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Is seed safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Seeds While Breastfeeding
When it comes to breastfeeding, many mothers are understandably cautious about what they consume, as it can directly affect their infants. Among the various dietary choices, seeds—such as black seed and chia seeds—often come into question regarding their safety and potential effects on breastfed babies.
Black Seed and Breastfeeding
Black seed, also known as Nigella sativa, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. However, its safety during breastfeeding is not thoroughly established. Some sources suggest that while black seed may have health benefits for mothers, there is limited research on its effects on breastfed infants. Concerns primarily revolve around potential side effects that could arise from its consumption, which may not be fully understood yet. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating black seed into their diets.
Chia Seeds: A Nutritional Powerhouse
On the other hand, chia seeds are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and various nutrients that can be beneficial for both mothers and their babies. Chia seeds can aid in digestive health and provide essential nutrients that support lactation. Many health experts encourage the inclusion of chia seeds in a breastfeeding diet, as they can contribute positively to the mother’s overall nutrition without posing significant risks to the infant.
General Considerations for Seed Consumption
While seeds like chia are often deemed safe, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to be mindful of their overall diet. The FDA emphasizes that what a mother consumes can find its way into breast milk, which means that any substance—natural or otherwise—should be approached with caution. This is particularly true for more controversial substances, such as CBD and THC, where the FDA strongly advises against their use during breastfeeding due to insufficient research on their effects on infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while chia seeds are generally safe and beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, the safety of black seed remains uncertain, warranting caution and professional guidance. As always, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is key for nursing mothers, ensuring both their health and that of their infants. If there are any doubts or specific health concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider is the best course of action.

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 should be avoided while breastfeeding?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

  • 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
  • 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
  • 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
  • 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
  • 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
  • 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

Can flaxseed decrease milk supply?

Flaxseed
They contain phytoestrogens, meaning they have estrogenic properties that can help increase breast milk production. Try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed into your breakfast cereal, smoothies and yoghurt, or mix a few tablespoons of flaxseed into your home-baked desserts.

Can a breastfeeding mother eat seeds?

Dietary restrictions from pregnancy do not apply to breastfeeding moms. Vegetarian diets can be compatible with breastfeeding. If you avoid meat, make sure you eat other sources of iron and zinc such as dried beans, dried fruit, nuts, seeds and dairy.

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. 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.

Is seed safe to take while breastfeeding?

Comments Section Most of the ingredients in that mix look pretty safe for breastfeeding and even beneficial. Seeds, nuts, and whole foods like flaxseed, chia, and pumpkin seeds are known to support overall health. A couple of things to watch out for though:

Is seed probiotic ok during pregnancy?

Taking probiotics is generally safe and well tolerated by pregnant women and their children.

What supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

  • Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
  • Aloe latex.
  • Ashwagandha.
  • Berberine/goldenseal.
  • Bilberry.
  • Black cohosh.
  • Butterbur.
  • Dong quai.

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.

Do babies digest seeds?

Well, while there is no firm recommended daily amount – seeds are a large source of fibre which can cause digestive discomfort or diarrhoea in high amounts. So, the best approach is to slowly introduce them over time, and monitor how they are affecting your little one’s bowel movements (how fun…!)

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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