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The lactation period is very difficult, as a woman while breastfeeding her baby must adhere to a proper diet, avoiding foods that can cause allergies, bloating and upset stomach. Fresh vegetables and fruits should be eaten with extreme caution. But when the month of August is on the street, melons and gourds become a temptation, with which almost all retail outlets are filled. About whether it is possible for a nursing mother to eat a melon, and how to use it correctly so as not to harm the child, further.
Can you eat melon while breastfeeding?
Melon is not only very tasty and aromatic, but also useful for the female body, because it contains many micronutrients. But there is a lot of controversy about its use during lactation.
Most pediatricians do not recommend adding it to the diet in the first month after childbirth, since the newborn still has a weak digestive system, absorbing only light food.
Others are sure, following a diet, you can still eat a melon while feeding, but in small quantities and with the right choice of fruit.
Melon benefits for a nursing mom
If we talk about the benefits of a large sweet fruit, then it certainly has a positive effect on the human body, since it contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals.
This melon fruit is a source of carbohydrates, and the rich sweet taste indicates the presence of organic sugars. Glucose is very beneficial for a woman, especially after childbirth, as it has a positive effect on the emotional state, allowing you to cope with postpartum stress.
Melon also contains beneficial acids, in particular folic acid. And plenty of fiber. It is considered positive in its use that all the trace elements and vitamins that are in its composition will certainly end up in breast milk.
The pulp of the fruit is almost 90% liquid, which contributes to the flow of milk. It also has a mild diuretic effect, allowing you to get rid of puffiness.
During lactation, all the most essential trace elements for the female body pass into milk, which adversely affects the appearance of the mother. And the presence of beta-carotene in the fruit helps to improve the condition of hair, nails and complexion, maintaining a beautiful appearance.
Why melon is useful for babies
Melon, when breastfeeding, can also positively affect the condition of the baby, if you follow the rules for its use.
Adding a fetus to the diet of a nursing mother increases the production of the hormone serotonin in the blood. It not only improves the mood of the mother, but also, when it gets into the composition of milk, has a beneficial effect on the mood of the child.
The fiber, which is in the composition, improves the digestion of the mother and baby, but you should definitely dose the consumption of melon, as it can cause loose stools in the child.
Saturation of milk with vitamin C helps to strengthen the child's immunity, and iron and potassium have a beneficial effect on blood formation, increasing hemoglobin and strengthening the cardiovascular system.
How to choose a melon for a nursing mother
The basic rules for the use of melon is that it is useful and does not harm while feeding the baby.Unfortunately, today there are many unscrupulous manufacturers who are trying to increase their profits by improving the taste and appearance with the help of chemical nitrates. With this method, the grown melon can seriously harm not only the mother, but also the child, causing indigestion or, even worse, causing poisoning.
It is strongly not recommended to purchase melons with cracks, dents, damage and cut in half. Since on the cracks and cuts of the fetus, pathogenic microbes begin to spread very quickly, which, if ingested, can cause an infectious disease.
A nursing mother can only eat a melon when it is fully ripe, therefore, when choosing a fruit, it should be checked for ripeness:
- the mature fruit has a pronounced characteristic melon aroma;
- the peel should be elastic when pressed;
- when tapping, the sound should be muffled;
- the stalk must be dry (naturally dry).
And most importantly, melons should be purchased only in special fruit and vegetable departments.
How to introduce melon into the diet of a nursing mother
Women who gave birth at the beginning of summer, if desired, can introduce melon into their diet with HS, but this should be done, observing a number of rules:
- Melon should be eaten with extreme caution if the child is under 3 months old. Most pediatricians are completely against the use of this product for up to 3 months, since it is during this period that the process of establishing the digestive system takes place in the baby.
- If it was decided to introduce a melon into the diet, then this must be done gradually, observing the baby's reaction to a new product. You should start with a small bite, and if you react well to new food, you can gradually increase the amount. Thus, when breastfeeding, a nursing mother can consume up to 200-250 g per day no more than 3 times a week.
- In no case is it recommended to consume melon with other products. The most ideal option is to eat it as a separate dish between main meals (between lunch and dinner). So, until the evening, you can watch the child's reaction. The melon should not be washed down, as this will slow down the process of its assimilation.
- Melon should be avoided before going to bed or immediately after eating. Indeed, during this period, the process of digestion of this product will be complicated.
When should you abstain?
Since melon itself is a product that can be consumed in moderation during feeding, there are times when it is contraindicated:
- with gastritis, peptic ulcer or colitis in the mother;
- with diabetes mellitus;
- with the appearance of diathesis and an allergic reaction in a newborn;
- with bloating, colic and indigestion in a child;
- with an overweight nursing mother.
If the child or mother has signs of poisoning or an upset stomach, in no case should the melon be eaten, as it can further worsen the condition and cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Conclusion
A nursing mother can eat a melon, but with extreme caution. And only if the lactation period coincides with the ripening period of these fruits. Be sure to consult with your pediatrician or nutritionist before adding a product to your diet to avoid harmful effects.
