Mother's Milk and Indian Foods to improve Lactation
Mother's milk is the best natural and healthy food for the new born babies. In ancient India, mothers breastfeed their baby until baby turns 5 years old, breast milk provides complete nourishment, immunity and strength to the babies. Breastfeeding releases beneficial hormones in the mother's body, it helps to contract the uterus more quickly, reduces bleeding, enables good sleep. There are two major hormones secreted in women's body, to produce milk and to deliver the milk, mother's milk has all the nutrients for the baby. Breastfeeding helps both mother and baby to be healthy and fit. But, now a days, Many mothers are not able to feed rich nutritional milk to their babies due to modern lifestyle and ignorant about the science behind it.
When there is a labor pain during delivery, contraction occurs and the placenta starts to separate from the uterus, at the same time female hormones will be stimulated to secrete milk for the little one and first milk from the mother is called 'colostrum' and it's the best, fullest, richest milk ever. It is thick, yellow colored milk which is high in proteins, electrolytes, sodium, potassium and Vitamin A. Some doctors say it's not recommended to give to the babies. NO !! its completely wrong, few drops of colostrum, the first milk is having rare combination of rich nutrients, immunity powers, easy digestion and special growth factors that can not be recreated in modern science labs.
There are multiple reasons to feed colostrum milk to the baby.
A) It is best first food for the baby that gives immunity, keeps them full for more time, pushes first motion from their stomach easily. In short, easily digested and well absorbed.
B) First milk is having special quality which gives fighting ability for the babies and contains essential amino acids.
C) As the first milk keeps them full and makes the baby sleep peacefully for long time, it allows mother to take rest and recover from the pain and gives strength to mother to secrete more milk for the babies, its a continuous process.
D) Protects against Infections, Allergies and Asthma
E) Promotes greater emotional bonding
F) Better Bio availability of Iron and Calcium
G) Rich in essential fatty acids and lessen heart diseases, diabetics.
A) It is best first food for the baby that gives immunity, keeps them full for more time, pushes first motion from their stomach easily. In short, easily digested and well absorbed.
B) First milk is having special quality which gives fighting ability for the babies and contains essential amino acids.
C) As the first milk keeps them full and makes the baby sleep peacefully for long time, it allows mother to take rest and recover from the pain and gives strength to mother to secrete more milk for the babies, its a continuous process.
D) Protects against Infections, Allergies and Asthma
E) Promotes greater emotional bonding
F) Better Bio availability of Iron and Calcium
G) Rich in essential fatty acids and lessen heart diseases, diabetics.
Westernized modern mothers are not comfortable in feeding their babies, they are reluctant to breastfeed as they are so conscious about their beauty and shape. Women's body system is a perfect cycle, the brain stimulates pituitary gland to release Oxytocin hormone during labor pain, Oxytocin stimulates uterus contractions and pushes baby towards cervix , head of the baby pushes against cervix, in response to the sensory input from the cervix, more Oxytocin is secreted from the pituitary gland, causes further contractions and this process continues until baby comes out of the womb. The oxytocin level goes to its peak during delivery and at the same time sends signal to the brain for the milk secretion. When the baby sucks breasts for the milk, Oxytocin hormone is released and it sends milk (Milk Ejection) and prolactin hormone prepares milk and Oxytocin also helps to contract the uterus size which in turn stops bleeding. Oxytocin reflex is responsible for better milk flow, it is also stimulated by thinking lovingly of the baby, sound and sight of the baby. Prolactin reflex works during and after feed to produce milk for next feed, more prolactin is secreted at the night.
Delay in initialization of breastfeed, bottle feed, incorrect position and painful breasts are hindrance for prolactin hormone secretion, which is responsible for milk production and this leads to unsuccessful breastfeeding and the cycle will the disrupted. If we try to break the cycle by avoiding breastfeeding, then it may create complicated problems in mother's body in the later stage. For example, one of the reason for causes of the Breast, Ovarian, cervix cancer is not breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for baby, it also helps mother to loose the extra fat stored during pregnancy period, it also stimulates mother to eat well and strengthen their body.
