Why cant you eat cabbage while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cabbage and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial phase in a mother’s journey, providing essential nutrients and bonding experiences for both the mother and infant. However, many new mothers find themselves wondering about the foods they should or shouldn’t consume during this period. One common query revolves around cabbage: Why might it be advised to avoid this leafy green while breastfeeding?
The Nutritional Profile of Cabbage
Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. It is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber. These attributes make cabbage a nutritious choice for many diets. However, its consumption is often scrutinized in the context of breastfeeding.
Gas Production and Infant Discomfort
One of the primary concerns regarding cabbage consumption during breastfeeding is its potential to cause gas and bloating. Cabbage contains certain complex carbohydrates and sulfur compounds, which can be difficult for some people to digest. When these substances are broken down in the gut, they can lead to the production of gas.
For breastfeeding mothers, the worry is that these gas-producing compounds could be passed into breast milk and subsequently affect the infant. While research on this specific phenomenon remains limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that some babies may experience increased gassiness or discomfort when their mothers consume gas-inducing foods like cabbage.
Individual Reactions Vary
It’s essential to recognize that every mother and baby pair is unique. Not all infants react negatively to cabbage or other cruciferous vegetables. Individual tolerance plays a significant role; some mothers may enjoy cabbage without any apparent impact on their baby, while others might find that their infant becomes fussy or gassy following its consumption.
Recommendations for New Mothers
Given the potential for discomfort, many healthcare providers recommend that breastfeeding mothers approach cabbage with caution. Here are some practical tips:
1. Monitor Your Diet: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and any subsequent reactions from your baby. This can help identify potential triggers.
2. Introduce Foods Gradually: If you want to include cabbage in your diet, introduce it slowly and in small amounts to observe any effects on your baby.
3. Consult a Professional: Always feel free to discuss dietary concerns with a lactation consultant or pediatrician, who can provide tailored advice based on your situation.
Conclusion
While cabbage is a nutritious vegetable, its potential to cause gas and discomfort in infants has led to caution among breastfeeding mothers. Listening to your body and your baby is key. By being mindful of dietary choices, mothers can navigate the complexities of breastfeeding while ensuring their own health and that of their little ones.

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 cause gas in breastfed babies?

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.

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.

Will eating cabbage make my baby gassy?

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.

Is it bad to eat cabbage while breastfeeding?

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 does cabbage do to breast milk?

The cabbage leaves can decrease your milk supply. You might need antibiotics. This is especially true if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms. Cabbage leaves can help reduce discomfort from inflammation and engorgement, but they can’t treat a serious infection.

Why can’t you eat broccoli while breastfeeding?

It’s possible for your breastfed baby to have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to something you eat or drink. Foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or some dairy products can cause fussiness, gassiness, or colicky behavior in some babies.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

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.

What dries up breast milk?

Key takeaways: Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply. Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.