Can I Do Sauna while Breastfeeding: New Moms Safely Enjoy a Sauna?

Considering a sauna while breastfeeding? Understand the risks, how to stay safe, and find self-care alternatives.

Being a new mom is amazing but incredibly demanding. It’s natural to crave moments of relaxation and self-care.

Saunas are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers as long as they prioritize their hydration and comfort. Pregnant women, however, should avoid saunas due to the potential risks of miscarriage from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Navigating the early days of motherhood can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to find time for self-care. If you’re a new mom, you might be wondering, Can I do sauna while breastfeeding? This question is more common than you might think.

With concerns about milk supply, dehydration, and overall safety, it’s natural to want clear answers before stepping into the heat.

Can I Do Sauna while Breastfeeding?

Yes, using a sauna while breastfeeding can be safe and beneficial for nursing mothers as long as they avoid extreme temperatures and infrared saunas.

However, it is advisable to confer with a doctor before using a sauna postpartum and to limit the sauna sessions to 15 minutes or less. Ensure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session to prevent dehydration.

How to Safely Enjoy a Sauna

The health benefits of having a sauna are well known, but what about the safety considerations for breastfeeding mothers? Many moms wonder if it’s safe to enjoy a sauna while breastfeeding, and the answer is yes! With the proper precautions and research, nursing mothers can safely reap the rewards of a sauna.

Limiting sessions to 15 minutes or less and avoiding extreme temperatures to stay safe in the sauna. Monitor your feelings to prevent overheating and ensure hydration by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the session.

It’s recommended to steer clear of essential oils or fragrances, as they may trigger allergic reactions in both the mother and baby.

Key Concerns About Saunas and Breastfeeding

• Overheating: The Risk Factor Saunas are designed to raise your body temperature significantly. While generally safe for short periods, breastfeeding mothers need to be extra cautious. Overheating can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness, which could be dangerous for you and make caring for your baby difficult. It’s essential to listen to your body and exit the sauna immediately if you feel unwell.
• Dehydration: A Threat to Milk Supply Sweating is the body’s natural cooling mechanism, but saunas accelerate fluid loss. Breastfeeding mothers already need increased hydration, and saunas can compound this. Dehydration can negatively impact your milk supply and overall well-being. It’s crucial to drink plenty of water before, during, and after a sauna session.
• Toxins: What’s the Concern? One touted benefit of saunas is helping the body release toxins through sweat. While there’s some truth to this, there’s limited research specifically on whether these toxins could transfer into breast milk. It’s best to err on the side of caution until more information is available; however, don’t let this be a major source of worry.

[wps_alert type=”primary”]Important Note: Every woman’s body reacts differently to saunas. What feels comfortable for one person might be too intense for another. Always put your well-being first![/wps_alert]

Benefits of Sauna for Moms

Saunas provide moms benefits like improved recovery, increased human growth hormone, toxin elimination, boosted immune system, stress reduction, and better blood circulation and skin health.

Despite the relaxation effect from increased skin temperature, pulse rate, and dilated blood vessels, staying hydrated is essential due to water loss. Regular sauna use is linked to enhanced heart health and reduced oxidative stress.

Risks of Sauna While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers should exercise caution, as these toxins may transfer to infants through breast milk. Though the quantity of toxins released through sweat is typically small, it’s advisable for breastfeeding mothers to avoid activities that could heighten their exposure to toxins.

Infant Care During Sauna Time

Most parents are aware of the many benefits of a sauna. From improved immunity to relaxation, there is no doubt that it can be an excellent way for moms to relax and recharge.

Babies in Finland typically have their first sauna experience at 4.5 months. Their larger skin area helps them warm up quickly.

It’s advised to limit sauna time to ten minutes, staying hydrated during and after. Starting with temperatures of 68°F to 72°F and short 3 to 5-minute sessions on a lower bench ensures safety.

After the sauna, a lukewarm shower, fresh air, and proper hydration, followed by cuddling with parents, complete the experience.

Tips for Sauna Use While Breastfeeding (If Deemed Safe)

• Talk to Your Doctor First: This is essential before using a sauna while breastfeeding. Your doctor knows your medical history and can advise you on whether it’s a safe choice for you individually. This is especially important if you have any underlying health concerns.
• Short and Sweet: If your doctor gives the okay, start with short sauna sessions (around 15 minutes or less). Pay close attention to how you feel. If you experience any discomfort, stop immediately, even before the time is up.
• Hydration is Key: This can’t be overstated! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session. Breastfeeding alone increases your fluid needs, and the sauna intensifies this. Dehydration can be dangerous on its own, and can also impact your milk supply.
• Listen to Your Body: Your body is your best guide! If you start feeling dizzy, lightheaded, overly hot, or unwell in any way, exit the sauna right away. Don’t push yourself.
• Hygiene (Optional): Breastfeeding moms might experience some milk leakage due to the heat. If this is a concern, consider using nursing pads during your sauna session for comfort.

