Can You Use Red Light Therapy While Breastfeeding?

Red light therapy has gained popularity among new moms, offering potential benefits for both body and mind. If you're breastfeeding, you may wonder if it's safe and how it could help.

From boosting milk supply to supporting skin health, discover how this treatment can support your postpartum journey and improve your well-being while nursing.

It works through something called photobiomodulation, where specific wavelengths, like 850 nm or 660 nm, gently penetrate the skin.

This process is what helps stimulate healing and can make a noticeable difference in how your body feels and recovers after birth.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) enhances tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and supports healing through light-based therapy.

• Red light therapy supports postpartum recovery by easing pain, promoting healing, and boosting mood.
  
  

• It can improve skin health, accelerate scar healing, and rejuvenate tired skin for new moms.
  
  

• Red light therapy may enhance breast milk production and quality by improving circulation.
  
  

• It helps reduce postpartum inflammation, swelling, and fatigue, supporting overall physical recovery.
  
  

• Always consult your doctor before using red light therapy, especially to ensure it’s safe for both you and your baby.

• Red light therapy helps the body heal after childbirth: Many postpartum moms are turning to red light therapy because it helps their bodies heal naturally and gently. It boosts blood flow and repairs cells, speeding up recovery after childbirth.

• It eases pain without needing any medicine: Red light therapy offers real relief for soreness and pain, which is a common struggle after giving birth. Moms appreciate that it works without needing pills or prescriptions.

• It helps C-section scars heal faster and feel better: For moms who had a C-section, red light therapy is a gentle way to reduce scar pain and support quicker healing of the incision.

• Small changes like less swelling and better skin show up quickly: When used regularly, many women start seeing results in just 1–2 weeks, like less puffiness, smoother  skin  , and feeling more like themselves.

• It can also lift your mood and reduce stress: Some moms notice that red light therapy helps with emotional ups and downs, tiredness, or anxiety, common signs of postpartum depression.

• It’s safe for breastfeeding if you use it the right way: You can start using red light therapy as soon as you feel ready. Just don’t use it directly on your breasts and check with your doctor first to be safe.

• Red light improves blood flow, which helps your skin heal faster: Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach your skin, speeding up recovery and giving it a healthier look after pregnancy.

• It helps your skin grow fresh, new cells: Red light supports new cell growth, which can brighten dull skin and improve the overall texture, great for tired post-baby skin.

• Collagen production gets a boost, making skin smoother and firmer: It encourages collagen, a protein that keeps your skin elastic and smooth, helpful for skin stretched during pregnancy.

• Stretch marks and scars may look better over time: This therapy is being used to reduce the look of  stretch marks  and fade scars, including those from C-sections or a growing belly.

• C-section scars can heal faster and look lighter: For moms healing from surgery, red light can help the scar recover more quickly and reduce dark spots around the area.

• Better blood flow helps new moms feel less pain: Postpartum recovery often brings pain in the lower back, abdomen, or joints, especially after a C-section. Red light therapy helps by improving blood circulation, which lowers swelling and speeds up natural healing.

• Relaxed muscles make postpartum days easier: Along with reducing inflammation, red light therapy helps relax tight and sore  muscles  . Many moms notice they feel less stiff and more comfortable after just a few sessions.

• Red light therapy gives relief from intense C-section pain:  Studies  show women who have a C-section often feel stronger pain, especially when moving around, and need more pain medicine. Red light therapy provides a simple way to manage this pain without relying only on heavy medications.

Red light therapy may help improve breast milk production by increasing blood circulation in the breast area, enhancing milk gland efficiency.

It can also improve the quality of breast milk by delivering more oxygen and nutrients.

Some mothers find their breasts feel fuller and that feeding becomes more productive.

• Red Light Therapy Helps Improve Mood and Reduce Anxiety: Red light therapy helps increase serotonin, the feel-good hormone, which can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.

• Red Light Therapy Reduces Emotional Stress: It helps manage emotional stress and creates a calming effect, making it easier to handle the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood.

• Red Light Therapy Supports Better Sleep and Mental Clarity: Red light therapy promotes better sleep and mental clarity, even during those sleepless nights.

• Red Light Therapy Improves Mood in the Postpartum Period:  Studies  show that light therapy, especially red light, can significantly improve mood, with some findings suggesting it works better than a placebo for depression symptoms.

• Consistent Use of Red Light Therapy Provides Quick Mood Benefits: With regular use, red light therapy can regulate your body’s internal clock, providing noticeable mood improvements within a week.