Delay in initialization of breastfeed, bottle feed, incorrect position and painful breasts are hindrance for prolactin hormone secretion, which is responsible for milk production and this leads to unsuccessful breastfeeding and the cycle will the disrupted. If we try to break the cycle by avoiding breastfeeding, then it may create complicated problems in mother's body in the later stage. For example, one of the reason for causes of the Breast, Ovarian, cervix cancer is not breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for baby, it also helps mother to loose the extra fat stored during pregnancy period, it also stimulates mother to eat well and strengthen their body.
After first few days of breastfeeding, milk intake increases rapidly and around second week mother's milk will be transitioned into mature milk. Mature milk consists of Foremilk and Hindmilk. As the name says Foremilk is the foremost milk which baby receives in the beginning of breastfeeding session. It is thin watery in consistency which helps to quench baby's thirst, it also contains plenty of lactose and proteins but low in fat and calories. Hind milk is the one which baby receives at the end of the breastfeeding session, which is thick and creamy in consistency, contains more fat and calories. Hindmilk makes baby's stomach full and induces sleep in baby.
That's the wonder of Mother nature. No one has decoded the perfect breastmilk formula in this World. That's the power of nature !! In addition to all these healthy nutritious factors, Breast milk will be at right temperature and ready to serve for the baby, neither hot nor cold, just right and hygienic always.
That's the wonder of Mother nature. No one has decoded the perfect breastmilk formula in this World. That's the power of nature !! In addition to all these healthy nutritious factors, Breast milk will be at right temperature and ready to serve for the baby, neither hot nor cold, just right and hygienic always.
A Thumb rule for effective breastfeeding is, to breastfeed the baby completely on one side before moving to other side, in other words the baby should get enough Hindmilk, which makes them full. Breast milk will not be empty or stop producing milk, it's a continuous process, if the milk is getting sucked by the baby, it will start secreting fresh milk in the body, its a demand - supply process. The more the mother nurses the baby, the more milk body will produce.
To strengthen mother and to breastfeed the babies there are certain types of food that is been followed in India for decades.
During Pregnancy
There are certain types of diet plan that is been followed in India.
From second trimester on wards, one full cup of fresh curd (not yogurt) is added in the diet, tender coconut water and more green leaves, especially Spinach.
During third trimester of pregnancy, Indian women used to add more milk into their diet, one of such thing is eating Milk rice, i.e over the hot cooked rice, half a glass of hot milk is poured and a spoon of sugar / jaggery is added for sweetness. This is called Milk rice and could be taken along with any vegetables (Some people eat it with pickle, if they have nausea).
Foods to improve Lactation
Mother's diet affect the quality and quantity of milk. In India, we follow traditions on every occasion, which has deep meaning and scientific reasons behind it. Those who did not understand the reason, just started naming that as 'Superstitions', 'Backdated people' etc. The procedures and traditions said by Indian ancestors are getting attention now by the thesis of western scientists and scholars.
A balanced and nutritious diet for lactating mother provides rich milk to the baby and healthy for mother.
Before trying the below mentioned foods, it is necessary to breastfeed the baby though you have low milk. Try to understand that breast milk works in Demand - Supply model, if you don't feed your baby, your supply will be low.
First and foremost drink at least 3 glasses of cow milk everyday, which is rich in calcium, promotes lactation and satisfies the calcium need of the baby and mother. Also increase water intake.
1. Drumstick leaves
If you have trouble in your milk supply / not having sufficient milk for the baby, then these drumstick leaves / Moringa leaves are the super and natural food to improve your milk supply. Properly cooking and consuming these leaves will result in a thick and rich milk secretion in mother, it has all the nutrients needed for the baby, this rich milk makes baby's tummy full, induces sleep etc.
Below are the some of the special properties of drumstick leaves
A) Galactagogue
'Galacta' means milk in greek, the substance which helps in improving the mother's milk. This substance is naturally found in Moringa leaves.B) Calcium
Breastfeeding mothers needs more calcium in their diet, so that baby gets adequate calcium for their growth and also for making milk. Moringa leaves rich in calcium, so making the milk with rich in calcium for both mother and baby.
