Can Nursing Moms Have Cinnamon? A Comprehensive Guide

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

While many spices are safe during lactation, some have questioned the safety of cinnamon in larger amounts. This guide explores whether and how can nursing moms have cinnamon, distinguishing between types and offering guidelines for a healthy breastfeeding journey.

Quick Summary

Cinnamon is generally safe for nursing mothers in moderate, food-level amounts, but large, medicinal doses should be avoided. The type of cinnamon is a key consideration, as Cassia contains coumarin, a potential liver toxin in high quantities. Monitor your baby for any signs of sensitivity.

Key Points

Moderate amounts are safe: Consuming cinnamon in typical culinary portions is generally safe for nursing mothers and their babies.
Choose Ceylon over Cassia: Opt for Ceylon ("true") cinnamon to minimize exposure to coumarin, a compound in Cassia that can be liver-toxic in high doses.
Avoid large, medicinal doses: Herbal supplements or concentrated extracts of cinnamon lack safety data for lactation and should be avoided.
Watch for baby reactions: While rare, monitor for signs of fussiness, gassiness, or skin rashes in your baby after consuming cinnamon.
Cinnamon is not a proven galactagogue: Despite traditional use, there is no scientific evidence that cinnamon effectively increases milk supply.
Consult a professional: For any concerns about diet, supplements, or your baby's health, always talk to a healthcare provider.

The General Safety Consensus on Cinnamon for Nursing Moms

For many breastfeeding parents, incorporating common spices like cinnamon into their diet is a normal part of life. The general consensus from medical experts and traditional use is that cinnamon, when consumed in typical culinary quantities, is safe during lactation. A sprinkle on oatmeal or a teaspoon in baked goods is unlikely to cause any issues for either the mother or the baby. Issues typically arise when cinnamon is consumed in much larger, concentrated, or therapeutic doses, often in the form of supplements or extracts. These supplements lack sufficient safety data for nursing mothers and should be avoided.

The Key Difference: Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon

One of the most important factors for nursing moms to consider is the type of cinnamon they consume. The two main types are Cassia and Ceylon.

Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia): This is the most common and inexpensive type found in grocery stores. It has a stronger flavor but contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver in large doses. Because of this, it's particularly important to avoid consuming large, concentrated amounts of cassia cinnamon while nursing.
Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): Known as "true cinnamon," Ceylon has a more delicate flavor and contains only trace amounts of coumarin. It is considered the safer option for those who are concerned about coumarin intake or those who want to consume cinnamon more regularly, though still in moderation.

How to Incorporate Cinnamon Safely

To ensure safety, nursing mothers can follow these tips:

Stick to food quantities: Use cinnamon as a spice, not a supplement. This means enjoying it in your daily cooking, baking, or sprinkled on foods.
Choose Ceylon when possible: If you frequently use cinnamon and want to be extra cautious, opt for Ceylon cinnamon to minimize coumarin exposure.
Start with small amounts: If you are unsure about your baby's reaction, start with a small amount and observe for any changes in your baby.

Potential Effects on the Baby

While generally safe, cinnamon can potentially affect your baby in some ways, primarily through the taste of breast milk or an allergic reaction. The flavor of breast milk can change depending on the mother's diet, and strong spices like cinnamon can sometimes be detected by the baby. This can be a positive step toward introducing new flavors, but a small percentage of babies may react negatively with fussiness, gas, or a temporary refusal to nurse.

Watching for Adverse Reactions

It's important to monitor your baby for signs of intolerance or allergy after consuming cinnamon. While a true allergic reaction is rare, it is still possible.

Potential Signs of a Problem:

Increased fussiness or gassiness: A common sign that a baby might be sensitive to a food in the mother's diet.
Rash or irritation: A contact rash around the baby's mouth where cinnamon-flavored breast milk has touched is common but not an allergy. However, hives or a body rash could indicate an allergy.
Congestion or respiratory issues: In rare cases, an allergic reaction can cause respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion or wheezing.

If you notice any concerning symptoms, it's best to pause cinnamon consumption and consult with a healthcare provider.

Comparison Table: Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon (Common)	Ceylon Cinnamon (True)
Flavor Profile	Strong, pungent, and spicy	Mild, sweet, and delicate
Coumarin Content	High	Trace amounts
Appearance	Thick, single-layer scrolls	Thin, flaky, multi-layered scrolls
Availability	Widely available and affordable	Less common and more expensive
Best For	Occasional baking, strong flavor needs	Regular culinary use, sensitive individuals
Liver Safety	Potential risk in large doses	Considered very safe due to low coumarin

Cinnamon as a Galactagogue: A Closer Look

Some traditional and Ayurvedic medicine practices suggest cinnamon as a galactagogue, an herb believed to increase milk supply. However, there is no robust scientific evidence to support this claim. Any perceived increase in milk supply could be due to other factors affecting milk production. For nursing moms experiencing supply issues, consulting with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider is the best course of action rather than relying on unproven herbal remedies.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

In summary, nursing moms can have cinnamon, but they should do so with moderation and awareness. By sticking to moderate, culinary amounts, opting for Ceylon cinnamon when possible, and monitoring their baby for any signs of sensitivity, mothers can enjoy this popular spice safely. It is always wise to consult a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement or consuming large medicinal doses of any herb while breastfeeding, especially given the lack of extensive research on concentrated forms of cinnamon during lactation.

For more detailed information on specific medications and herbs during lactation, the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no evidence to suggest that cinnamon, in typical culinary amounts, will decrease your milk supply. Some herbs are known as 'anti-galactagogues,' but cinnamon is not among them.

Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true cinnamon," is the safest type during breastfeeding because it contains only trace amounts of coumarin, a compound that can be harmful to the liver in large doses. Cassia, the common supermarket variety, has higher coumarin levels.

As long as it's consumed in moderation, both ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks are fine for nursing mothers. However, the type (Cassia vs. Ceylon) is more important than the form. Always use food quantities and avoid concentrated supplements.

A true allergy to cinnamon is uncommon. It is more likely for a baby to develop a harmless contact rash where skin touches cinnamon-flavored milk. If you suspect an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, respiratory issues), contact a doctor immediately.

Excessive amounts, such as those found in medicinal doses or supplements, are considered too much. Small quantities, like a sprinkle on food or a spoonful in a recipe, are generally safe.

While some strong flavors can pass into breast milk, affecting the taste, there is no reliable evidence that cinnamon affects a baby's sleep pattern or mood. Increased fussiness may be related to general digestive sensitivity rather than a specific effect on mood.

No. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be avoided by nursing mothers and infants. They can pose a serious risk if ingested or absorbed, and there is a lack of safety research on their use during lactation.