Whether pregnant with your first child or your fourth, your experience will be unique. There is, however, a vast list of meals, activities, and things to avoid. After your baby is born, some of these things hold true for you and your baby.
After months of pregnancy, we understand that you may be eager to return to some of your personal comforts that may not be healthy for you or your baby. However, if you are or intend to be nursing, you may wish to postpone certain procedures, such as Botox.
When considering Botox or any other injectable skin therapy, it’s best to put it on hold until you’re no longer pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is Botox, and how does it work?
Botox is an injectable medication with certain bacteria (Clostridium botulinum and a neurotoxin) that momentarily paralyzes muscles. Clostridium can be found in the environment and the digestive tracts of animals. When the bacteria overgrow and create an infection, it releases toxins.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an estimated 6.6 million women had Botox injections in 2016, making it the most widely used kind of minimally invasive cosmetic surgery in the country. Botox is injected into the muscle directly, and it acts by paralyzing the muscle in the location where it is administered, preventing nerve activity. A few months after the injections, the benefits of Botox wear off, and the procedure must be repeated.
Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?
It is uncertain if Botox toxins may transmit to a nursing kid via breast milk or affect unborn children during pregnancy. Thus most physicians advise against using Botox during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Botox usage during nursing is a hotly debated topic, and dermatologists have differing views on whether it is safe to do the treatment. Resuming Botox or trying it for the first time after your nursing days are over is best.
When you may safely use Botox after you stop nursing, you should consult with your healthcare professional.
Reasons to Avoid Getting Botox While Breastfeeding
Due to the lack of study, the FDA cautions against pregnant and breastfeeding women using Botox. Best practices indicate that all cosmetic operations be restricted during pregnancy to decrease the risk of unwanted consequences.
If you find yourself in murky seas like these, an ancient medical rule of thumb may be useful: It’s best to avoid placing your baby in harm’s way if the hazards exceed the benefits—and because we’re talking about taking Botox aesthetically, not medically—the most responsible course of action is to avoid it. You may, of course, discuss this with your doctor to receive their opinion. Both of you have a thorough understanding of your current predicament.
Can I Use a “Pump and a Dump” Technique?
“Pumping and dumping” is a technique done by women when they suspect their breast milk contains hazardous elements. Pumping and dumping are expressing milk and then discarding it rather than feeding it to your baby. It does not entirely remove toxic chemicals from the mom’s milk. Instead, when the chemical is metabolized out of your blood and milk, it helps sustain supply and minimizes the likelihood of engorgement. Before you may resume breastfeeding, you must wait for the drug to get out of your system.
There are no studies on how long it takes for Botox to dissolve from mother’s milk or whether it does. Botox, unlike other pharmaceuticals and alcohol, stays in the body for months. As a consequence, pump and dump is probably not the best option.
If you’re nursing, see your doctor before getting Botox injections. You and your doctor may opt to delay getting Botox until after you’ve finished nursing since there is no data on how it may damage your milk.
Breastfeeding and the Risks of Botox
Botox’s hazards when breastfeeding depends on whether Botox passes via breast milk. Regarding taking Botox while breastfeeding, there hasn’t been a lot of study on this, although there have been some early results.
When breastfeeding, can you have Botox injections?
Breastfeeding Moms’ Side Effects
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Botulinum toxin.
There have been no reports of Botox injections transferring from mother to kid.
Neurotoxins in big dosages or those allergic to these substances may be harmful with Botox injections.
Pregnant and lactating women are urged to avoid foods that may contain botulinum toxin.
If a person has any negative effects after receiving Botox injections, they should immediately consult a doctor. Though very uncommon, Botox injections may produce life-threatening adverse effects, including respiratory distress.
A few of the rare side effects of Botox injections include:
- inflammation or itching at the location of injection.
- Injection site edema, redness, discomfort, and bleeding
- muscular weakening or paralysis
- Sucking or inhaling more or less than usual, sweating excessively, or having trouble speaking
- diarrhea pain in the stomach, nausea and bloating in the stomach
- infection of the urethra
- Unknown fatigue
- an eyelid that is drooping or blurry
- symptoms like asthma
- a sense of faintness or dizziness
Can You Use Fillers When breastfeeding?
Preventing wrinkles and fine lines by regularly removing your makeup before bed may be beneficial.
Cosmetic fillers may influence the health of pregnant women and infants who are breastfeeding.
As a result, pregnant and lactating women should avoid cosmetic treatments, including fillers.
Instead, some vitamins, lotions, treatments, and lifestyle behaviors can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which may be acceptable for both nursing and pregnant women.
Wrapping Up
Women attempting to conceive or who want to breastfeed should avoid Botox injections since the toxin may remain active in the body for up to six months.
Pregnant and lactating women should always see their doctor before taking Botox, even if the potential risks are unclear.