C) Iron
New mothers might have lost considerable amount of blood during delivery, so to increase the blood, doctor's will prescribe iron supplements for 3 moths post delivery. But, during good olden days, these Moringa leaves are used to improve Iron and Calcium levels in the body, post delivery, also it is a natural and abundant food with no side effects.
D) Vitamins
It is rich in Vitamin A, E and K. Vitamin K helps in blood clotting.It also helps in lowering the blood pressure of new mothers.
In South India, drumstick trees can be seen in every street of rural area, it grows very well in those region and it can be seen in the backyard of all the houses. During our childhood days we take gum from the juice of drumstick tree, stem of these leaves are also used in cooking (soups), almost twice a week will use drumsticks and its leaves in the food, this tree is having amazing properties for medicinal use, early Indians found this vegetable and leaves are having extremely useful and formed set of traditions to follow for a reason.
2. Malai poondu (Hills Garlic)
Malai Poondu / hills garlic are having more benefits compared to normal white garlic. Garlic tend to change the color and taste of the breast milk, studies shows that mother who eats garlic has peak levels in the milk than the mothers who don't eat the garlic. Also babies like the garlicky taste in the milk, they suck more vigorously and takes more milk, this increases the milk secretion in mother.
Malai Poondu / hills garlic are having more benefits compared to normal white garlic. Garlic tend to change the color and taste of the breast milk, studies shows that mother who eats garlic has peak levels in the milk than the mothers who don't eat the garlic. Also babies like the garlicky taste in the milk, they suck more vigorously and takes more milk, this increases the milk secretion in mother.
Cooking Malai Poondu in milk will improve the milk supply and it is considered as the 'BEST FOOD' during lactation.
Malai poondu milk recipe
Peel two / three full garlic (approximately 12 -14 garlic cloves). In a pan take one cup of boiled milk, once it started to boil put these garlic cloves and a pinch of salt. Cook these garlic until it is mashes and then turn off the heat. One can have this as such, or can add tempering on top of it.
Tempering : Peel and fine chop 5 -6 onion shallots , in a pan put one spoon of oil, add pinch of mustard seeds, split urad dal, pinch of hing (Asafoetida) and chopped onion shallots. Fry them for 2 minutes, take them out, put it over the cooked milk garlic and consume it once it is cooled down.
This is the granny's best home remedy to improve lactation.
Peel two / three full garlic (approximately 12 -14 garlic cloves). In a pan take one cup of boiled milk, once it started to boil put these garlic cloves and a pinch of salt. Cook these garlic until it is mashes and then turn off the heat. One can have this as such, or can add tempering on top of it.
Tempering : Peel and fine chop 5 -6 onion shallots , in a pan put one spoon of oil, add pinch of mustard seeds, split urad dal, pinch of hing (Asafoetida) and chopped onion shallots. Fry them for 2 minutes, take them out, put it over the cooked milk garlic and consume it once it is cooled down.
This is the granny's best home remedy to improve lactation.
3. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are also used to increase the milk in new mothers. Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in the water overnight, then next day morning boil and drink this fenugreek water for better milk supply
Additionally one can make 'Kheer' (Milk sweet) with these fenugreek seeds and eat it, milk with fenugreek seeds is good for health.
Fenugreek leaves are also helps in lactation.
Fenugreek seeds are also used to increase the milk in new mothers. Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in the water overnight, then next day morning boil and drink this fenugreek water for better milk supply
Additionally one can make 'Kheer' (Milk sweet) with these fenugreek seeds and eat it, milk with fenugreek seeds is good for health.
Fenugreek leaves are also helps in lactation.
4. Kappa / Maravalli Kizhangu (Tapioca)
Eating Tapioca boosts feeding. Some say that it will cause gas in babies, but actually if you cook it properly, it won't be gassy and can be added to mother's diet for better milk supply. (If you have doubt, add few pieces of Tapioca with jeera and try for a day)
5. Fennel seeds
These Fennel seeds not only increases the milk, but also helps in digestion and prevent colic pain in babies.
