Instant cup noodles are popular junk food snacks, but can a breastfeeding mom eat cups of noodles? The answer is no. Eating unhealthy meals such as instant noodles that contain MSG which can have adverse effects on the baby’s brain development. They also have a high carbohydrate content which can cause constipation.
What are the benefits of eating cup noodles while breastfeeding?
There are none – in fact, you may be putting your baby at risk. So it’s best to avoid them altogether. The only upside to instant cup noodles is it is a treat to satisfy a craving. But even that is not a reason to eat it.
What are the health concerns associated with eating instant noodles for a breastfeeding mom?
They are generally safe but they are also considered unhealthy. Moreover, some of these junk foods contain other chemicals like preservatives and additives.
One cup of instant ramen contains a lot of MSG and a high carbohydrate content. MSG can have an adverse effect on brain development, and the high carbohydrate content can cause constipation.
So it’s best to not eat noodles or maggi noodlees while breastfeeding, you can but in moderation. Like beansprouts, they can be eaten but only if fully cooked..
To increase the nutritional value of instant noodles, wheat flour has been enriched with synthetic forms of certain nutrients such as iron and B vitamins.
Although high in fiber and protein, they lack a number of important nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Furthermore, unlike whole, fresh foods, packaged fast food such as instant cup noodles are deficient in antioxidants and phytochemicals that may be good for the body.
On top of that, they provide a decent amount of calories, sugar and sodium without providing the variety of nutrients that a more balanced meal consisting of vegetables, proteins, fish (low mercury) and complex carbs would provide.
Excessive intake of sodium is bad for the body of a mother because it can lead to various health issues such as high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Certain foods and beverages such as instant cups of ramen, caffeine and soft drinks should be avoided because even though they are considered safe, nutrition-wise they’re at the bottom of the list and should not be on your diet.
How much instant cup of noodles can a breastfeeding mom eat?
Eat an instant cup of noodles occasionally, and in moderation. But there’s absolutely no reason why you would eat these kinds of foods instead of healthy eating.
Does an instant cup of noodles affect breast milk?
There is no evidence that instant noodles affect breastmilk. But that’s not a reason to eat noodles. If you can help it, avoid eating processed food such as instant ramen noodles.
Instead, of eating noodles, eat fresh food and well-balanced meals that can boost your breastmilk production as well as provide you and your baby with nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Can you make cup noodles healthy?
Yes, you can make it healthier for you and your babies. You can make more baby-friendly noodles by simply adding your favorite veggies, skipping the flavor packet (or using half of it) and adding some spices and garlic cloves to the homemade broth.
Take Away on Instant Cup of Noodles for the Breastfeeding Mother
Despite instant noodles being a popular snack(unhealthy food), breastfeeding mothers should not consume them because they are considered unhealthy meals. Instant noodles contain MSG, which can have an adverse effect on the development of a baby, and their high in carbohydrates which can cause constipation. Try yogurt or fruit if you’re looking for an easy snack that’s safe for breastfeeding mothers.
A nursing mom should always take her baby into consideration with regards to foods that she can eat.
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.
