When it comes to eating while breast feeding, many new moms have questions about what is and isn’t safe. One common question is whether or not it’s okay to eat liquorice. Many people love the taste of this sweet treat, but is it safe for breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women? Keep reading to find out the answer!
What Is Licorice?
Licorice (or liquorice) is a sweet, black candy that is made from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It has a distinct licorice flavor (sweet root) and is often used to make sweets, candies, and other desserts.
They are also known for their medicinal properties, anti-viral properties and expectorant properties. It is believed that licorice helps in relieving spasms and heart ailments. An herbal tea containing licorice root is also available.
Is It Safe to Consume Licorice While Breastfeeding?
The effects of consuming licorice candy on a breastfeeding mom are still widely unknown. However, the answer to this question depends on how much licorice you eat. Eating small amounts of licorice is generally safe while breastfeeding, but eating large amounts can be harmful to both you and your baby.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Licorice While Breastfeeding?
Eating licorice root while breastfeeding can provide a number of benefits for lactating mothers and nursing baby. Some of the key benefits include:
– improved digestion
– increased breastmilk supply
– better oral health for your baby
– stronger immune system
How Can I Eat Licorice While Breastfeeding?
If you’re looking to add some licorice foods to your diet while breastfeeding, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to only eat small amounts of licorice at a time. Eating a large quantity of this food can be harmful to both you and your baby. Second, make sure to choose licorice that is all-natural and does not contain any artificial ingredients. Finally, talk to your doctor before adding licorice to your diet if you have any health concerns.
Note that licorice candy tastes similar to the actual extracts of the licorice plant. Interestingly, black licorice candies don’t contain real licorice root.
What Are the Potential Risks and Health Concerns About Licorice While Breastfeeding?
Some of the potential risks associated with eating licorice while breastfeeding include:
- Dehydration – Licorice can cause dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water when eating it.
- Hypertension – Licorice can cause high blood pressure and water retention, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
- Miscarriage – There is some evidence that suggests that eating licorice may increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Constipation – Licorice can cause constipation, which can be uncomfortable for both you and your baby.
As you can see, there are some risks associated with eating licorice while breastfeeding. However, these risks are generally only a concern if you eat large amounts of licorice. If you’re craving this sweet treat, it’s probably okay to have a small piece or two.
How Much Licorice Is Too Much When Breastfeeding?
The amount of licorice that is safe to eat while breastfeeding varies from person to person. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s safe to eat licorice, talk to your doctor.
They can help you determine the right amount for you and your baby.
Does Licorice Root Affect Breast Milk Production?
Eating licorice while breastfeeding can actually increase breastmilk supply. This is because licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which has been shown to stimulate milk production. So if you’re looking to increase your breastmilk supply, eating a small amount of licorice may help.
Can Licorice Affect My Baby’s Health?
The potential risks associated with eating licorice while breastfeeding is generally only a concern if you eat large amounts. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s safe to eat licorice, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the right amount for you and your baby.
Overall, eating small amounts of licorice is generally safe while breastfeeding. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and health concerns associated with this sweet treat. And excessive intake and prolonged use of licorice can lead to some health problems.
Can a Baby Be Allergic to Licorice?
The answer to this question is no, babies cannot be allergic to licorice. However, eating large amounts of licorice can cause side effects such as dehydration, low blood pressure, and constipation. So it’s important to only eat small amounts of licorice at a time while breastfeeding. And if you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor before adding this sweet treat to your diet.
Take Away on Licorice for Nursing Mothers
Eating licorice while breastfeeding is generally safe for lactating mothers, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and health concerns associated with this sweet treat. So if you’re looking for a little something extra in your diet, licorice may be a good option!
The effects licorice has on a nursing mother are still unknown. Avoid licorice if you have any doubts.
Before you use licorice and other herbs, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
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.
