Summer, the beginning of autumn, the soft sun shines pleasantly in the face, and goosebumps run through the body from a warm gentle breeze. Despite this wonderful picture of the summer landscape, it is this time of year that is most difficult for pregnant and breast-feeding women to endure. Right now, when it remains only a stone's throw before dehydration, they need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. And, of course, the most beloved and long-awaited summer product is a watermelon. But is it possible to eat a watermelon to a nursing mother?
About watermelons
As a rule, ripe and juicy watermelons appear on the shelves of our stores and markets no earlier than the end of summer. Therefore, if "communication" with this berry happens only once a year, and then for a short time, before asking whether it is possible to eat a watermelon to a nursing mother, you first need to get to know him better. So, watermelon is a berry, the benefits of which are extremely difficult to overestimate. It consists almost entirely of juice, which, incidentally, stimulates lactation, it contains folic acid.
It is useful not only for the mother, but also for the health of the crumbs. If breast milk contains enough of this substance, then it will stimulate proper mental development. In addition to folic acid, watermelon contains vitamins A, PP, C, B 5 , B 1 , B 2 and many others.
But vitamins are not all that watermelon is rich in. It will enrich breast milk with phosphorus, potassium, iodine, calcium, iron and manganese, all this is necessary for the baby’s growing body and mother’s body recovering after childbirth . Therefore, not only can you eat watermelon to a nursing mother, but you need to.
Is watermelon useful for breastfeeding
As you already found out, such a berry as a watermelon contains many vitamins and minerals that are simply necessary for mother and baby. But if you are still interested in the question “is it possible to eat watermelon for a nursing mother”, then you need to consider not only the benefits, but also the harm that this juicy sweet berry can bring. Although this happens extremely rarely, watermelon can still cause allergies in the baby. Therefore, if your child is prone to allergic reactions, it is worth giving up watermelon or consuming it in scanty amounts. Although it is impossible to predict in advance what the child will be allergic to and what not, but nevertheless you need to always be on the alert, because the body of each child is unique. Like any new food product for a baby, watermelon should be introduced into the diet gradually, starting with the smallest amount.
Is it possible to eat a watermelon to a nursing mother: nuances
In different sources, you can find the opinion that if you eat this berry during lactation, then breast milk will become too liquid, fresh and not nutritious. But this is not so. If the baby does not show signs of allergy from this product, then the watermelon for the nursing mother only benefits.
The juice of this berry is not only not able to lower the value of milk, but on the contrary, only increases it thanks to all the vitamins and microelements contained in the watermelon. Naturally, like any other fresh fruits, vegetables and berries, watermelon during lactation should be eaten in moderation.