Many people find kratom beneficial in putting them in a good state of mind. If you’re overwhelmed with everything that comes along with having an infant, you may wonder if kratom could be a good way to calm down and find some peace. But it’s also important to consider the health of your baby.
We’ll dive into everything you need to know and answer your burning questions, including “How long does kratom stay in breast milk?” and “Is it safe when you are pregnant or breastfeeding?”
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is an herbal product that has been used as a natural remedy for generations in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The leaves come from the Mitragyna speciosa plant, a tropical evergreen found in Southeast Asia. Since Western scientists began using it in the early nineteenth century, it’s been used for both spiritual and medicinal purposes. In more recent years, it’s become more popular because of its unique qualities.
The effects of it are a bit different depending on how much you consume. If you only use a low dose, kratom gives more stimulating effects. You might feel more alert, have a better mood, feel more talkative, and have more physical energy overall.
On the other hand, higher doses produce sedative effects. This might include relaxation and pain relief. Due to this, many people still feel an improved mood and increased energy.
You’ll find a variety of ways to take kratom, including powder, extract, and capsules. Shots and gummies are more enjoyable ways to consume it for many people. But you can also apply it topically.
Related: How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
How Long Does Kratom Stay in Breast Milk?
It’s currently unknown just how long kratom stays in breast milk. However, we do know that it takes a long time for kratom to leave a person’s system, so it should also take a long time for it to leave breast milk. Animal studies have shown that kratom does not necessarily pass through the body but instead breaks down through metabolization.
Kratom can stay in your system for up to nine days. Levels of mitragynine peak about 90 minutes after use. However, the half-life of kratom and its metabolism is about 23 hours. This means that 23 hours after you use kratom, about half of the dose has cleared your body. But the other half is still in your system. It can take a very long time for it to clear out fully. Due to this, it can be assumed that kratom would also stay in breast milk for a long time.
Is Kratom Safe While Breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, little data exists surrounding the safety of using kratom while breastfeeding. Because of this, the American Kratom Association (AKA) recommends kratom use should be avoided while breastfeeding.
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Is Kratom Safe While Pregnant?
Similar to the situation with breastfeeding, using kratom while pregnant is not considered safe by the AKA and medical professionals. We do not know the short or long-term effects of a mother’s use of kratom on her baby. It is best to skip it while pregnant.
While we don’t know the full extent of a mother’s use of kratom while pregnant, the initial reports are troubling.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom has opioid-like effects and can cause similar effects in infants. In fact, infants whose mothers use kratom while pregnant exhibit withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal.
Doctors also report that the medical management of infants exposed to kratom is difficult. There is little literature to guide providers. It’s also impossible to predict which babies will go through withdrawal. Unfortunately, maternal does not predict this, making management even more confusing.
Contamination Concerns
Aside from this, the herbal substance poses other dangers to infants. Pregnant people are generally warned to avoid situations that could result in exposure to Salmonella and other pathogens. In 2018, a Salmonella outbreak was linked to kratom products, infecting 199 kratom users. 38% of those people were hospitalized, and people in 41 states were affected.
While you might think the contaminated products will be recalled and it will be okay, it’s important to note that a single source was not identified in this outbreak. That means there still could be contaminated products available for purchase.
Related: Kratom and Pregnancy Don't Mix: Here's Why
Staying Safe While Using Kratom
Using kratom when it is safe for you and your baby is one of the first steps to safely using kratom. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to skip it and wait to use kratom until you are done that phase.
Even if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s still important to stay safe while using kratom. The herb is currently unregulated in much of the US. This means there isn’t much confirming the safety of the product you are using. An unregulated product means you could be exposed to contamination such as Salmonella, and you can’t confirm the amount of active ingredient in what you are using.
The Problem with Some Vendors
To stay safe, it’s important to always buy kratom from a reputable supplier. If you search Amazon, you’ll find plenty of products that resemble kratom. However, none of them is the actual thing. The online marketplace is full of vendors trying to deceive potential buyers.
You might also find kratom available in local smoke shops or gas stations. While these are more likely to be authentic products, they are not always the best quality.
Want an easy-to-take kratom product from a supplier you can trust? Try our Kratom Gummies, which can promote relaxation, give you an energy boost, and improve your mood.
What to Look For
You want to find a vendor that sells pure, authentic kratom. While adding ingredients such as water and natural ingredients is okay, fillers and other potentially dangerous additions are unwanted.
You should also make sure the kratom you buy is 100% all-natural and clean. Synthetic alternatives can not only give you a sub-par experience, but they can also lead to unwanted effects. Choosing a reputable vendor that never compromises on quality, like Shot of Joy, will give you the safest, most enjoyable kratom experience.
Understand the Effects of Kratom on Breast Milk
Understanding how kratom affects breast milk and infants is key to keeping your baby safe. Currently, it’s unknown how long kratom stays in breast milk. Because of this, it’s best to skip the kratom while pregnant or breastfeeding.
But, even outside these times, choosing high-quality, clean kratom products will go a long way in keeping you safe and giving you peace of mind.
Related: How to Detox from Kratom: Step by Step
