Taking a well-balanced diet during breastfeeding days is essential for both mother and the newborn.
A diet rich in essential nutrients helps in the mothers’ speedy recovery and the baby’s growth.
In general, a new mother should include all kinds of nutrients in her diet as they all have different health benefits.
But there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the diet a new mother should take, and most of them are just false rumours. One of the most common is shunning citrus fruits.
Why citrus fruits are considered bad
Newborn depends entirely on breastmilk for nutrients and energy for the first six months. Whatever a mother eat is passed on to the baby through the breastmilk. So, foods that are believed to cause allergy or digestion issues to the infant are avoided. The same goes for citrus foods. Infants digestive system takes time to develop and having too many citrus fruits are said to cause acidity.
Should you avoid citrus fruits?
The simple answer to this question is NO. Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, a nutrient required to boost immunity and strengthening the baby’s joint. Just because you are breastfeeding you do not need to avoid this amazingly nutritious food from your diet. These tangy fruits are very good for breastfeeding moms. You can eat them or have them as juice. Make sure to not take it in excess. If citrus fruit upsets your baby’s tummy take necessary precautions.
Why breastfeeding women must have citrus fruit
Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, flavonoids and fibre. It contains an important antioxidant that helps to keep us healthy and fit in numerous ways. For a lactating mother having two citrus fruits in a day is considered healthy. Below is some reason how these tangy fruits help the mother and the baby.
Citrus fruit when combined with iron-rich food helps in the better absorption of iron from the food. This mineral increases the haemoglobin level of the mother.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and having it post-pregnancy can heal the uterus more speedily. It can improve the mother’s and the baby’s immune function by providing a good amount of antioxidants and antibodies.
It may also prevent stretch marks post-delivery due to the collagen-producing property. The different kinds of antioxidants present in the fruit can reduce inflammation in the body.
Rich in fiber and water content, citrus fruits can reduce constipation and keep the mother hydrated.
Which food you must actually avoid
A lactating mother should stay steer clear of a restrictive and unhealthy diet as both can impact the child’s health. Some foods that should be restricted while breastfeeding includes:
- Seafood that may contain mercury.
- Excessive caffeine or tannin
- Limit spicy foods
- Avoid alcohol intake
