I recently did a liver & gallbladder flush while exclusively breastfeeding my 4-month old infant.  While heavily detoxifying the body during pregnancy and breastfeeding can harm a baby or mother’s health, there are health benefits to the mother & child when liver and gallbladder congestion is cleared with a flush. I wrote a short post on liver and gallbladder health for a quick overview of it’s role in the body.  Pregnancy and breastfeeding requires some extra nutritive steps to be taken if performing a liver/gallbladder flush, which I will share with you.

Note:  If you have any current health concerns, it is important to seek your doctor’s supervision and care before performing a liver/gallbladder flush! Also, if you are pregnant or in the first 12 weeks postpartum (“4th trimester”) consult with your health care provider beforehand. It is never a bad idea to visit your doctor prior to doing this cleanse and after. 

Watch this short video; this video helped give me confidence to do a flush while breastfeeding.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND7BXrlf26A

1. Be all in it. You must mentally and emotionally decide to do this before you physically take on the task.  Do not go about it with fear or hesitation. Be confident and excited of the cleansing your body is capable of, and focus on that.
2. Stay extra-hydrated.  Drink up! Sip throughout the day to avoid taxing the kidneys with “gulping” water by the liter. Aim for one full gallon of water daily, 5 days before the cleanse, on the day / evening the cleanse, and 5 days after the cleanse.
3. Pump and store breast milk in advance. Chances are your breast milk supply may take a dip as you prepare for the flush, during the flush, and after the flush.  You can and should continue to breastfeed or pump during the cleanse, but having the stored milk on hand sure does take a mental stress-load off of you! I never ended up needing to reach for my stash, but I was thankful I had it on hand.  The toxins that come through your breast milk are from lymphatic detoxification. When your liver and colon are receiving the cleansing, your breast milk does not become toxic, so do not fear for the health of your baby.
4. Support your breastmilk flow with herbs.  See chart below as a useful guide!
5. Get all the sleep your body asks of you. This is so important as a pregnant or breastfeeding mother.  When I stop sleeping well, I stop being a good mother, PLUS my breast milk flow slows down no matter how much water I’m drinking or herbs I’m taking.  Not to mention my stress levels pile on, and I am prone to panic attacks. The body does a lot of work during a liver/gallbladder flush, and when you are a mother… still semi-recovering from giving birth, your body is doing more work on top of the liver cleanse! This leads right into step number five….
6. Ask for help. It’s not like the world stopped so I could do this flush. My kids still needed caring, feeding, bathing, diaper changing, and attention.  I chose to do my flush during a 2-day window of my husband being off work. Whoever it may be: a grandparent, nanny, friend, partner…. be specific with your needs during the flush. There is little you can do, and not much you should be doing when you’re performing this internal cleanse. Think of it as a little retreat and get the support and help you need for the little ones who usually rely on you around the clock!
7. Use Aromatherapy. I used Sandalwood and Lavender alternately. Frankincense and Rosemary are other great options that I wish I had on hand for my flush! I used aromatherapy in the form of a soothing back oil (be sure to properly dilute), as well as in my magnesium baths to soothe my anxiety and lower back aches.  I also diffused lavender in my room, and then used a sandalwood incense stick during my magnesium baths.
8. Prepare your family for an emotional rollercoaster. Not much I need to say. Just remember, the liver stores unresolved anger. Be prepared for that anger to be unleashed, and give your loved ones a fair warning. That is all. LOL.
9. Get your electrolytes back up right away. To do this healthfully I drank 32 ounces  of coconut water as soon as my appetite started to return, before I ate anything. Another great option is good old watermelon juice following the coconut water!
10. Follow the protocol. Don’t stray from the protocol. This is a no-brainer. It is setup the way it is for a reason.  This actually is a cycle back to my tip #1 (go all in).  Additional care you can receive following a flush is acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, gentle yoga, massage therapy, and/or a regular check up from your physician.

Please refer to the book “The Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush” for a full guide to the Liver/Gallbladder Flush and how to continue on with a lifestyle that promotes healthy digestive functioning.