Ice cream is a delicious treat that many people enjoy, but can you eat ice cream while breastfeeding? Can it harm your baby in any way?
As a new mom, you’re bombarded with information about what’s good for your baby and what isn’t. The internet is filled with conflicting information on whether or not you can safely eat dairy products while breastfeeding. You’re confused and frustrated because everyone has a different opinion, but no one seems to have the definitive answer.
In short, yes you can eat ice cream as part of a balanced healthy diet but only a little and you should avoid certain types of ice cream like soft scoop.
Can Ice Cream Affect Breast Milk?
The answer to this question depends on why you want to know if it’s safe to eat ice cream while breastfeeding. If you’re looking for something sweet, then eating ice cream should be fine as long as it doesn’t interfere with your milk supply or make you feel ill in any way.
However, if your primary concern is whether or not the lactose content will negatively affect your baby (which is actually quite low), then the answer is no! In fact, some studies suggest that babies who are breastfed may even benefit from consuming small amounts of lactose because doing so helps them develop their own digestive systems more quickly than formula-fed babies do!
What kind of Ice Cream is best for breastfeeding?
Frozen ice cream in tubs, sherberts, sorbets, popcicles, and ice cream bars from the freezer are all OK but avoid ice cream which is served from a machine.
Will My Baby Catch Cold from Me Eating Ice Cream?
NO! This is a myth! There is absolutely no link between eating cold food and your infant being sick, they will not catch cold from your food!
It’s perfectly fine to indulge in ice cream every now and then! As a breastfeeding mother, you may eat whatever you want. If you maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty, you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods just because you’re nursing.
Will Ice Cream Increase Breast Milk Supply?
There is no evidence to suggest that ice cream will help milk production. Eating a balanced diet with healthy foods and avoiding junk food should lead to better supply. If you need to boost your milk then try oat milk to boost your milk or coconut water to help boost milk production.
Does Ice Cream cause gas in breastfed babies?
It may do. Dairy products in your diet are the most likely cause of your infant’s having gas. Milk, cheese, yogurt (read our guide on eating yogurt when nursing), pudding, ice cream, or any meal including milk, milk products, casein, whey, or sodium caseinate are all examples. Other foods that can be harmful include wheat, corn, fish, eggs, and peanuts.
When Not To Eat Ice Cream
Ice creams made from cow’s milk are fine to have in a breastfeeding diet, as long as your child does not have a milk allergy. If your child is showing symptoms of an food allergies after you have consumed dairy products then you should seek professional medical advice.
Always keep a note of food you are eating and any symptoms in your baby after eating them. If the symptoms go when you stop eating it might be a sign.
However, you should avoid ice cream since it can congest your throat, making it an ideal breeding ground for infections. As you grow closer to your infant, your newborn may become sick from you.
If you are trying to avoid weight gain then keep treats like ice cream to a minimum. Whilst it has some nutrients there are much better foods you can eat for your overall health. Like everything in life, you can enjoy chips, drink coffee and caffeine, have a little sugar or a chocolate treat, but all in moderation for your health.
Avoid Soft Serve Ice Cream
Although it is safe to eat regular ice cream while breastfeeding, you may want to avoid soft serve ice cream. This type of ice cream can contain listeria. Listeria is a bacteria that can cause serious illness in pregnant women and their newborns.
While the likelihood of transferring listeria illness to your infant via breast milk is extremely low, it is nevertheless conceivable. Listeriosis can be fatal to infants.
Frozen ice cream in tubs, sherberts, sorbets, popcicles, and ice cream bars from the freezer are all OK.
The Low Down Can I Eat Ice Cream While Breastfeeding
Can I Eat Ice Cream While Breastfeeding? The Answer Is Yes!
Eating ice cream is a favorite pastime for many people, and as a nursing mother, you can indulge in this treat every now and then without having to worry about it affecting your baby. Although you should avoid soft serve ice cream because it may contain listeria, most other types of frozen or store-bought ice cream are fine to eat. Just make sure you balance out your diet with healthy foods as well, so that you’re getting the nutrients your body needs while breastfeeding.