Boil a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water, switch it off and let it steep for 10 mins. Strain the water and drink for better milk supply.
Daily after meal if a mother eats a teaspoon of fennel seeds and nurse the baby after 45 mins (or more), then chances of getting colic pain in babies will be very less.
6. Lauki (Bottle gourd)
Bottle gourd is having high water content, new mothers needs to drink more water as more water is absorbed from mother's body for breast milk
New mother's should not consume raw lauki juice, Only cooked lauki should be added to new mother's diet, it also helps to reduce the size of the uterus.
7. Sabudana (Tapioca pearls)
As Sabudana is from Tapioca, it has the same nutritional values. Eating Sabudana Kheer (Sweet version of Sabudana cooked in milk) is very effective for lactation.
Eating Tapioca boosts feeding. Some say that it will cause gas in babies, but actually if you cook it properly, it won't be gassy and can be added to mother's diet for better milk supply. (If you have doubt, add few pieces of Tapioca with jeera and try for a day)
5. Fennel seeds
These Fennel seeds not only increases the milk, but also helps in digestion and prevent colic pain in babies.
Boil a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water, switch it off and let it steep for 10 mins. Strain the water and drink for better milk supply.
6. Lauki (Bottle gourd)
Bottle gourd is having high water content, new mothers needs to drink more water as more water is absorbed from mother's body for breast milk
New mother's should not consume raw lauki juice, Only cooked lauki should be added to new mother's diet, it also helps to reduce the size of the uterus.
7. Sabudana (Tapioca pearls)
As Sabudana is from Tapioca, it has the same nutritional values. Eating Sabudana Kheer (Sweet version of Sabudana cooked in milk) is very effective for lactation.
8. Desi Ghee
Desi ghee prepared from cow's milk has many health benefits, it's been used since Ancient India, this is used in cooking before refined oils enter into the market. Desi ghee helps in digestion, absorbs nutrients, helps in lactation, fortifies breast milk, heals internal wounds during delivery, improves stamina etc. There are plenty of reasons for adding Desi Ghee in the diet. A teaspoon of ghee for 3 times a day is considered normal, but during lactation period it can be doubled.
Desi ghee prepared from cow's milk has many health benefits, it's been used since Ancient India, this is used in cooking before refined oils enter into the market. Desi ghee helps in digestion, absorbs nutrients, helps in lactation, fortifies breast milk, heals internal wounds during delivery, improves stamina etc. There are plenty of reasons for adding Desi Ghee in the diet. A teaspoon of ghee for 3 times a day is considered normal, but during lactation period it can be doubled.
9. Green Raw Papaya
Green Raw papaya is used as side dish for rice and roti as a vegetable. Green raw papaya has more benefits compared to ripe papaya. Raw papaya has galactagogue substance, which increases milk supply, it also acts as sedative which helps mother to relax and calm.
It is a traditional alternative medicine for lactation, which should be cooked properly.
Green Raw papaya is used as side dish for rice and roti as a vegetable. Green raw papaya has more benefits compared to ripe papaya. Raw papaya has galactagogue substance, which increases milk supply, it also acts as sedative which helps mother to relax and calm.
It is a traditional alternative medicine for lactation, which should be cooked properly.
10. Fresh Curd
Homemade fresh curd is having more health benefits than yogurt. Fresh curd when eaten along with rice (Curd rice) will release hormones in the brain, which makes us to get complete, calm, relaxed and satisfying feeling.
One must eat fresh curd during pregnancy and lactation period for better calcium and vitamin intake. Curd as a diary product boosts lactation, makes tummy full and gives freshness to the body. Note : Have to include fresh curd in the diet, not the refrigerated curd (No sugar / salt added to it)
Homemade fresh curd is having more health benefits than yogurt. Fresh curd when eaten along with rice (Curd rice) will release hormones in the brain, which makes us to get complete, calm, relaxed and satisfying feeling.
