Babies need good, healthy nutrition to grow and thrive. So, what should breastfeeding mothers eat? Is it safe to eat rhubarb pie while breastfeeding?
Rhubarb is a vegetable that is typically used in pies. It is high in Vitamin C and can be enjoyed while breastfeeding. There is no need to worry about consuming rhubarb while breastfeeding as it is safe for both you and your baby. Enjoy this delicious pie while continuing to provide your little one with the best nutrition possible! However, there are some things that you need to consider when eating rhubarb pie and times when you should actively avoid it, we dive deep into this!
What is a rhubarb pie?
A rhubarb pie is a pie made with a rhubarb filling. It has been cultivated in the UK since the 16th century, and leaf stalks have been eaten there since the 1700s.
Aside from diced rhubarb, it usually contains a lot of sugar to balance the plant’s intense sourness. It’s delicious served with cream, ice cream or custard!
What are the benefits of eating rhubarb pie while breastfeeding?
There are no specific lactation-related uses to eating a rhubarb pie with honey while breastfeeding. However, it is a great way to get your daily dose of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The plant has been shown in studies as having antibacterial, anticancer properties that can help prevent many health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes by protecting you from illness.
It is an also great way to get your vitamins K and A needs! It has been shown that the latter helps fight off free radicals, which cause damage to our skin. Not only will this keep you looking youthful but also healthy as well because it fights illness from within out by fighting off any kind of infection before it’s even formulated properly on top layer cells- protecting what makes us human; namely one’s immune system
It also includes fiber, which helps to keep things moving through your digestive tract, preventing problems like constipation and stomachache from getting worse! Not only does this food include sennosides which has a natural laxative effect, but the tannins in this food will help with anti-diarrhea effects if you’re having a tummy ache or are congested.
What are the health concerns associated with eating rhubarb pie while breastfeeding?
It entirely depends on the ingredients of the rhubarb pie. If you want to make it healthy with fewer calories, you can simply adjust the ingredients based on your daily dietary needs. The usual ingredients used in making this food include sugar, flour and butter. As a reference, a piece of one crust rhubarb pie contains around 336 calories.
Oxalic acid which is found in its stems can cause urinary tract irritation and can exacerbate gout symptoms.
Oxalic acid is also abundant in rhubarb leaves which is why they are not consumed, regardless of whether raw or cooked.
Does rhubarb pie affect breast milk?
Earlier clinical testing results found that laxative doses of rhubarb given to nursing mothers did not appear to pass into milk or affect their breastfed infants. According to recent research, it was found that it shouldn’t be eaten during breastfeeding because it has noticeable laxative effects on a breastfed infant.
Additionally, it is among the few foods that are believed to cause a decrease in breast milk supply.
Can a breastfed baby be allergic to rhubarb pie and its ingredients?
Yes, it is possible for a breastfed infant to be allergic to rhubarb pie or any of its ingredients. However, this is extremely rare and has low risk.
It is a vegetable that belongs to the buckwheat family. A food allergy is an immune response to the plant’s pollen.
This means if you or your baby is allergic to rhubarb, you are also allergic to buckwheat and garden sorrel.
The signs of allergy can be different from one person to another. Some people might experience itching, swelling, and redness in their mouth or throat area. Other symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
Take Away on Rhubarb Pie for the Breastfeeding Mother
Chinese and garden rhubarb, the main ingredient in rhubarb pies, is generally recognized as safe to eat for nursing mothers. However, it should be consumed in moderation.
It is loaded with a lot of vitamins, nutrients and minerals that most breastfeeding moms can benefit from. It is a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds as well as vitamins A and K. It is also rich in fiber content which helps in maintaining regular bowel movements.
There are also quite a few concerns regarding its consumption, especially by a breastfeeding mom. For one, it has a laxative effect on the digestive system of breastfed infants. Rhubarb also contains oxalic acid which can cause urinary tract irritation. Additionally, rhubarb is believed to slow down breastmilk production in some mothers.
Talk to your healthcare provider about specific lactation-related concerns and before taking any lactation rhubarb syrup or dietary supplements, regardless of whether their actual ingredients or not.
It is important for a nursing mother to know what she can’t and can eat. This is one of the reasons why we highly recommend that you seek breastfeeding advice related to your situation from your doctor.
This article was written by Sandra Baker – full time writer and the mother of four amazing kids (including twins!)
She’s also a breastfeeding counselor and has spent years helping new parents learn how to care for their children. When she’s not writing or caring for her children, Sandra likes to spend time reading and taking walks with her husband.
