Can I eat bananas while nursing? The answer to this question is a bit complicated.
Most new moms are concerned about the safety of their diet.
It can be frustrating trying to figure out what you should eat, drink, or avoid while breastfeeding. You don’t want to give your baby formula when you have enough breastmilk for the time being. But what about bananas? Can I eat bananas while breastfeeding? What if my baby has an allergy?
Is it safe to eat bananas while breastfeeding?
What’s the harm in eating a banana while breastfeeding? A lot of people think there isn’t any, but we wanted to see for ourselves. So we asked our lactation consultant and she gave us some surprising information about bananas. You might want to avoid eating them when you’re nursing your baby!
Bananas are a great source of potassium and other vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of fiber. This makes them a healthy snack for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding. However, there are some things to consider before eating bananas while breastfeeding.
Babies can be allergic to bananas and bananas can cause diaper rash. Unripe bananas can also cause constipation in breastfed babies. If your baby is having problems going to the bathroom, you might want to avoid giving them bananas until the issue is resolved.
Are Bananas good for breastfeeding mothers?
First of all, let’s talk about the nutrients in bananas. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and potassium which helps with muscle function and blood pressure regulation respectively. They also contain tryptophan which has been shown to promote sleep and relaxation as well as increase serotonin levels in the brain for better moods.
This fruit is also packed with antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene & vitamins C & E). These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress on cells by neutralizing free radicals that may cause damage from environmental factors like pollution or cigarette smoke. Finally, they have been shown to lower blood cholesterol
Eating a banana while breastfeeding is not something that many people think about, but the benefits of bananas are well known. Bananas can help with constipation, blood pressure, and even depression!
What Are the Benefits Of Eating Lentils When Lactating?
Packed with nutrients bananas are a great source of:
Fiber
Whole grains, fruits, lentils, and vegetables include fiber and other nutrients that assist to increase breast milk quality by delivering vitamin B, folate, magnesium, and selenium, which help to avoid immunological and neurological system abnormalities in. infants.
Vitamin C
One medium banana gives you about 27 mg of vitamin C, which is approximately one-third of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for pregnant and lactating women. Vitamin C is important to consume every day because it helps keep your immune system strong. It also aids in collagen production, wound healing and iron absorption.
Many women worry about vitamin C intake in their lactation diet and turn to supplements like emergen C which is safe when breastfeeding. However, if you are eating a balanced diet including whole foods like fruits, vegetables and lentils then you likely don’t need to worry about vitamin C supplementation.
Potassium
A medium banana provides 422 mg of potassium, which is 12% of the RDA for pregnant and lactating women. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. It also supports cellular function and neuromuscular transmission.
Iron
Bananas are a good source of non-heme iron. One medium banana has about .27 mg of iron. This is approximately 11% of the RDA for pregnant and lactating women. Iron is important because it helps form red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body.
Niacin
Bananas are also a good source of niacin. Niacin is a B vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. It also supports the health of your skin, hair, and nails.
So overall, it is beneficial to eat bananas while breastfeeding. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, iron and niacin. All of these nutrients are important for pregnant and lactating women. Just be sure to watch out for any allergies your baby may have and avoid giving them unripe bananas.
Amino Acid Tryptophan,
Amino acid tryptophan is used to make the sleep-inducing hormone serotonin. This enzyme can aid in the regulation of mood, sleep, social behavior, and memory, lowering the risk of depression. Nursing mothers eating bananas as part of a healthy diet may be less likely to suffer from postpartum blues.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Eating Bananas While Breastfeeding?
Unripe Bananas Cause Constipation
Unripe bananas may cause constipation in your infant. They are also a source of latex, which can cause an allergic reaction in some babies. If your baby is having problems going to the bathroom, you might want to avoid giving them bananas until the issue is resolved.
Banana Allergy
Your infant might even show signs of a banana allergy. Banana allergies are caused by an allergic response to specific proteins present in bananas. Your infant will develop a banana food allergy if his immune system is reactive to a particular protein present in bananas.
If he is allergic to bananas, his body will attack by putting out white blood cells to defend your baby’s digestive tract. Your infant may have an allergic response as a result of this.
Symptoms of a banana allergy include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Diaper Rash
Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) is a possible complication of a banana allergy. If you think your baby may be allergic to bananas, speak with your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you suspect an allergy. Always keep a food diary when introducing foods into your diet and monitor your baby for any allergic symptoms.
Latex allergy and food
Around half of all latex allergy sufferers experience adverse responses while eating certain foods, such as avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwifruit, passionfruit, plum, strawberry, and tomato. This is due to the presence of some of the proteins in latex that cause latex allergy in these fruits.
Do bananas make baby gassy?
Yes, maybe, for several reasons.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, is found in bananas. It is slowly metabolized by the body and, when ingested in excessive quantities, might create laxative effects.
Soluble Fiber
Bananas are also abundant in soluble fiber, a kind of carbohydrate that dissolves in water and may cause gas production to rise. A baby’s digestive system is not mature enough until around six months old to break down complex carbohydrates like fiber.
As bananas mature, their resistant starch is broken down into simpler sugars that are easier to digest. As a result, eating ripe bananas may aid in the reduction of gas and bloating.
Do bananas increase breast milk supply or milk production?
Yes, maybe! Bananas are filled with essential nutrients that can help a breastfeeding mother with a healthy milk supply and help regulate milk-producing hormones. Bananas are great for calcium, iron and potassium which are all important in milk production.
Additionally, the B vitamins present in bananas help with energy production, which is necessary for a breastfeeding mother. They are also a great source of natural sugar which can give you an energy boost.
When breastfeeding moms need nutritious food quickly and ripe banana is ideal! A breastfeeding mom needs nutrient-rich foods to produce milk and for the healthy growth of her baby. A banana will give her essential vitamins and folic acid as part of a varied diet. The health benefits of breastfeeding are many, and the benefits of banana for breastfeeding moms is just one example.
Combine with green papaya and greek yogurt for a delicious breakfast for an excellent source of a galactagogue, which aids in the induction of lactation and the production of more milk. Wash it down with some oat milk which helps lactating moms and you’re onto a winner!
So, Can I Eat Bananas While Lactating?
The answer to that question is yes! Eating bananas while breastfeeding has several benefits for both mother and baby. However, you should be aware of the potential risks associated with eating unripe or ripe bananas, and speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Enjoying a ripe banana is a great way to get some energy and essential nutrients while breastfeeding!
Bananas will offer a mother who is exclusively breastfeeding vital nutrients for her own health and her baby’s health.