They may also recommend wearing loose clothing during the session so that sweat does not get onto their skin or clothes when exiting the sauna.

[wps_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/FkDsVeJyLJc” responsive=”yes” autoplay=”yes”]

Alternatives for Relaxation

Saunas might not be the best fit for everyone while breastfeeding, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice relaxation! There are many other wonderful ways to unwind and practice self-care:

• Warm Baths: A warm (not hot) bath can soothe tired muscles and offer a calming environment for a mental break. Add some relaxing scents like lavender for extra tranquility.
• Meditation or Deep Breathing: Even a few minutes of meditation or focused deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. There are many guided resources available online and through apps.
• Gentle Exercise: A light walk, some restorative yoga, or a calming stretching session can release tension and improve your mood.
• Time in Nature: Spending time outdoors, even just sitting in the sun for a short period, can work wonders for the mind and body.
• Creative Hobbies: Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, listening to music, or pursuing a creative outlet.

Remember: Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for being the best mom you can be!

Using an Infrared Sauna While Breastfeeding

Using an infrared sauna while breastfeeding is generally not recommended. Here’s why:

• Overheating Risk: Saunas can raise your body temperature, posing risks to both you and your baby if you become overheated.
• Dehydration: Saunas cause sweating, leading to fluid loss. Dehydration can negatively impact your milk supply and overall health.
• Limited Research: There’s not enough research on whether toxins released in sweat can transfer into breast milk.

[wps_alert type=”note”]Note: So manufacturers suggest breastfeeding women avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after using the sauna. A study concluded, “Far-infrared sauna use is safe and effective for increasing lactation in breastfeeding mothers.” Some practitioners recommend avoiding saunas entirely during breastfeeding due to concerns about toxins being excreted via breast milk.[/wps_alert]

When Can You Start Steaming After Delivery: Vaginal vs. Cesarean

We have 2 types of childbirth delivery one is normal, and the second is operational delivery Yes, there are two types of childbirth delivery: Vaginal, Cesarean (C-section)

For vaginal delivery, steaming recommendations range from one hour to nine days after childbirth. Some cultures even deliver babies in a “steam house” structure designated for vaginal steaming.

However, most experts recommend waiting at least four weeks postpartum before using a sauna or steam room. Cesarean delivery takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each person’s timeline will differ. 

Steam Sauna while Breastfeeding

Using a steam sauna while breastfeeding can be safe and beneficial in moderation, but it’s crucial to seek medical advice first and monitor your baby’s well-being. Be aware of potential risks: high heat and humidity may affect breast milk, impacting supply and hydration.

Limit sauna time to 10 minutes, hydrate well, and wait at least two hours before breastfeeding to minimize potential harm from increased toxins. Attention to warnings, especially in infrared saunas, as their effects on breast milk are less understood.

Postpartum depression and sauna

There is limited research on using saunas as a treatment specifically for postpartum depression, but here is what we know so far:

Early studies suggest that using infrared saunas may potentially alleviate symptoms of depression by promoting relaxation, releasing endorphins, and elevating serotonin levels. A small survey of postpartum women showed a reduction in depression scores after four weeks of far-infrared sauna use.

While more research is needed, saunas may aid in stress reduction and improved sleep, factors that can impact postpartum depression.

For additional information, visit Hot Tub Patio, or if you’re interested in more reading, see our Guides.

For more reading: Sauna While Breastfeeding or Nursing

Common Queries:

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=” Is the sauna safe during breastfeeding?”]Yes. It is safe for both mom and baby. It can be very beneficial for breastfeeding moms, as they help to boost milk production and promote healthy lactation. It also helps detoxify the body and prevents diseases like cancer, obesity, diabetes, etc.[/wps_faq]

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=” Does sweating reduce breast milk?”]No. It is a myth that sweating reduces breast milk. Sweating does not reduce the amount of breast milk produced, but instead actually helps in producing more![/wps_faq]

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=”My baby is colicky and cries a lot. Is the sauna good for him? “]Yes. Colicky babies commonly have lots of gas and poor digestion, which the sauna can help with. It will not necessarily make a colicky baby stop crying, but it can help reduce the cause of the colic: digestive discomfort.[/wps_faq]

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=” What should I not do while breastfeeding?”]Do not get into the sauna if your baby is less than 4 months old, which could cause dehydration.[/wps_faq]

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=”How long can a pregnant woman sit in a sauna? “]The maximum time for a pregnant woman is 30 minutes.[/wps_faq]

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=”What should I wear in the sauna?”] Wear comfortable clothes such as close-fitting underwear and a T-shirt. Do not wear jeans, shoes or socks.[/wps_faq]