Why not eat onions after delivery?

The Case Against Onions Post-Delivery
In the delicate period following childbirth, many new mothers are advised to be cautious about their diet, and onions often find themselves on the list of foods to avoid. While onions are celebrated for their numerous health benefits, they can also pose certain challenges for postpartum recovery.
Digestive Concerns
One of the primary reasons to limit onion consumption after delivery is their potential to cause digestive discomfort. Onions are known to be high in fructans, a type of carbohydrate that can lead to bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, particularly in individuals with sensitive digestive systems. After childbirth, many women experience changes in their digestive health, making them more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues. Consuming onions during this time could exacerbate these problems, leading to discomfort that new mothers can ill afford while adjusting to life with a newborn.
Impact on Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers, the foods consumed can influence the baby’s comfort and health. Onions have a strong flavor and can alter the taste of breast milk, which might lead to a rejection of breastfeeding by some infants. While not all babies react negatively to the flavors introduced through breast milk, there is a possibility that the strong sulfur compounds in onions could cause gas or irritability in some infants. This concern prompts many healthcare providers to recommend avoiding onions during the early stages of breastfeeding.
Cultural and Traditional Beliefs
In various cultures, there are traditional beliefs surrounding postpartum diets. Many cultures emphasize the importance of consuming easily digestible foods that promote healing and recovery. Onions, often considered a “heating” food in some traditions, may be viewed as inappropriate for new mothers who are encouraged to consume “cooling” foods to balance their bodies after the heat of labor. This cultural perspective can significantly influence dietary choices during the postpartum period.
Potential Allergies and Sensitivities
Another consideration is the potential for allergies or sensitivities. While rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to onions, which can manifest as skin rashes, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal distress. For new mothers, who may already be experiencing heightened sensitivity due to hormonal changes, introducing potentially allergenic foods like onions could pose unnecessary risks.
Conclusion
While onions are undoubtedly a nutritious food with various health benefits, their consumption after delivery may not be advisable for everyone. The potential for digestive issues, the impact on breastfeeding, cultural dietary practices, and the risk of allergies all contribute to the recommendation to avoid onions during this sensitive time. New mothers are encouraged to focus on a balanced diet that supports their recovery and the health of their newborns, often opting for gentler, more easily digestible foods in the initial postpartum weeks.

Which vegetable should avoid after delivery?

Certain vegetables & foods that cause bloating: Gaseous foods like chola (chickpeas), cauliflower, potato should be avoided. Though they are nutritious and can be a part of the diet chart of pregnant women, some women experience gas and bloating after consuming them.

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.

Is onion good after surgery?

Try to consume garlic and onion, but speak to your doctor before you do. These two foods have anti-inflammatory agents, as do turmeric (a spice) and ginger. Lean protein contains essential components for recovery. Red meat is not advised because it can cause constipation and is high in saturated fats.

Do onions give breastfed babies gas?

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.

Can I eat onions after delivery?

And there are no foods that all mothers must avoid. In most cases, there is no need to steer clear of chocolate, spicy foods, onions, garlic, broccoli, or cabbage. The key is: everything in moderation. In one study mothers had lots of garlic—more than anyone could eat with a meal.

Which food is not good after delivery?

Postpartum Foods To Avoid

• COLD FOOD & DRINKS – Things like iced drinks, cold/frozen smoothies, ice cream and anything that’s going to cool you from the inside should be limited.
• DRY – Cake, bread, pastries, cookies, and other “dry” foods should also be limited.

What effects do onions have on babies?

Are onions healthy for babies? Yes. Onions of all colors are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and fluid, in addition to folate, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C. These nutrients provide energy to fuel baby’s movement and play and support for digestive health and hydration.

What vegetables should I avoid when 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 should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

Do garlic and onions affect breastfeeding?

It’s super common because onion and garlic contain similar short chain sugars to lactose (see the FODMAP diet pages at Monash university) and are processed in breastmilk and can create colic as the they are literally all fermentable sugars.