Is it possible to eat cabbage during breastfeeding? Many mummies ask this question, but there is no definite answer to it.
It all depends on the type of vegetable chosen, the method of its preparation and the particular human body: individual tolerance, metabolism, etc.
It is possible to say unequivocally that the choice of cabbage must be approached carefully, taking into account all possible risks and consequences for the health of both the mother and the child.
Can I eat different types of cabbage vegetables during lactation?
It is worth noting that there are many types of cabbage. Some are widespread, others do not often fall on the table of the average consumer. The most common types of cabbage:
- Whitey.
- Red.
- Colored.
- Broccoli.
- Kohlrabi.
- Brussels.
- Beijing
- Chinese, etc.
Let us consider in more detail the use of which varieties of cabbage are useful and which ones are not recommended during the breastfeeding period.
It is useful to have a nursing mother
Colored
During lactation is considered very useful for both mother and child. It contains more vitamin C than any citrus fruit. In moderate quantities, cauliflower rarely causes allergic reactions or an upset gastrointestinal tract, so doctors recommend its use during breastfeeding.
Useful properties of vegetables for mom and baby:
- Normalizes metabolism.
- Improves blood formation.
- Cleans the blood vessels.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- A beneficial effect on the nervous system, etc.
Cauliflower can be introduced into the diet in 2-3 weeks after delivery.
Broccoli
Like cauliflower, it is one of the safest varieties during breastfeeding. This is a hypoallergenic product that is easily absorbed in the body of a newborn, and contains such useful elements as folic acid, vitamins A and B, a huge amount of ascorbic acid.
Useful properties of broccoli:
- Improves the quality of the blood.
- Promotes removal of toxins and slags.
- Improves mood, calms.
- Strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
- It is the prevention of cancer, etc.
Eating broccoli is recommended no earlier than one month after delivery.
Beijing
Contains vitamins A, B, C, PP, mineral salts. It is recommended by specialists for nursing mothers because of their beneficial qualities. Beijing cabbage contributes to the overall strengthening of the body during lactation, which has a beneficial effect on the baby.
In addition, because of its low calorie content, it is an excellent ally for weight loss after childbirth. It should be introduced into the diet gradually, in a thermally processed form.
Not recommended
White-headed
It is considered too heavy a product for a weak baby’s body, especially in the first 3 months after birth. Experts do not agree, but there are versions that white cabbage causes problems with the gastrointestinal tract in infants, colic in the tummy, excessive gas formation, etc.
Cabbage itself is very useful, but it should be eaten very carefully during lactation, and it is better to postpone the introduction to the diet for 4-6 months after delivery.
Sea
It cannot be said that it is forbidden to nursing mothers, but it is worth noting that this type of cabbage often causes allergy to the baby, and therefore it is eaten no earlier than after 3 months of lactation.
In moderation, you can eat any kind of cabbage., but it is important to monitor the reaction of the child's body to one or another product.
What is better - fresh vegetable or culinary?
Cabbage contains a large amount of fiber, which is poorly absorbed by the body. In some cases, quite often, fresh cabbage caused increased flatulence and bowel discomfort, both in mother and child. Nursing mothers are not recommended to use raw vegetable leaves, it is better to subject them to heat treatment.
Introducing cabbage into the diet is taken gradually, starting with the addition of leaves to the soup and broth. If the response of the body of the baby is positive, then you can go to the stewed cabbage. Broccoli and stewed cauliflower, which have a beneficial effect on the body, have gained wide popularity.
But the white cost is very carefully, in small portions. After heat treatment, the vegetable is easier to digest, while maintaining its beneficial properties.
With regards to sauerkraut, it is worth clarifying that it is not recommended for use during lactation. This is due to the increased acidity of the product, which can have a negative effect on the child’s body.
Salt and spices, with which sauerkraut are generously seasoned, can intensify colic, lead to indigestion and even poisoning. In addition, salt causes dehydration, and when there is a shortage of liquid, the production of breast milk is reduced.
If, however, it is decided to use sauerkraut in the diet, then this should be done no earlier than 6-8 months after birth, and only in the absence of digestive problems in the child.
What is dangerous?
As mentioned earlier, cabbage is hard to digest in the body in its raw form, so there is some danger when overeating a vegetable. Many moms are convinced that if the process of fermentation begins in their bodies, then the same fate awaits the baby. Experts dispel this myth, proving that in moderate doses, cabbage is not harmful, but useful.
The main danger that may arise from eating this vegetable is the reaction of the body due to personal intolerance. This may be an allergy, bloating or increased gas formation.
How can negatively affect?
On mother
Excessive consumption of vegetables can lead to:
- Abdominal distention and gas formation. Carefully chewed food is better absorbed by the body.
- The deterioration of milk quality due to the use of sauerkraut in large quantities.
On child
If the basis to take the increased sensitivity of the baby to the properties of cabbage, then The following negative effects can be identified:
Intestinal colic. Scientists believe that cabbage does not cause this disease, but can strengthen it. Colic is a reaction of the child’s body to the ingress of bacteria from the external environment into the digestive system. In other words, the baby gradually gets used to the new batteries and not always it goes smoothly.- Allergic reaction.
- Increased flatulence.
Intestinal colic. Scientists believe that cabbage does not cause this disease, but can strengthen it. Colic is a reaction of the child’s body to the ingress of bacteria from the external environment into the digestive system. In other words, the baby gradually gets used to the new batteries and not always it goes smoothly.The cabbage grown using chemistry is a great danger for both mother and child. Nitrates and chemical impurities can adversely affect organisms, up to poisoning.
When with GW is a ban on the use of certain species lifted?
In general, experts recommend introducing cabbage into the diet not earlier than 3 weeks from the moment of delivery. This is due to the fact that the child needs time to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Cauliflower and broccoli are considered easily digestible varieties and are allowed from the first month of a child’s life.
- Sea cabbage, rich in iodine, and Peking, are shown to be consumed from the age of 3 months.
- It is better to postpone eating white cabbage for at least six months, in order not to burden the mother’s weak body with elements of coarse fiber.
Thus, it can be noted that by observing the rules of the gradual introduction of vegetables into the diet, it is possible to reduce the risks of negative consequences. It is also important to choose the right grade and method of preparation of the product, and to comply with the dosage of consumption.
