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Does strawberries affect breast milk?

The Impact of Strawberries on Breast Milk
Strawberries are often celebrated for their vibrant flavor and nutritional benefits, but when it comes to breastfeeding, their effects can be more complex. While strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they are also among the foods that nursing mothers are sometimes advised to consume with caution due to potential reactions in infants.
Flavor Transfer and Infant Reactions
Research indicates that the flavors from a mother’s diet can transfer to breast milk, influencing an infant’s taste preferences and reactions. This phenomenon occurs as flavor volatiles from foods ingested by the mother are transmitted to the milk, which can happen relatively quickly after consumption. While this flavor transfer can help infants develop a taste for various foods, it can also lead to discomfort in some babies.
Some mothers report that consuming strawberries may lead to fussiness or gastrointestinal issues in their infants. This is particularly true for babies who may be sensitive to certain foods. For instance, strawberries, along with other fruits like oranges and melons, have been associated with colicky symptoms and diarrhea in some cases. Therefore, if a breastfeeding mother notices her baby becoming unusually fussy after she consumes strawberries, it may be wise to eliminate them from her diet temporarily to see if symptoms improve.
The Myth of “Strawberry Milk”
Interestingly, the term “strawberry milk” has emerged in discussions among breastfeeding mothers, but it refers not to a delightful flavored beverage but rather to a phenomenon where breast milk takes on a reddish hue. This can occur due to various factors, including the mother’s diet or even the presence of blood in the milk, which is usually harmless but can be alarming.
Nutritional Considerations
Despite the potential for some infants to react negatively, strawberries are generally safe and nutritious for breastfeeding mothers. They provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit both the mother and the baby. However, moderation is key, and mothers should monitor their babies’ reactions closely. If any adverse symptoms arise, it may be prudent to consult a healthcare professional and consider dietary adjustments.
Conclusion
In summary, while strawberries can be a healthy addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet, they may affect breast milk and, consequently, the infant’s comfort. Awareness of these potential effects allows mothers to make informed dietary choices that support both their health and their baby’s well-being.

Is it OK to mix strawberries and milk?

Dry fruits such as raisins, dates, and figs may be taken with milk. Avoid mixing all berries (including strawberries) with milk. When we add berries to milk, the milk may not curdle right away – but it will curdle after our initial digestion.

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

What fruits give breastfed babies gas?

Foods That Might Cause Gas in Breastfed Babies

  • Fiber-rich foods, especially ones that contain bran.
  • Most fruits—particularly apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums, and citrus.
  • Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, artichokes, asparagus, cauliflower, onions, and garlic.

Can I eat strawberries while breastfeeding?

Food you should favour: blackcurrants and parsley, which are the largest vegetable sources of vitamin C. You can also eat peppers, kiwis, strawberries, lychees or citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons. Drink a lot: Women who are breastfeeding need a lot of water or other beverages.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

  • Carbonated beverages.
  • 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.)

What fruits should you avoid while breastfeeding?

You may have heard that it helps to avoid certain foods while breastfeeding – such as citrus fruits, orange juice, spices (cinnamon, curry, chili pepper), spicy food, and “gassy” veggies (cabbage, onion, broccoli, cauliflower) – but there’s no convincing scientific evidence to support that advice.

Which fruit decreases breast milk?

Chasteberry. Chasteberry has been shown to act directly on the pituitary gland, inhibiting the secretion of prolactin. 11 When prolactin levels are reduced in a lactating person, milk supply typically reduces with it. As a result, breastfeeding parents may want to avoid chasteberry supplements.

Does strawberry increase breast milk?

They are a great addition to any diet. Due to the abundance of iron and phosphorus, strawberries help with breast milk supply. They are also rich in vitamins B, C, and K. Aside from increasing breast milk production, they also reduce anxiety, clear up your blood, and are a wonderful antioxidant.

Can I mix strawberries with breast milk?

There is no need to add liquid for blending, strawberries are naturally full of juice. But you can add breast milk or formula to the puree if you like.

What fruits increase breast milk?

Apricots and dates
Eating apricots and dates can increase prolactin, which is the hormone that tells your body to produce milk. Apricots contain essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Fresh is better than canned. If you have to go with canned, avoid apricots packed in syrups.

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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