Having a baby changes the life of any woman. The first months of life, the baby needs mother's milk, which nourishes and fills it with important vitamins and minerals. Throughout the entire period of lactation, a woman carefully monitors her diet. Inevitably a host of questions and doubts arise. So, for example, is it possible to breast-feed garlic ? The issue requires a detailed consideration, which will allow the young mother to get rid of additional experiences.
The beneficial properties of garlic
Garlic is known for its spicy taste and quite sharp smell. Since childhood, we hear about the benefits of this product, about its need for a diet, but we do not always think about why garlic is so important.
Before studying the main beneficial properties of garlic, it is important to mention that in one clove contains about 7 vitamins, not to mention trace elements.
What effect does the plant have on the human body:
- Garlic helps to normalize digestion, even after serious hormonal changes or surgical intervention. Moderate consumption of this product will have a beneficial effect.
- Serves to prevent the development of fungus in the body (including the Candida family).
- Vitamin C, which is part of garlic, helps increase immunity, activates the body's defenses. This property is widely known, which makes the plant indispensable in the cool season.
- Beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system. Regular addition of garlic to food helps to thin the blood, strengthen blood vessels, remove cholesterol from the body and stabilize blood pressure.
- It is proved that the plant serves to prevent the development of cancer cells, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and even female mammary glands.
Perhaps these are the most significant health properties of garlic. Having studied them, the question of whether the beneficial properties of garlic during breastfeeding are preserved is even more relevant. Are there any restrictions that are important to consider during lactation?
Garlic and Breastfeeding
It is important to remember that garlic has a bright taste, it is attributed to the number of spices that add spice to the food, piquancy. For this reason, experts recommend not abusing this product during lactation, while introducing it into the diet no earlier than 5-6 months after the birth of the baby. Is garlic breastfeeding possible or not ? It is possible, but observing the restrictions.
Doctors and breastfeeding specialists will always come to the aid of a young mother, provide support and put in place all the questions that interest her. In matters of breastfeeding, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the mother and baby.
The benefits of garlic during lactation
If a young mother is inclined to the fact that she needs garlic, it will be correct to further examine its effect on the body. Is garlic possible for hepatitis B, the doctor and the woman herself are able to determine if before the birth of the child this spice did not take root in the diet, then there is no point in experimenting. If it is difficult to imagine a standard diet without garlic, then you should not infringe on yourself.
The benefits of garlic for a nursing mother and her baby:
- Bone tissue is strengthened due to a large number of macro- and microelements in the composition of garlic.
- It improves memory, blood circulation, skin and muscle condition.
- Cholesterol and hemoglobin levels return to normal.
- Digestion is normalized.
- General immunity increases, the endocrine system improves.
These properties are useful not only to the mother, but also to the growing body of the baby. At the same time, the caloric content of this product is so small that you can not think about it at all. Having determined whether garlic can be breastfed, the main thing is not to overdo it and not go to extremes.
The harm of garlic when breastfeeding
The importance of health during lactation was mentioned above. Now it is worth mentioning the contraindications that are possible when eating garlic:
- Gastrointestinal ulcer is a severe limitation.
- Liver disease.
- Individual intolerance (allergy).
If none of the above applies to a young mother, then the harm of garlic can manifest itself only in its abuse. Everything is good in moderation. Is it possible for a nursing mother to have garlic in a dry (granular) form? Doctors recommend to abstain, the concentration of such spices is higher and may cause additional irritation of the baby's mucosa. Raw garlic is also recommended in minimal quantities. It is best to focus on spices that have been heat-treated (garlic is added to broths or dishes that are baked and steamed).
Optimal approach
In order to observe all precautions and get the maximum amount of benefits from garlic, it is best to consult a doctor. Much depends not only on the health of the mother, but also on the condition of the baby. If the child is sensitive to the nutrition of the mother, it is best to refrain from eating spices (at least six months).
If the baby grows strong and does not show specific reactions, then from 4-5 months you can try to introduce a little garlic into the diet.
Experts remind that in the first months of life, the child's taste buds are formed, their own eating preferences are determined. In this period, it is better not to experiment with spicy additives that have a pronounced taste. Can garlic with breastfeeding be understood now, but in what quantities and how to enter it into food?
How much is garlic good for?
Doctors and GV specialists recommend introducing garlic into the diet gradually, carefully observing the baby's reaction to a product specific to him. Garlic with HS, whether it is possible for a nursing mother to eat it, in what quantities - all this is determined individually, each case may have its own characteristics.
It is believed that 1-1.5 cloves of garlic is the optimal daily amount for a young mother. This does not mean that a woman should eat a clove daily. In which dish to add seasoning, it is determined based on personal preferences. The main thing is not to abuse the product, eat it no more than 2-3 times a week.
Before joyfully eating a fragrant and spicy dish, you need to try to eat a third of a clove and watch the baby for a couple of days. The reaction of the child will tell whether garlic can be breastfed to a young mother. With a positive result, the amount of spice is increased gradually, allowing the baby to fully adapt to a new product.
Change in taste and quantity of breast milk
Modern medicine has proven that garlic can add bitterness to breast milk, but only under certain conditions. If a woman eats it in large quantities, or, roughly speaking, does not eat anything but garlic.
In all other cases, the taste of milk does not change, the baby does not feel the difference. Is it possible to garlic and onions with breastfeeding is discussed by almost every young mother. This is due to the pungent smell and taste of the products, but you should not be afraid. If there are no individual contraindications, then the benefits will be invaluable.
The taste of milk is likely to change due to the mood of a young mother, severe stress or frustration, rather than eating a spicy product.
Eating garlic does not affect the quality and quantity of breast milk. The volume of lactation in women does not depend on the amount of spice in the dish.
Is baby age important?
A newborn baby requires constant attention, his body is just beginning to adapt to living conditions outside the womb. During this period, it is important to comply with the restrictions. As mentioned above, it is best to wait about six months and then accustom the baby to your favorite piquant foods.
Can garlic be breastfed and is the baby age important? During lactation, it is important to consider a lot. Excessive vigilance cannot be considered a disadvantage. A careful attitude to the child will tell the young mother whether he likes new products in the woman’s diet.
Common myths
With independent study of the issue, one can often stumble upon unimaginable stories. The truth and the myths about garlic during breastfeeding are important to correctly share.
The main absurdities:
- Mandatory onset of colic and allergies in the baby. It is a myth. Moderate use of the product will not lead to colic, this process is in no way associated with the consumption of garlic.
- Bitter milk. It was already mentioned above that the taste can change if, in addition to garlic, mom does not eat anything. The taste of milk is influenced by a huge number of factors; garlic will not become the main pest in this matter.
- The smell of milk. The question is purely individual, but garlic is more likely to affect the freshness of the breath. It is proved that if a woman ate garlic during pregnancy, then this taste and smell will be familiar to the child.
The main thing that a woman should remember during breastfeeding is an alert attitude to herself and the baby. Do not abuse any product, it is important to comply with the measure.
For mothers who are prone to fullness, you need to consider that garlic whetts an appetite and can provoke undesirable overeating, which will affect the figure.