In recent years, Nutella has become a popular choice for many people. But can you eat Nutella while breastfeeding? What are the benefits and risks of consuming Nutella while breastfeeding?
In this guide, we will explore the truth about Nutella and breastfeeding. We will discuss the benefits and risks of eating Nutella while breastfeeding.
What is Nutella
Nutella is in essence a chocolate hazelnut spread, which is super yummy! There are a couple of ingredients that give cause for concern notably the large amounts of sugar, palm oil and hazelnuts, and to a lesser extent, chocolate. It also contains lecithin which may reduce your milk supply.
Overall, unless you have a nut allergy, you can eat Nutella or hazelnut spreads when breastfeeding. However, only take it in very small amounts as the high-fat content is not good and if you are just trying to establish your milk supply, it’s probably best to avoid it.
Nutella has eight ingredients: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skim milk powder, cocoa, lecithin and a synthetic vanilla flavoring vanillin.
Are There Benefits of Eating Nutella While Breastfeeding?
Despite its popularity, there is little scientific evidence to support the claim that consuming Nutella while breastfeeding has many benefits for both mom and baby.
In fact, too much Nutella can actually be harmful. It contains high levels of sugar and cocoa solids, both of which can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Additionally, the chocolate spread is high in fat, which can lead to weight gain.
For these reasons, it is important to consume Nutella in moderation while breastfeeding. However, the occasional chocolate fix is unlikely to do any harm. Just be sure to choose chocolate spreads that are low in sugar and fat.
What Are the Health Concerns About Eating Nutella While Breastfeeding?
There are a few health concerns to be aware of when eating Nutella while breastfeeding.
First, the sugar and palm oil content of Nutella can contribute to your baby’s developing a sugar addiction and/or obesity. Some fats and sugar can pass through milk making it fattier and taste more sugary than usual.
This can also cause you to gain weight and this is not something you want especially if you are planning to lose weight.
Additionally, if you have a peanut allergy, eating Nutella could put you at risk of developing an allergic reaction which could impede breastfeeding.
The nut butter and cocoa solids in Nutella can also cause gastrointestinal distress. If you notice that you are having increased gas, diarrhea, or vomiting after you eat Nutella, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
If you really love chocolate spreads, you can still enjoy nut butters by making your own peanut butter or almond butter at home as a substitute. Homemade nut butter can be healthy because you can control the number of ingredients.
If you want to add some chocolate, use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.
Finally, you don’t have to stick to a strict pregnancy diet when you’re breastfeeding. You can eat a range of healthy foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and so on compared to the last nine months when you were pregnant.
But this doesn’t mean you can eat willy-nilly. There are still foods that you need to consume in moderation and chocolate is one of them because it contains caffeine. And while the caffeine in chocolate is lower compared to that of coffee, it can add up. This is also the reason why you should drink coffee in moderation as well.
What Is the Acceptable Limit of Nutella That Breastfeeding Mothers Can Have?
While small quantities of Nutella are considered safe for breastfeeding moms, there is no definitive answer as to how much is too much.
Some experts recommend that moms limit their intake to one or two tablespoons per day due to its sugar and palm oil content. In general, you should be avoiding other foods that contain palm oil and palm olein. It should be noted that palm oil is also present in baby formula.
Ultimately, it is up to the mom to decide what is best for her and her child.
However, it is important to remember that even small amounts of Nutella can add up. For example, if a mother consumes one tablespoon of Nutella every day, she would be consuming over 30 grams of sugar per week.
This is far from the recommended limit of 25 grams per day for women. Therefore, it is important for moms to be mindful of their chocolate and caffeine intake and choose the healthy option. You can add your favorite toppings and different flavors such as herbs, fruits, cookies and crackers.
Can Nutella Affect the Quality of Breast Milk?
A recent study found that moms who consumed Nutella during pregnancy and while breastfeeding had higher levels of certain nutrients in their breastmilk.
The study authors concluded that these effects were due to the hazelnuts, cocoa, and milk found in Nutella. They noted that previous studies had shown similar results for other nuts and chocolate.
It has also been suggested that adding Nutella to the diet could help improve the quality of breastmilk. However, they cautioned that more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Can Nutella Affect Breast Milk Supply?
It is well known that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. Breast milk is packed with nutrients and antibodies that help to protect babies from illness.
However, many nursing mothers face difficulties with breastfeeding, including low breastmilk production and supply. In some cases, mothers may turn to certain foods in order to increase their milk production.
One popular chocolate food is Nutella. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Nutella increases breastmilk production, some mothers believe that it helps to increase their supply.
While there is currently no definitive research on the effects of Nutella on breast milk production and supply, some experts believe that it may have a positive effect.
The hazelnuts and chocolate in Nutella are both thought to be lactogenic, meaning that they may help to increase milk production. In addition, the oils in Nutella can help to keep breast milk from drying up.
However, it is important to keep in mind that everyone is different and that not all mothers will respond the same way to Nutella.
Can Breastfed Babies Get Allergies From Nutella?
No. And while it’s true that peanut allergies are among the most common food allergens, an allergy or sensitivity can’t pass through milk. However, you should still be careful when eating anything with nuts in them.
Does Chocolate Give Breastfed Babies Gas?
Although the occasional chocolate does not have any effect on a breastfed baby, excessive amounts of chocolate eaten by the mother can give babies gas.
A small amount of caffeine and other similar stimulants are naturally present in chocolate which can cause a breastfed infant to be restless and irritable.
In addition, chocolate is also a laxative, so eating too much chocolate can lead to diarrhea in both the mother and the baby.
For this reason, it is best to eat chocolate in moderation. However, if you do indulge in chocolate, be sure to nurse your baby soon afterward so that they can benefit from the nutrients in your milk. You need to keep in mind that a baby’s gi tract is still developing. So the next time you grab chocolate, think about its caffeine content.
Can I Eat Hazelnuts While Breastfeeding?
While breastfeeding, mothers need to drink and eat a variety of healthy foods to provide their babies with the nutrients they need. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
However, certain types of nuts can also be beneficial. Hazelnuts, for example, are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in healthy fats, which can help to support body and brain development in a baby.
Additionally, hazelnuts contain high levels of protein, making them an ideal snack for nursing mothers. So, next time you’re looking for a nutritious snack to eat while breastfeeding, don’t worry and consider reaching for a handful of hazelnuts.
Conclusion on Eating Nutella When Nursing
So if you’re asking yourself, can I eat Nutella while breastfeeding? The answer is yes, you can safely consume and enjoy Nutella but in tiny amounts.
The truth about Nutella and breastfeeding is that there are a lot of unanswered questions. Unfortunately, the research on whether or not it’s safe to eat while you’re nursing a baby seems to be inconclusive.
Though some studies have found benefits from eating chocolate and hazelnuts in moderation, others caution against consuming too much because they contain caffeine and have laxative effects.
In the end, it’s up to you and your baby to figure out what is fine and works best for both of you. If you’re feeling anxious and curious about trying Nutella while breastfeeding, start with a small amount and see how your baby reacts.
If they seem to be having any negative side effects, like excessive gas or diarrhea, then discontinue use. Otherwise, go ahead and enjoy a little Nutella every now and then!
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.
