Is cabbage good for breastfeeding mothers?

Cabbage and Breastfeeding: A Nutritional Perspective
Cabbage, a leafy green vegetable belonging to the Brassica family, is known for its numerous health benefits and versatility in cooking. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether cabbage is beneficial extends beyond mere dietary choices to encompass nutrition, potential health benefits, and cultural practices.
Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in essential nutrients that can support the health of breastfeeding mothers. It is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight post-pregnancy. Key nutrients found in cabbage include:
– Vitamins: Cabbage is a good source of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health. It also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes skin health.
– Fiber: The high fiber content in cabbage can aid digestion and prevent constipation, a common concern for many new mothers.
– Minerals: Cabbage provides minerals like potassium and calcium, which are important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and bone health, respectively.
Potential Health Benefits for Breastfeeding Mothers
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cabbage contains compounds such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which may have anti-inflammatory effects. This can be beneficial for postpartum recovery.
2. Boosting Lactation: Some cultures have historically used cabbage leaves as a remedy to promote milk production. While scientific evidence on this specific use is limited, the overall nutritional profile of cabbage can support a breastfeeding mother’s dietary needs.
3. Breast Health: Cabbage leaves are sometimes applied externally to relieve breast engorgement and discomfort. The cooling effect can provide temporary relief, although this is more of a traditional remedy than an evidence-based treatment.
Considerations for Consumption
While cabbage is generally safe and beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
– Gas and Digestive Issues: Cabbage, particularly when consumed in large quantities, can cause gas and bloating due to its high fiber content. This could potentially affect both the mother and the infant, leading to discomfort.
– Variety in Diet: It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to maintain a balanced diet. Cabbage should be included as part of a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins to ensure comprehensive nutrition.
Conclusion
In summary, cabbage can be a nutritious addition to the diet of breastfeeding mothers, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. While it may provide some benefits in terms of lactation and recovery, individual responses can vary. As with any dietary choices during breastfeeding, moderation and balance are key. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist can help mothers tailor their diets to best meet their personal health needs and those of their babies.

Does eating cabbage affect breast milk?

There’s no specific reason to eat cabbage while breastfeeding — it doesn’t help you in any unique way, but it certainly doesn’t hurt, either. Despite the fact that it looks kind of unimpressive, cabbage is actually loaded with nutrients that breastfeeding moms need to stay healthy, like vitamins K and C and folate.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

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 shortens your milk supply?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

What foods decrease breast milk?

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.)

Will cabbage reduce milk supply?

Avoid placing the cabbage on any areas of broken skin, including cracked nipples. Watch your milk supply. As soon as you feel relief from your engorgement, it’s important to stop using cabbage leaves. The cabbage leaves can decrease your milk supply.

How long does it take cabbage to get rid of breast milk?

Wear the cabbage leaves day and night until your breasts stay soft. This may take 3 to 5 days. 3. Some women feel additional comfort by using ice packs on their breasts.

Is cabbage bad for newborns?

Baby can start eating cabbage from 8 months onwards. Cabbage is known to cause gas. To avoid this, don’t use the large rib that separates the leaf down the middle in the dishes you prepare for your baby.

What veggies should I avoid while breastfeeding?

You need to be careful when you include them in your breastfeeding diet, as babies can show disturbed digestion, sometimes rashes too. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, can cause gas issues and make babies uncomfortable. If your baby also reacts in the similar manner, you should avoid them.

Will cabbage make my baby gassy?

High-Fiber Foods
Foods like bran, beans, cabbage, and whole grains are fiber-rich; therefore, these particular foods, though fantastic for a balanced diet, can lead to gas. Though fiber-heavy foods can potentially help alleviate constipation, they are also a likely cause of gas for both a mama and her little one.