Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » What fruit is best for breastfeeding?

What fruit is best for breastfeeding?

The Best Fruits for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mothers and their infants, as the nutritional choices made by the mother directly impact the quality of breast milk. Among the various food groups, fruits play a significant role in providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support both maternal health and milk production.
Nutritional Benefits of Fruits
Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals that are vital for breastfeeding mothers. For instance, citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges are excellent sources of Vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health. Additionally, fruits such as strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with iron and a variety of vitamins, including calcium and potassium, which are beneficial for overall health.
Fiber-Rich Choices
Fiber is another important component of a breastfeeding diet. Fruits like raspberries, pears, apples, and oranges provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help alleviate constipation—a common concern for postpartum women. Fiber also promotes good gut health, which is essential during the breastfeeding phase. Including these fiber-rich fruits can help mothers maintain digestive health while ensuring their bodies are nourished.
Hydration and Milk Production
Staying hydrated is crucial for breastfeeding mothers, and fruits with high water content, such as watermelon and cucumbers, can contribute to overall fluid intake. While drinking fluids is important, it’s worth noting that hydration alone does not necessarily increase milk supply; a balanced diet rich in nutrients is key.
Variety is Key
No single fruit can be deemed the best for breastfeeding; rather, a varied diet that includes a wide range of fruits is recommended. This approach ensures that mothers receive a comprehensive array of nutrients necessary for both their health and the health of their baby. The goal should be to incorporate fruits that are not only nutritious but also enjoyable, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet.
Fruits to Approach with Caution
While most fruits are beneficial, some may cause digestive discomfort in infants, leading to gas or fussiness. It’s advisable for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their babies’ reactions to certain fruits and adjust their diets accordingly. For example, some mothers may choose to limit their intake of highly acidic fruits if they notice adverse reactions in their infants.
In conclusion, breastfeeding mothers should focus on a diverse selection of fruits that provide essential nutrients, fiber, and hydration. By prioritizing fruits like strawberries, oranges, and apples, mothers can support their health and enhance the quality of their breast milk, ultimately benefiting their babies during this critical developmental stage.

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 to drink to increase breastmilk?

And caffeine-free iced or hot herbal teas can contribute to your daily fluid goal. You can also buy or make lactation tea. These herbal teas feature galactagogues like fenugreek, ginger, fennel, and other herbs thought to boost milk supply.

Do soft breasts mean no milk?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

What fruits cause colic in babies?

Apricots, rhubarb, prunes, melons, peaches, and other fresh fruits. Cow’s milk.

Which fruits not to eat during breastfeeding?

Food Items to Avoid During Breastfeeding:

  • Chocolate.
  • Spices like cinnamon, garlic, curry, chili pepper.
  • Citrus fruits and their juices, like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
  • Strawberries.
  • Kiwifruit.
  • Pineapple.
  • The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers.

Which food is best to increase breast milk?

What foods should I eat while breastfeeding? Focus on making healthy choices to help fuel your milk production. Opt for protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils and seafood low in mercury. Choose a variety of whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables.

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.)

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.

What fruits help produce breast milk?

Apricots and dates
Eating apricots and dates can increase prolactin, which is the hormone that tells your body to produce milk.

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.)
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.

Leave a Comment