Can Kava be consumed during pregnancy or lactation?

The mammas of Vanuatu have always told us that it is taboo to drink kava if you are pregnant of breastfeeding. We have been unable to find any studies on the associated possible risk of kavalactones passing through to the uterus or infant through breastmilk. We therefore recommend that you seek medical advice from a medical professional (doctor) before consuming kava products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.