One must eat fresh curd during pregnancy and lactation period for better calcium and vitamin intake. Curd as a diary product boosts lactation, makes tummy full and gives freshness to the body. Note : Have to include fresh curd in the diet, not the refrigerated curd (No sugar / salt added to it)
11. Water
Drinking lots of water and fluids prevents you from dehydration and takes water for lactation. For better milk supply, body takes water from women's body, so to compensate the fluid lost, one needs to drink one glass of water before and after every breastfeed.
Fluids like tender coconut water, juices, buttermilk, milk and soups can be consumed in addition to the plain water. As new mothers feel hungry frequently, it is recommended to have six times meal in a day, by including soups in the mid meal, having laddus / kheer/ nuts for evening snack.
12. Spinach
Spinach, which is another galactagogue, a good source of Iron, calcium, Vitamin A, K and folate. It helps to increase the iron level, also it improves the blood glucose control in diabetics. It is important to consume only cooked spinach during lactation period, spinach not only improves the milk supply, it also enhances the taste of the breast milk.
13. Black Sesame seeds
Black sesame seeds are rich in iron and calcium, it tends to increase the milk supply. It can be taken in the form of laddu, by adding jaggery to the roasted and powdered the sesame seeds
14. Carrots
Eating carrots promotes lactation. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, it enhances the taste of your milk and promotes lactation. It Can be taken as raw juice, carrot curry for rice / rotis, carrot halwa or carrot soup.
15. Almonds
Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, which helps in reducing the itchy / stretched skin of your belly and thighs.
The omega 3 in the Almonds helps to boost the milk supply, as the skin of Almonds cause fussy in babies, it is recommended to peel the skin and have it.
16. Shatavari Root
Shatavari roots are used since ages in India. It has ample of health benefits especially for women, one such benefit is, it contains galactagogue substance which boosts milk supply and continuous usage of this root will increase the milk enormously .
Almost all the supplements in the market for lactation contains Shatavari. This is proven ingredient used for lactation in ancient India.
17. Legiyam
'Prasava Legiyam' (postpartum medicine), this is traditional medicine cooked at home by grannies, it is bundle of so many good factors and one of such factor is it helps in milk secretion.
One spoon of this legiyam has to be take in empty stomach in the morning and not to consume any food / drinks for one hour after that. This legiyam helps to improve digestion of mother, helps in constipation, heals the internal surgical wounds, helps in milk secretion of the mother, contraction of the uterus, relives body pain and helps to clear the waste from the body.
One has to eat this legiyam after delivery till they stop breastfeeding or minimum of six months. It gives strength to the body, serves as appetizer and improves lactation.
18. Sleep Well
Lastly, a relaxed sleep and taking ample of rest is very important during breastfeeding. Stress and depression will affect the natural breast milk secretion. When a mother happily gives milk to her baby, it makes her a completely satisfied person and in turn reduces the postpartum stress drastically. Baby can feel mother's emotions, so sleep well, relax and happily breastfeed your baby !!!
Foods not to eat during lactation
In general, after delivery the mother should not drink / eat anything which is hot / cold, it should be little warm, just the right temperature. Drinking hot water or eating hot foods are not recommended for women after post partum.
Lactating mother should not eat more heat stimulating foods, which will affect baby's stomach and also causes pimples / acne due to excessive heat produced.
Fruits : Papaya, Mango, Jack fruit
These fruits shouldn't be consumed during lactation. Raw papaya is good during breastfeeding, but ripe papaya induces more heat in the body.
These fruits not only induces heat, but also creates indigestion in baby, dullness in stomach (not hungry, won't take enough food / feed), also baby passes smelly loose green colored stool. It will take a week or more for the baby to recover from this problem, so better to avoid these fruits during exclusive breastfeeding. If you are not a exclusive breastfeeding mother, then you can take few pieces of it, not more than that.
Note: If mother consumes green leaves / any green colored food, then baby also pass green colored motion, which is normal.
