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What happens if you eat cabbage while breastfeeding?

The Impact of Eating Cabbage While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often find themselves navigating a complex landscape of dietary choices, with many wondering how their food intake might affect their milk and, consequently, their babies. One common query revolves around the consumption of cabbage, a nutritious vegetable that can be both beneficial and potentially problematic during lactation.
Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and various antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to many diets. For breastfeeding mothers, these nutrients can support overall health and well-being. However, the question remains: does eating cabbage affect breast milk or the baby?
Potential Concerns: Gas and Sensitivity
One of the primary concerns associated with cabbage consumption during breastfeeding is its potential to cause gas. Cabbage, along with other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, is known to produce gas in some individuals due to its high fiber content and certain carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest. This gas can sometimes lead to discomfort in breastfed infants, resulting in fussiness or increased gassiness for up to 24 hours after the mother consumes these foods.
While many mothers report that their babies seem sensitive to gassy foods, it’s important to note that reactions can vary significantly from one infant to another. Some babies may not exhibit any adverse effects, while others might be more sensitive to the compounds found in cabbage.
Cabbage and Breast Milk Quality
There is a common belief that eating cabbage can lead to a decrease in breast milk quality or quantity. However, this notion lacks substantial scientific backing. While some anecdotal evidence suggests that certain foods might impact milk production, the consensus among health professionals is that a balanced diet, including cabbage, is unlikely to hinder breastfeeding success.
Cabbage Leaves for Relief
Interestingly, cabbage is not only consumed but also used topically by breastfeeding mothers. Cabbage leaves have been applied to the breasts to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with conditions like mastitis and engorgement. This traditional remedy is believed to provide relief and can be particularly helpful for mothers experiencing discomfort during breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Moderation is Key
In summary, eating cabbage while breastfeeding can be safe and beneficial, provided that mothers pay attention to their babies’ reactions. If a mother notices increased gassiness or fussiness in her infant after consuming cabbage, it may be wise to limit or avoid it. Ultimately, maintaining a varied and balanced diet is crucial for both the mother’s health and the quality of breast milk. As with many dietary choices during breastfeeding, moderation and observation are key to ensuring a positive experience for both mother and child.

Does cabbage make babies fussy?

Anecdotally, some moms say other foods that commonly cause gas in adults, such as broccoli, cabbage, beans, cauliflower, garlic, or spicy foods, make their breastfed babies gassy or irritable. You may find that your baby’s gas improves when you eliminate a suspect food from your diet.

How long does cabbage take to dry up milk supply?

3 to 5 days
Change the leaves about every two hours, sooner if they become wilted or smell like cooked cabbage. Wear the cabbage leaves day and night until your breasts stay soft. This may take 3 to 5 days.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘dS1oZ_y6CKrDkPIPlLSPsQc__40′,’

Does kissing your baby change breast milk?

When a mother kisses her baby, she samples the pathogens on her baby’s face, which then travel to the mom’s lymphatic system. The mother’s body then creates the antibodies to fight those pathogens, which she feeds to her baby in her milk. So amazing, right!?

Does eating cabbage affect milk supply?

Additionally, too much cabbage in your diet can limit milk production. Ensure you’re staying hydrated and drinking enough water throughout the day to stimulate milk production.

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 vegetables should be avoided while breastfeeding?

The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers. Fruits with a laxative effect, such as cherries and prunes.

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.)

Does cabbage cause gas in breastfed babies?

Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Bloating, burping, and passing gas are normal. But if your baby is gassy or has colic, avoid these foods for a few weeks to see whether they relieve the symptoms.

What is the fastest way to dry up breast milk?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

What food decreases breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

  • Alcohol.
  • Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
  • Chasteberry.
  • Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.
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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