Introduction
Regarding breastfeeding and infrared sauna, there are some considerations to remember. First, infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit harmless rays of infrared light for cleansing and healing. These light rays penetrate the skin, increasing blood circulation and targeting fat cells. The result is a deep-tissue massage that can help improve circulation and reduce stress levels.
Although an infrared sauna provides numerous health benefits, there are concerns about its effects on breastfed babies when the mother uses this type of sauna therapy while breastfeeding. Therefore, it is essential to understand how using an infrared sauna while breastfeeding may affect a baby before this type of therapy is undertaken.
This guide will provide an overview of how an infrared sauna works and will outline the potential risks associated with exposing a baby to this type of heat therapy while breastfeeding:
- How an infrared sauna works
- Potential risks associated with exposing a baby to an infrared sauna while breastfeeding
Benefits of Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna has been known to offer a myriad of health benefits. It is one of the most potent and natural forms of detoxification and a way to reduce stress. It can also help optimize blood circulation, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
In this article, we will take a look at the benefits of an infrared sauna when breastfeeding:
Detoxification
Infrared saunas offer a natural way to detoxify the body and perform deep tissue cleansing. Infrared sauna technology uses special lamps that produce an invisible light, known as infrared heat, which heats the body directly rather than just heating the air around it.
This heat therapy is up to five times more effective than regular saunas in removing toxins from your body, including heavy metals and traces of chemicals that can harm your health. When transferring via sweat, toxins are eliminated and replaced with beneficial minerals like zinc and magnesium – essential for healthy skin and overall well-being.
In addition to purging toxins, infrared technology is believed to aid in weight control due to increased core temperature, which increases metabolism and soaks up fat cells more quickly.
Stress Relief
One of the main benefits of infrared sauna use is its ability to help you relax, reduce stress-related hormones, and improve overall well-being. For example, infrared saunas reduce cortisol levels and other stress-related hormones while activating the parasympathetic nervous system, making it easier to maintain longer periods of relaxation.
It means that sessions in an infrared sauna can help to balance moods, combat insomnia, and improve energy levels. For breastfeeding moms specifically, this could be beneficial in assisting them to remain calm enough to continue nursing their babies. Stress relief can also lead to improved immunity and feelings of overall well-being.
Improved Circulation
Infrared sauna therapy can help improve circulation throughout the body by increasing heart rate and expanding capillaries. This increased circulation can help carry oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and organs, reducing inflammation and improving tissue health. Additionally, this increase in circulation stimulates the body’s natural healing process by removing toxins from cells and softening acid waste in the joints that cause pain.
Enhanced circulation can also support better digestion, a stronger immune system, improved mental well-being, and better cardiovascular health. These benefits make infrared saunas ideal for those looking to foster a wellness lifestyle.
Immune System Boost
The heat from an Infrared Sauna can help a nursing mother in many ways. The increased blood circulation caused by the heat helps flush toxins from the body, boosts the immune system, and helps reduce stress levels. For breastfeeding mothers, there are some specific benefits to using an infrared sauna during nursing.
An infrared sauna is gentle and safe for mothers who are breastfeeding their babies. The high temperatures typically used with an infrared sauna do not raise the temperature of a nursing mother’s breast milk to any dangerous level, making it a safe option for both mama and baby. Studies have also shown that sweat treatments with an infrared sauna can significantly improve maternal well-being, including energy increases and fatigue, anxiety, and irritability – all common side effects of postpartum life!
Using an infrared sauna during breastfeeding supports the production of essential nutrients for the baby. Sweating through the sauna provides lactating mothers with additional amounts of:
- Vitamin A, which helps protect against infections;
- zinc which increases milk production;
- selenium boosts immunities;
- magnesium eases muscle tension;
- calcium strengthens bones;
- Vitamin E increases oxygen concentrations;
- potassium supports electrolyte balance setting the stage for optimal nerve healing;
- ascorbic acid promotes collagen production and reproduction.
A routine with an infrared sauna can nourish both mom and baby through its natural calming properties, such as releasing endorphins that fight feelings of fatigue, depression, or anxiety associated with motherhood can help provide more restful sleep patterns while providing natural detoxification benefits at the same time!
Risks of Infrared Sauna
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there are certain risks associated with using an Infrared Sauna. These risks are primarily associated with the high temperatures that the sauna can reach. Moreover, there could also be potential health risks to the baby and possible changes to the milk supply.
Let’s take a look at the potential risks of using an Infrared Sauna while breastfeeding or pregnant:
Dehydration
One potential risk in infrared sauna therapy when breastfeeding is dehydration, as many mothers forget to drink enough fluids during a session. Nursing mothers must drink plenty of water before and after using an infrared sauna to prevent dehydration throughout the session.
Dehydration can cause dizziness and weakness, leading to serious health risks such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Therefore, breastfeeding moms must stay adequately hydrated while using an infrared sauna.
Overheating
Overheating is the main risk of infrared sauna use, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, limiting the time spent in the sauna is important to avoid overheating, which can harm your baby.
