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What fruits should I avoid during breastfeeding?

Understanding Dietary Choices While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and maintaining a balanced diet is essential for the health of both. While many fruits are beneficial, some may not be ideal for breastfeeding mothers. Here’s a closer look at which fruits to consider avoiding during this period.
Fruits to Avoid
1. Citrus Fruits: Fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are often cited as ones to limit. While they are rich in vitamin C, they can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort for both the mother and the baby. Some babies may react to the acidity, which can cause fussiness or diaper rash.
2. Cherries: These can be problematic due to their high sugar content and potential to cause gas. While cherries are nutritious, they may lead to digestive issues for some breastfeeding mothers, which could indirectly affect the baby.
3. Prunes: Although prunes are known for their laxative effects, they can also cause gas and bloating in some mothers. This discomfort can be passed on to the baby through breast milk, leading to fussiness.
4. Excessively Sugary Fruits: Fruits that are high in sugar, such as overly ripe bananas or certain tropical fruits, should be consumed in moderation. High sugar intake can lead to energy spikes and crashes, which may affect a mother’s overall well-being and energy levels.
General Guidelines for Fruit Consumption
While avoiding certain fruits, it’s important to remember that a well-balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits can provide essential nutrients. Here are some tips for incorporating fruits into a breastfeeding diet:
– Moderation is Key: If you enjoy citrus or other fruits that may cause issues, consider consuming them in moderation and observing how your baby reacts.
– Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial during breastfeeding. Fruits like watermelon and cucumber can help maintain hydration levels without the potential drawbacks of more acidic fruits.
– Focus on Variety: Incorporate a range of fruits that are less likely to cause issues, such as berries, apples, and pears, which are generally well-tolerated and provide valuable nutrients.
Conclusion
Navigating dietary choices while breastfeeding can be challenging, but understanding which fruits to avoid can help ensure a smoother experience for both mother and baby. By focusing on moderation and variety, breastfeeding mothers can maintain a nutritious diet that supports their health and enhances their milk supply. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to individual dietary needs.

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 make breastfed babies poop more?

Mother’s diet – Remember that something in the mother’s diet may cause a breastfed baby to have more frequent or looser bowel movements–for example, coffee, cola, or herbal teas.

Which fruit is 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.

Which fruit is not good for breastfeeding mothers?

Strawberries. Kiwifruit. Pineapple. The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers.

Which fruit is best for breast milk?

a. Fruits and Veggies

  • Papaya: Raw papaya is a great food that acts as a galactagogue.
  • Watermelon: Loaded with fiber, water, and fructose, watermelon (alternatively, coconut) ensures hydration and also infuses essential minerals that help maintain/increase breast milk supply.

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.

What fruits should you avoid after giving birth?

Cow’s milk-based foods: May cause the baby to develop milk protein allergies. Avoid vegetables and fruits such as cabbage, sweet bananas, strawberries, cherries, and grapes: May cause gas and abdominal discomfort for the baby.

Can I eat pineapple while breastfeeding?

Eating such foods can cause gas in the mother’s bowel; however, gas and fiber do not pass into breast milk. Similarly, acidic foods like citrus fruits, pineapple, and tomatoes do not affect breast milk, as these foods do not change the pH of maternal plasma10).

What foods dry up breast milk?

For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

Which fruits can cause gas in breastfed babies?

Foods That Make Breastfed Babies Gassy

  • Fiber. Foods like bran, beans, and whole grains.
  • Fruit. Citrus fruits, prunes, plums, peaches, or apricots.
  • Vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts.
  • Garlic. Garlic-seasoned foods like pasta dishes or garlic bread.
  • Dairy.
  • Carbonated beverages.
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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