If you are a breastfeeding mom, you might be wondering what specific foods you can eat while providing ample nutrition to your little bundle of joy. It is only natural to ask these questions because it affects your health as well as your baby’s.
One of the most popular cereal brands is Honey Bunches of Oats. Many mothers on the internet are claiming that this grocery store favorite has potential benefits to nursing moms.
So in this blog post, we will discuss the potential nutritional benefits as well as health concerns associated with this brand of cereal.
What is Honey Bunches of Oats?
It is a brand of breakfast cereal that came out in 1989. It mixes three types of whole grains; corn, rolled oats and whole wheat. Other varieties are available which include almonds and fruits mixed in.
It also contains a good amount of natural and artificial ingredients. And like most breakfast cereals, it is packed in refined carbs but low in protein, fats and fiber.
Health benefits
One of the ingredients of this cereal is oats. Oats are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Whether consumed as cereal or oatmeal, breast-feeding mothers can definitely benefit from eating this superfood.
A type of fiber known as beta-glucan is found in oats. It is believed that this fiber can help increase levels of the hormone called prolactin. Higher levels of prolactin can help moms produce more milk.
Oats are also packed with iron, manganese, zinc, calcium and B vitamins that help energize, boost the mood and relieve anxiety and stress.
Possible health concerns
These cereals may not provide a well-balanced diet based on its overall nutritional profile.
Even though oats are considered healthy, they are also loaded with added sugar and refined carbs but lacking in fiber and protein.
Excessive consumption of added sugar and refined carbs has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, weight gain, metabolic diseases and heart disease.
It is also not recommended to moms who are allergic to gluten, granola, oats and nuts.
How much of this cereal can I eat when breastfeeding?
Many experts suggest that breakfast should supply at least 20-25% of our daily needs in terms of calories, primarily from grains, fruit, and dairy products.
You can easily meet this diet recommendation by adding some milk and fresh fruits to a 3/4 cup serving of these cereals.
Does this cereal affect breast milk supply?
Yes, it can potentially give more milk to breast-feeding mothers. Oats are a great food for increasing milk production. Additionally, it is a good source of nutrients that are essential to a breastfeeding mom and her baby.
Food is essential to a baby’s growth. And lots of milk is needed for healthy baby growth. Breastfeeding mothers must feed their babies with enough breastmilk for their growth spurt. The health of the child will be affected if there is a low supply of breastmilk.
A low milk supply can lead to a lot of health products for the baby. As a nursing mom, you need to make sure you are getting enough nutrition from healthy sources, regardless of whether you want to snack on fruits or cook nutritious recipes or even enjoy tea in the afternoon.
Can a baby be allergic to this cereal?
This is not made for babies. Additionally, this cereal contains honey which should not be introduced to babies younger than 1-year-old. However, it is fine for breastfeeding moms. Breast milk cannot transmit botulism.
It also contains lots of added sugar. It is not recommended to give babies and toddlers anything with high sugar content because it has a bad effect on their stomach and body.
Takeaway
If you ate and loved the taste of Honey Bunches of Oats right out of the box before you got pregnant, you can enjoy your favorite cereal even if you are breastfeeding.
It is one of the healthiest cereals available in the market. There certainly are nutritional benefits to eating these meals, if you consume them in moderation. And you should also be aware that it contains ingredients that are not considered healthy. If you are worried about calories, you can enjoy a healthy bowl of oatmeal instead.
Oatmeal is a good alternative if you are concerned about your own health and post-pregnancy form. If you are not sure if you should be eating this cereal, you can always talk to your doctor about it.
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.
