 5 pm. Baby custard while my older boys eat their dinner6pm. Breastmilk before bed, and usually wakes up twice a night for breastmilk. Do you think this diet is okay? I think he is eating quite a bit and not putting on weight. I was just at the pediatrician this week, and because he is advanced in his milestones, sleeps well, and is very healthy looking, he wasn't too concerned. But he has done some blood, urine, and poo tests to be sure since 2kgs under his weight is quite a lot. Loxley is healthy and happy, but when I discovered how underweight he is, I started to question the olive leaf extract, which is the only thing I have done differently with my three sons. Thanks again for your help!

Sounds good
by: Tracy

Hi, Kelly

That diet sounds good. You might want to start advancing from cereals and pureed fruits to soft finger foods with more texture and variety; this might get him eating a little more too. Maybe he is just smaller than the average. Keep an eye on it, but don't worry...as long as your baby is as happy as you say he is, I'm sure he is healthy. I hope this helps. Keep me up to date... ;-)

The way you feed
by: Elsabe

One of my Twincesses didn't gain much weight at one stage, and my lactation consultant told me to feed her from the same breast twice before switching. Also, gently squeeze my chest as she sucks to help her get more hindmilk in. (You do this deeper into the breast, not near the nipple and areola.)I'm not sure if it will work for your boy, who's a bit bigger now, but I think it could be worth the try!

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