The optimal temperature for an infrared sauna should not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is recommended that you stay in the sauna for no more than 15-20 minutes at a time. Additionally, it’s essential to stay hydrated while using a sauna, as this can help regulate your body temperature. Remember to drink plenty of water between sessions and contact your healthcare provider before using an infrared sauna when breastfeeding or pregnant.
Low Blood Pressure
Infrared sauna use may be associated with decreased blood pressure during and after a session. It may be due to the elevated body temperature experienced when using an infrared sauna. While it’s typically not dangerous, pregnant women or those with medical conditions like low blood pressure or heart-related issues should always discuss sauna use with their doctors beforehand.
In addition, if breastfeeding while using an infrared sauna, you should get adequate rest and fluids to maintain normal blood pressure levels.
Precautions for Infrared Sauna When Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers may consider visiting an infrared sauna to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. However, it is important to take certain precautions if you are considering using an infrared sauna while breastfeeding.
This section will discuss the potential risks and safety concerns associated with visiting an infrared sauna while breastfeeding:
Check with Your Doctor
A few safety precautions should be taken when using an infrared sauna while breastfeeding. Before using an infrared sauna while lactating, you should always check with your doctor to ensure that there are no potential health risks. In addition, your physician can advise on the benefits and risks of using the sauna while breastfeeding. While the benefits may outweigh any potential risks, it is essential to consult your physician before making any decisions.
No scientific evidence generally links infrared saunas with adverse effects on breastfeeding infants. However, due to a lack of study on this topic, any possible risk is unknown. In addition, some doctors may not approve of use due to personal cautionary reasons and a lack of conclusive evidence supporting or opposing use during lactation. After considering all factors and consulting with your physician, you may feel more comfortable managing these risks, if any exist.
Understandably, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers deserve special recognition for extra protection and caution when considering the use of any heat therapy treatment, such as infrared saunas for thermal therapy purposes near or around sensitive areas such as breasts and even nipples, To be certain you have taken all necessary precautionary measures for your safety when using an infrared sauna. At the same time, for nursing, please always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before using an infrared sauna to ensure safety for both mother and child at all times!
Keep Hydrated
Staying hydrated during and after a session in the infrared sauna while breastfeeding is important. Like any sauna session, drinking plenty of fluids will help replenish electrolytes and prevent dehydration. Nursing mothers should prioritize hydrating before, during, and after the sauna by drinking ample water (around 2 liters) throughout the day. It is essential post-sauna because sweat losses can be significant in some people.
As an extra precaution and to ensure your body is receiving an appropriate level of needed hydration, adding Epsom salts to your bath or drink may help support breastfeeding. Additionally, some medical experts suggest avoiding caffeine and other diuretics before a session in the infrared sauna when breastfeeding due to their potential to cause dehydration.
Monitor Your Temperature
Infrared saunas can be enjoyed by breastfeeding mothers, but there are important precautions to take to maintain both the mother’s and baby’s health. One of the tips that are particularly important to follow when using an infrared sauna while breastfeeding is to monitor your temperature. A safe temperature can differ from individual to individual, but generally, it should not exceed 104°F. Monitoring internal body temperature is safest achieved with a reliable thermometer and infrared sauna user manual before entering the unit. If the mother keeps her temperature below 104°F, it should not pose any risks for her or the baby.
It is also essential to stay hydrated while breastfeeding, and an infrared sauna session can especially leech moisture from your body due to its intense heating power. Therefore, you must replenish lost liquids by drinking plenty of water or herbal tea throughout the day and during your infrared sauna session. Staying hydrated will also help regulate your body’s core temperature and energize you after a session in the infrared sauna!
Finally, ensure that you wear appropriate clothing for an infrared sauna session – light materials such as cotton or linen are best for allowing penetration of far-infrared rays, but keeping sweat away from your skin can help reduce dizziness or nausea during your session.
Avoid Overheating
The temperature should not exceed 140°F To provide an environment that is safe for both mother and baby when using an infrared sauna. It can be achieved by controlling the time spent in the sauna and avoiding overheating.
Further precautions recommend that pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should stay hydrated but avoid drinking alcohol before or after the use of any sauna. The use of a baby monitor is also encouraged to monitor heart rate and breathing as well as provide reassurance to the mother. Furthermore, a breastfeeding mother should wear clothing that covers her chest while in the infrared sauna or keep her towel over her chest while nursing her baby outside the sauna cabin.
Finally, you must consult with your physician before using any health product, such as an infrared sauna, while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
The decision to use an infrared sauna while breastfeeding is personal and should be made in consultation with your doctor. While some possible benefits may include improved circulation, muscle tension relief, and toxins elimination, there is not enough scientific evidence to support using the infrared sauna while breastfeeding.
Infrared radiation penetrating the body can cause long-term health risks when used excessively or without proper ventilation. In addition, scorching environments while breastfeeding could affect milk supply and production. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should exercise caution when considering infrared saunas.
Ultimately, these issues should be discussed with your healthcare provider before adding an infrared sauna to your health routine while nursing.