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Can you eat curry chicken while breastfeeding?

Can You Eat Curry Chicken While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether it’s safe to eat curry chicken while breastfeeding is a common concern among new mothers. The good news is that curry chicken is generally safe to consume during breastfeeding, but there are several factors to consider to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy and comfortable.
Nutritional Benefits
Curry chicken, often rich in spices and nutrients, can be a beneficial addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet. Many curry recipes include ingredients like cumin, which has been noted to potentially increase milk production. Additionally, the protein from chicken is essential for recovery and energy during the demanding breastfeeding period.
Spice and Flavor Considerations
One of the primary concerns with eating curry chicken is the spice level. Spicy foods can affect breast milk, and while some mothers worry that spicy dishes might upset their baby’s stomach, research suggests that exposing babies to a variety of flavors through breast milk can be beneficial. It may even help them develop a taste for different foods later on.
However, it’s important to monitor your baby’s reactions. If you notice any signs of discomfort or unusual fussiness after consuming spicy foods, it might be wise to adjust your diet accordingly.
The Role of Ingredients
Curry dishes often contain a variety of spices, some of which can be present in breast milk shortly after consumption. For instance, piperine, a compound found in black pepper, can transfer to breast milk. While this is generally not harmful, it highlights the importance of being mindful of what you eat.
Moreover, many curries are made with coconut milk or yogurt, which can add healthy fats and probiotics beneficial for both mother and baby. However, if you or your baby have any allergies or sensitivities, it’s crucial to avoid those specific ingredients.
Conclusion
In summary, eating curry chicken while breastfeeding is safe and can be nutritious, provided that mothers pay attention to their own and their baby’s reactions to spicy foods. As with any dietary choice during breastfeeding, moderation and mindfulness are key. If you enjoy curry chicken, feel free to indulge, but keep an eye on how it affects your little one. If any concerns arise, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance.

What Indian food to avoid while breastfeeding?

Peppermint, parsley and sage can curb your milk production therefore it is better to avoid such food while breastfeeding. Too much spicy foods can make your baby gassy, therefore, it is better to cut back on the spice. Tea can make it difficult for your baby to absorb iron. Avoid alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks.

What foods spoil breast milk?

Here are 5 foods to limit or avoid while breastfeeding, as well as tips for how to tell if your diet is affecting your baby.

  • Fish high in mercury.
  • Some herbal supplements.
  • Alcohol.
  • Caffeine.
  • Highly processed foods.

What foods are not good for breast milk?

Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc. Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)

Does curry help milk production?

But after consulting two books — “The Nursing Mother’s Herbal” by Sheila Humphrey and “Mother Food” by Hilary Jacobson — she found out that curry contains a number of galactagogues, which are foods or chemicals that increase breast milk supply. They include coriander, black pepper, cumin, fennel and turmeric.

What should breastfeeding mums not eat?

Foods to stay away from when breastfeeding include:

  • Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep.
  • Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods.
  • Fish.
  • Chocolate.
  • Garlic.
  • Peppermint, sage, and parsley.

Should I avoid spicy food while breastfeeding?

Is it safe to eat spicy food while breastfeeding? Yes, you can eat the spicy foods you enjoy while breastfeeding. There’s no evidence to suggest that spicy foods should be avoided for your baby’s sake, either during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Can Indian food upset a breastfed baby?

Generally anything you ate throughout your pregnancy is fine during breastfeeding, the amniotic fluid can be flavored by your diet during pregnancy, so if you’re used to eating chole and rajma then the bit of flavor in the breast milk shouldn’t phase baby.

How long does spicy food stay in breastmilk?

Through extensive mass spectrometric analyses, the team has shown that already one hour after consumption of a standardized curry dish, piperine is detectable in breast milk for several hours.

Does spicy food make breastfed babies gassy?

Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

Can eating curry affect breast milk?

Many mothers are told to avoid spicy foods because these foods are thought to cause colic, gas, diarrhea, and rashes in the breastfeeding infant. However, although strong flavors such as garlic can change the smell and flavor of breast milk, this does not usually make infants fussier.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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