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Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen essential oil should be avoided around breastfeeding infants. It is almost entirely methyl salicylate — the equivalent of aspirin — which is toxic to infants and young children. Even skin application on a caregiver can expose a nearby infant to harmful levels through skin-to-skin contact.
Wintergreen oil is essentially liquid aspirin (methyl salicylate) in concentrated form. Aspirin is strongly contraindicated in children and infants due to the risk of Reye's syndrome and toxicity. Methyl salicylate is absorbed through skin rapidly and is dangerous even in small topical amounts for children. Nursing mothers should avoid this oil entirely — not just around baby, but because it can absorb through your skin in meaningful amounts.
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
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