7 Migraine Remedies for Breastfeeding Moms

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. These remedies are based on my own personal experience. Please consult your physician for medical advice and direction.

I shared on my Instastories a couple of weeks ago. (And I’m sure I’ve mentioned it several times before.) But, I am a chronic migraine sufferer. It started in college and I’ve dealt it with on/off throughout my adult life. The only reprieve I’ve had is during pregnancy. For some weird reason, I’ll have some really bad migraines in the first trimester and then during the second and third trimesters, I am migraine free. It happened with each of my three pregnancies, but I have no rhyme or reason as to why my body reacts that way.

I’ve noticed in the last year that most of my migraines that last days are usually triggered by pressure changes in weather. I almost always have a migraine on rainy days. And also during allergy season. I’ve also noticed that a lot of my migraines are heavily affected by what I eat and drink in my every day diet as well.

I’ve been lucky the last few months, but last week I suffered through one of the longer-lasting migraines. Because I’m still nursing Baby B, I’m cautious of taking medication or undergoing any medical treatment. I usually get by with chugging water, coffee and sometimes taking an Excedrin Migraine. But, I asked my IG followers for some tried and true migraine remedies, so I thought I’d share them here for anyone who suffers from chronic migraines like me.

Here are 7 migraine remedies for breastfeeding moms:

1.) Coconut Water

I’m going to be honest and tell you that I’m not a huge fan of coconut water. But, this has been recommended to me time and time again. Coconut water helps to enhance electrolyte balance and boosts blood levels and function. It also has a ton of good vitamins that are strong fighters against migraines like magnesium, B-complex, potassium, etc. My husband drinks it regularly, but I have to make myself drink it. A few followers recommended flavored coconut water, so I’m going to try that next time.

2.) Daith Piercing

This is a new migraine remedy that I just found about recently. A daith piercing is thought to work against migraines much like acupuncture and may reduce migraine symptoms. I’m not sure I’ll be trying this remedy, but definitely know of a few friends of friends who have said this worked for them.

3.) Peppermint Essential Oil

I LOVE the smell of peppermint oil, so this at home remedy is super easy. I just dab some EO on my temple and back of my neck and ‘waft’ it in to bring some clarity. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve also read that lavender and other types of EO blends are good for migraines. I’ve tried the Past Tense roller from DoTerra that sometimes works for me, as well, for migraine relief.

4.) Chiropractic Care + Acupuncture

My parents have suggested that I see an acupuncturist. I need to get more information on it, but I’m definitely interested in trying this remedy. I also have friends who see their chiropractors regularly and have seen great improvement with migraine frequency and pain.

5.) Botox

Two birds, one stone?! LOL, I haven’t tried this method, but I have heard from friends, family, followers, readers near and far that this method does work for long term relief from migraines. It’s definitely piqued my interest. I’ve spoken to a couple of local doctors who say that Botox as a migraine treatment can be costly (or requires a lot of time and paper work.) But, that even the cosmetic doses can be beneficial to migraine sufferers. I’ll keep you posted, if I ever choose to try it.

6.) Immitrex

I used to take this medicine before I had kids. It worked wonders in preventing migraines. But, I also felt a little woozy from taking them time to time. Since then (over ten years), I recently read that it is “safe” for breastfeeding moms. I’m not sure how true that is, so make sure to ask your doctor. I might ask for a prescription so that I have it available if I need it.

7.) Ice Packs & Sleep

My go to fail safe. Unfortunately, when you have three kids, two jobs and a household to manage, it’s the lack of time and luxury that makes this solution nearly impossible. If it’s really bad, I take a “sick” day from my day job, unplug from everything else and try to lay down while the kid(s) are at school or with my parents.

8.) Magnesium

In addition to my prenatal vitamins, I need to get back into taking magnesium supplements. I used to take it regularly and did notice longer periods of time without migraines. I need to order more!

9.) Caffeine

COFFEE is life. I’ve never been one to be overly shy about my love for coffee. But, sometimes I literally cannot survive my head pounding, nauseating migraines without it.