Can I Eat Asparagus While Breastfeeding? The Truth About Asparagus and Nursing

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Can I Eat Asparagus While Breastfeeding

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As a breastfeeding mother, you may be wondering if it is safe to eat asparagus. Asparagus is a healthy vegetable that is packed with nutrients, but can it cause problems for your baby?

The health of your child is in your hands and you want to make sure that you are doing everything right and you know certain foods need to be avoided.

Will it make your milk supply worse? Will it increase your milk supply? Will it give your baby gas?  It can be tough to figure out what foods are safe to eat when you’re breastfeeding. You don’t want to harm your baby or yourself by eating something that’s not allowed.

Is Eating Asparagus Safe While Breastfeeding?

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s hard to know what foods are safe and which aren’t. Asparagus is a vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin A, C, and K. But yes, it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to eat asparagus.

Some claim that eating asparagus is unsafe for nursing mothers to eat because of its high levels of purine, a chemical that could cause kidney stones in babies and interfere with the absorption of nutrients from mothers’ milk.

But there is no scientific evidence to support this claim and eating asparagus safe for nursing moms and pregnant women, so enjoy it on the Easter buffet table.

In fact, asparagus contains many essential vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin B6, potassium, copper and magnesium. And one cup only has about 20 calories!

So why do so many people believe it’s not good for breastfeeding moms? 

The truth is that most studies on purines focus on their effect on those with gout or who have had kidney stones before. There simply isn’t enough data available regarding the effects these compounds may have on infants or how they interact with breast milk specifically. However, since we don’t know whether eating asparagus while breastfeeding is harmful or not, it is probably best to avoid eating large quantities until more research is done.

So go ahead and enjoy a few spears of asparagus with your meal – it’s definitely safe for breastfeeding mothers! But if you’re ever unsure about a food, always consult your doctor first.

Does Asparagus Increase Breast Milk Supply?

Asparagus is a low-gas food that is high in fiber, which is beneficial to milk production. Asparagus also contains a lot of Vitamins A and K. It also promotes some of the hormones that are necessary for you to nurse your child. If you don’t like asparagus, try boiling it in oat milk and drinking it.

If you are worried about your milk supply, perhaps speak to your lactation consultant before eating loads of asparagus! But often moms panic and the baby’s growth is just fine!

Will Eating Aspararus Make Baby Gassy?

If you’re breastfeeding, you may have heard that asparagus could make your baby fussy or gassy because of this effect on your body. But does it really? Let’s find out! 

Asparagus contains a natural chemical called asparagine (and its derivatives). When this compound is broken down by enzymes in the urine, it gives off ammonia. Ammonia can be irritating to the bladder and cause burning sensations when you pee. This is why eating asparagus can make some people feel like they need to pee more often.

Babies are not born with these enzymes, so it takes a little while for their bodies to start breaking down asparagine. This is why some babies may seem more gassy or fussy after their mothers eat asparagus as when they eat broccoli or any other spring vegetable. But don’t worry – it’s only temporary! If you’re worried speak to your medical professional.

Will it Effect the Taste of Breast Milk

One study found that asparagus did not change the taste of breast milk, but another study found that it made expressed breast milk taste slightly metallic, like blood. It is good for your baby to have early exposure to a wide range of tastes. Expressed breast milk tastes differently depending on what you are eating. Asparagus tinged breast milk is not harmful to your baby.

If your milk tastes sour your baby might snub tainted milk, however just keep offering them the milk. Adter the first few weeks they won’t notice breast milk tainted with asparagus, garlic or any other strong tasting foods and will lap up any breast milk offered.

Why A Fresh Bundle Of Asparagus Is Good For You

Asparagus is a healthy vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrients. It is also safe to eat while breastfeeding. So go ahead and enjoy some asparagus dishes – your baby will thank you for it!

So go ahead and add asparagus to your diet – it’s a healthy vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrients. Just make sure you’re not eating too much, as consuming large quantities of asparagus could have negative effects on both you and your baby.

So as you can see, there are plenty of delicious dishes that you can make with asparagus. But remember to eat in moderation, especially if you’re not sure how it will affect your baby. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Best Fresh Asparagus Dishes for Asparagus Lovers

So what are some good asparagus dishes to eat while breastfeeding? Here are a few recipes which do not contain garlic free so will give you garlic free breast milk. They are also relatively spice free as eating spicy foods might also lead to a fussy and unhappy baby. Also, breast milk has a slightly sweet taste so recipes that include sugar are not ideal. As long as you avoid drinking poor quality water, take caution eating fish or are not solely eating fish your milk will be fine.

Asparagus and Feta Tart:

This tart is easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s also low in calories, making it a good choice if you’re trying to watch your weight. Organic foods are best if you don’t want to give your baby harmful chemicals and don’t involve pesticide exposure. I eat garlic and spicy food when nursing but this is a personal choice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, I’m constantly throwing garlic in but its not essential)
  • 1 cup asparagus tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Unfold pastry on a lightly floured surface. Beat egg and milk together in a small bowl. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and onion powder.
  • Brush pastry with egg mixture. Sprinkle asparagus over pastry. Sprinkle feta cheese over asparagus.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Asparagus Soup:

This soup is light and healthy, but still filling enough to satisfy your hunger. It’s also a good way to get your daily dose of vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Water, chicken or vegetable stock, or white wine
  • Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Directions:

In a large pot, bring asparagus to a boil in salted water. Cook for about two minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and place asparagus in a blender or food processor.

Add oil, salt and pepper, stock or wine, and lemon juice to taste. Puree until smooth. Serve in individual bowls and drizzle with a little more oil, if desired.

Asparagus & Oat Milk Quiche

This quiche is a great way to use up leftover asparagus and when you add in oat milk its a super food for breastfeeding mothers! (read about the benefits of oat milk for increasing milk supply) It’s also high in protein, making it a good choice for breakfast or brunch. Unsure about eating eggs as a nursing mother? Read our guide to can breastfeeding moms can eat eggs.

This quiche is perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch. It’s easy to make and can be adapted to use your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

FILLING:

  • 11/­­ cup oat milk
  • 11/­­ cup heavy cream
  • 113/­­ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 41/­­ cups all-purpose flour
  • 13/­­ teaspoons salt
  • 11/­­ cups asparagus tips, cut into bite-size pieces

FOR EGG MIXTURE:

  • 12 eggs
  • 21/­­ tablespoons oat milk
  • 113/_ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Butter a nine-inch pie dish. In a bowl, combine flour and salt; stir in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add enough of the milk to form a soft dough. Roll out pastry on a floured surface to fit the prepared pie dish. Trim pastry even with edge of dish. Prick pastry several times with fork. Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and butter. Pour the mixture into the cooled pie crust. Arrange asparagus tips overfilling. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the centre comes out clean.

The Low Down

So, can you have asparagus while breastfeeding? Yes! Asparagus is a healthy vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrients. It contains many essential vitamins and minerals, and there is no scientific evidence that suggests it is harmful to nursing mothers or their babies.

Just make sure you’re not eating too much, as consuming large quantities of asparagus could have negative effects on both you and your baby.

Enjoy!

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