• Red Light Therapy Supports Muscle Recovery: Red light therapy boosts oxygen flow and reduces inflammation, aiding muscle recovery, especially for new moms dealing with the strains of delivery or regular activities like lifting and nursing. Many report feeling less sore and more energized after sessions.

• Red Light Therapy Reduces Fatigue and Improves Sleep: In  addition  to helping muscles, red light therapy improves energy levels and  sleep  quality, which can help combat the long-term fatigue that many new moms experience.

• Red Light Therapy Strengthens Muscles and Speeds Recovery: Studies confirm that red light therapy reduces muscle soreness, accelerates recovery, and even strengthens muscles. This is especially helpful for physically active moms who need to recover quickly and stay strong.

• Red Light Therapy Helps Recovery After C-sections: For moms recovering from a C-section or long hours on their feet, red light therapy is especially effective in speeding up the healing process and easing muscle tension.

• Red Light Therapy Increases Melatonin Levels: Red light therapy helps increase melatonin levels, making it easier for nursing moms to fall asleep and stay asleep.

• Red Light Supports Natural Sleep Rhythm: Unlike blue light, which can disrupt sleep, red light is calming and supports your body’s natural sleep rhythm.

• Red Light Therapy Is Safe During Postpartum: Red light therapy is a safe,  noninvasive  way to improve sleep without worrying about side effects during the postpartum stage.

• Red Light Therapy Helps with Insomnia: Research shows that red light therapy can effectively address insomnia, a common sleep issue for many new moms.

• Consistent Use Improves Sleep Quality: With consistent use, many nursing moms notice improved sleep quality and feel more rested and energized each day.

• Red Light Therapy Improves Circulation to Reduce Swelling: Swelling is common after childbirth, especially in areas like the legs, feet, and breasts. Red light therapy improves blood circulation, which helps reduce fluid retention and eases swelling.

• Easing Breast Engorgement and Reducing the Risk of Clogged Ducts: Red light therapy can ease breast engorgement and lower the risk of clogged milk ducts. Enhanced blood flow supports healing and keeps the tissues in the breast healthy.

• Red Light Therapy Supports Prolactin for Milk Production: Red light therapy may help boost breast milk supply by supporting prolactin, a hormone essential for milk production and mammary gland development during lactation. This can be beneficial for moms facing low milk supply.

• Improved Milk Flow with Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy can also improve the milk letdown reflex, helping milk flow more easily and making breastfeeding more efficient for mothers.

• Red Light Therapy Supports Prolactin and Oxytocin Levels:  Red light therapy  does not lower prolactin levels; it may actually help balance important hormones like prolactin and oxytocin, which are vital for milk production and letdown.

• Oxytocin Boosts Breastfeeding and Maternal Calm: Oxytocin triggers milk ejection during breastfeeding and promotes maternal calm, and red light therapy could help support this crucial hormone, particularly during the postpartum period.

• Breastfeeding babies are not harmed by red light therapy: There’s no evidence that red light therapy causes problems for infants when used by breastfeeding mothers.

• Babies should never be near the light during treatment: Even though the therapy is safe for moms, babies should be kept at least 6 feet away to protect their skin and  eyes  .

• If anything seems off with your baby, stop the treatment: Watch for unusual changes in your baby or yourself, and pause red light therapy right away if something doesn’t seem right.

• It’s always smart to talk to your baby’s doctor: If you’re unsure about safety or notice any reaction, it’s best to check in with a pediatrician.

The best time to use red light therapy is when you can relax, either in the morning or evening.

After nursing, it's a good idea to wait about 30 minutes to an hour before starting your session.

This gives your body a chance to settle. Red light therapy doesn’t interfere with milk production, so timing doesn’t negatively impact breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding moms can generally use red light therapy about 2 to 3 times a week, depending on personal needs and comfort.

Each session should last between 10 to 20 minutes. While there isn't a strict limit, it's important not to exceed more than 3 sessions per week to avoid overstimulation.

• Using at-home devices carefully keeps new moms safer: At-home red light therapy devices can be safe if used the right way. Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer and check with your doctor before trying anything new, especially during the sensitive time after having a baby.

• Skipping the breast area protects breastfeeding moms: New moms should avoid using red light therapy directly on the breasts or nipples while breastfeeding. These areas are more sensitive, and wrong use can cause pain or even affect milk supply.

• Limiting red light use helps avoid problems: It’s safer for new moms to limit how much they use these devices and only apply them to other parts of the body. Keeping use under control helps protect both mom and baby.