In addition to these fruits, citrus fruits should also be avoided (Lemon, pineapple,orange and tomatoes) , which are rich in Vitamin C and can irritate baby's stomach and troubles digestion. Remember that, baby's stomach and digestive system is still developing after birth. A Mother would have taken proper care of the baby for 10 months when the baby was in the womb, in addition to that, a little more care for mother's food during this exclusive breastfeeding period, will make your baby happy and healthy without any digestion, motion and colic troubles.
Gassy Vegetables:
Onion, cabbage, cauliflower, potato ( and its varieties) are gassy vegetables which could gas colic pain in babies. These vegetables are to be avoided for minimum 3 months after delivery. As mother's stomach is in the process of recovering, adding these gassy veggies gives more stress and pain to the stomach and also it affects baby's digestive system.
Peppermint and Parsley :
All the green leaves are good for health during lactation except mint leaves and parley. Mint leaves are said to lower the milk supply and so not recommended for lactating mothers. The same reason goes for parsley as well.
Oily foods:
Oily / fried food items are strictly not allowed for a breastfeeding mother. The oily foods makes baby's stomach irritable, gives them diarrhea. Also, it is not nutritious food for both mother and baby.
Processed / Canned foods:
During pregnancy and lactation period, all the processed foods and canned items should be avoided. One must eat fresh and healthy food. In addition to these, junk foods, bakery food items should also be avoided.
Chocolate and Caffeine:
One can consume little amount of chocolate once in a while during this lactation period. If a mother consumes more than 100 grams of chocolate or caffeine drinks, it passes into breast milk and makes baby fussy, irritable, causes colic pain, doesn't sleep enough and cries every now and then.
Lentils and Legumes:
Lentils and legumes cause gas in babies and trouble the digestion. Legumes causes colic pain in babies. Lactating mothers should avoid all lentils and legumes except Moong Dal. Moong dal is rich in proteins, easy digestion for both mother and baby, it enriches the milk taste. Also moong dal helps to soothe the internal wounds in the stomach after delivery.
These are some of the Don'ts during lactation period. Eat healthy, stay healthy and happy breastfeeding !!!
--- will put a separate post for traditional post partum diet and methods to follow during the confinement period of 90 days.
- Aarthi Thiyagarajan
Drinking lots of water and fluids prevents you from dehydration and takes water for lactation. For better milk supply, body takes water from women's body, so to compensate the fluid lost, one needs to drink one glass of water before and after every breastfeed.
Fluids like tender coconut water, juices, buttermilk, milk and soups can be consumed in addition to the plain water. As new mothers feel hungry frequently, it is recommended to have six times meal in a day, by including soups in the mid meal, having laddus / kheer/ nuts for evening snack.
12. Spinach
13. Black Sesame seeds
Black sesame seeds are rich in iron and calcium, it tends to increase the milk supply. It can be taken in the form of laddu, by adding jaggery to the roasted and powdered the sesame seeds
14. Carrots
Eating carrots promotes lactation. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, it enhances the taste of your milk and promotes lactation. It Can be taken as raw juice, carrot curry for rice / rotis, carrot halwa or carrot soup.
15. Almonds
Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, which helps in reducing the itchy / stretched skin of your belly and thighs.
The omega 3 in the Almonds helps to boost the milk supply, as the skin of Almonds cause fussy in babies, it is recommended to peel the skin and have it.
16. Shatavari Root
Shatavari roots are used since ages in India. It has ample of health benefits especially for women, one such benefit is, it contains galactagogue substance which boosts milk supply and continuous usage of this root will increase the milk enormously .
Almost all the supplements in the market for lactation contains Shatavari. This is proven ingredient used for lactation in ancient India.
17. Legiyam
'Prasava Legiyam' (postpartum medicine), this is traditional medicine cooked at home by grannies, it is bundle of so many good factors and one of such factor is it helps in milk secretion.
One spoon of this legiyam has to be take in empty stomach in the morning and not to consume any food / drinks for one hour after that. This legiyam helps to improve digestion of mother, helps in constipation, heals the internal surgical wounds, helps in milk secretion of the mother, contraction of the uterus, relives body pain and helps to clear the waste from the body.
One has to eat this legiyam after delivery till they stop breastfeeding or minimum of six months. It gives strength to the body, serves as appetizer and improves lactation.
18. Sleep Well
Lastly, a relaxed sleep and taking ample of rest is very important during breastfeeding. Stress and depression will affect the natural breast milk secretion. When a mother happily gives milk to her baby, it makes her a completely satisfied person and in turn reduces the postpartum stress drastically. Baby can feel mother's emotions, so sleep well, relax and happily breastfeed your baby !!!
Foods not to eat during lactation
In general, after delivery the mother should not drink / eat anything which is hot / cold, it should be little warm, just the right temperature. Drinking hot water or eating hot foods are not recommended for women after post partum.
Lactating mother should not eat more heat stimulating foods, which will affect baby's stomach and also causes pimples / acne due to excessive heat produced.
Fruits : Papaya, Mango, Jack fruit
These fruits shouldn't be consumed during lactation. Raw papaya is good during breastfeeding, but ripe papaya induces more heat in the body.
These fruits not only induces heat, but also creates indigestion in baby, dullness in stomach (not hungry, won't take enough food / feed), also baby passes smelly loose green colored stool. It will take a week or more for the baby to recover from this problem, so better to avoid these fruits during exclusive breastfeeding. If you are not a exclusive breastfeeding mother, then you can take few pieces of it, not more than that.
Note: If mother consumes green leaves / any green colored food, then baby also pass green colored motion, which is normal.
In addition to these fruits, citrus fruits should also be avoided (Lemon, pineapple,orange and tomatoes) , which are rich in Vitamin C and can irritate baby's stomach and troubles digestion. Remember that, baby's stomach and digestive system is still developing after birth. A Mother would have taken proper care of the baby for 10 months when the baby was in the womb, in addition to that, a little more care for mother's food during this exclusive breastfeeding period, will make your baby happy and healthy without any digestion, motion and colic troubles.
Gassy Vegetables:
Onion, cabbage, cauliflower, potato ( and its varieties) are gassy vegetables which could gas colic pain in babies. These vegetables are to be avoided for minimum 3 months after delivery. As mother's stomach is in the process of recovering, adding these gassy veggies gives more stress and pain to the stomach and also it affects baby's digestive system.
Peppermint and Parsley :
All the green leaves are good for health during lactation except mint leaves and parley. Mint leaves are said to lower the milk supply and so not recommended for lactating mothers. The same reason goes for parsley as well.
Oily foods:
Oily / fried food items are strictly not allowed for a breastfeeding mother. The oily foods makes baby's stomach irritable, gives them diarrhea. Also, it is not nutritious food for both mother and baby.
Processed / Canned foods:
During pregnancy and lactation period, all the processed foods and canned items should be avoided. One must eat fresh and healthy food. In addition to these, junk foods, bakery food items should also be avoided.
Chocolate and Caffeine:
One can consume little amount of chocolate once in a while during this lactation period. If a mother consumes more than 100 grams of chocolate or caffeine drinks, it passes into breast milk and makes baby fussy, irritable, causes colic pain, doesn't sleep enough and cries every now and then.
Lentils and Legumes:
Lentils and legumes cause gas in babies and trouble the digestion. Legumes causes colic pain in babies. Lactating mothers should avoid all lentils and legumes except Moong Dal. Moong dal is rich in proteins, easy digestion for both mother and baby, it enriches the milk taste. Also moong dal helps to soothe the internal wounds in the stomach after delivery.
These are some of the Don'ts during lactation period. Eat healthy, stay healthy and happy breastfeeding !!!
--- will put a separate post for traditional post partum diet and methods to follow during the confinement period of 90 days.
- Aarthi Thiyagarajan
Useful information. It worked out for me, thanks ma'am.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post, myself very happy to read it because it can give me more insight, thanks.breast milk supplement
ReplyDeleteLove this post! This is a really good blog wish more people would read this, you offer some really good suggestions on how to increase milk supply Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete