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The lactation period is very difficult, since a woman while breastfeeding a child must adhere to proper nutrition, avoiding foods that can cause allergies, bloating and indigestion. With extreme caution should be consumed fresh vegetables and fruits. But when the month of August is outside, gourds become a temptation, with which almost all retail outlets are filled. About whether it is possible for a nursing mother to eat a melon, and how to use it correctly so as not to harm the child, further.
Is it possible to eat melon while breastfeeding
Melon is not only very tasty and fragrant, but also useful for the female body, because it contains many micronutrients. But there is a lot of controversy about its use during lactation.
Most pediatricians do not recommend adding it to the diet in the first month after childbirth, since the newborn still has a weak digestive system that absorbs only light food.
Others are sure, following a diet, you can still eat melon when feeding, but in small quantities and with the right choice of fruit.
The benefits of melon for a nursing mother
If we talk about the benefits of a large sweet fruit, then it certainly has a positive effect on the human body, since it contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals.
This gourd is a source of carbohydrates, and the rich sweet taste indicates the presence of organic sugars. Glucose is very useful for a woman, especially after childbirth, as it has a positive effect on the emotional state, allowing you to cope with postpartum stress.
The melon also contains useful acids, in particular, folic. And lots of fiber. It is considered positive in its use that all the trace elements and vitamins that are in its composition will certainly be in breast milk.
The pulp of the fetus is almost 90% liquid, which contributes to the flow of milk. It also has a slight diuretic effect, allowing you to get rid of puffiness.
During lactation, all the most necessary trace elements for the female body pass into milk, which adversely affects the appearance of the mother. And the presence of beta-carotene in the composition of the fruit can improve the condition of hair, nails and complexion, maintaining a beautiful appearance.
What is useful melon for babies
Melon during breastfeeding can also positively affect the condition of the baby, if you follow the rules for its use.
Adding a fetus to the diet of a nursing mother increases the production of the hormone serotonin in the blood. It not only improves the mood of the mother, but also, getting into the composition of milk, has a beneficial effect on the mood of the child.
The fiber in the composition improves the digestion of the mother and baby, but it is necessary to dose the use of melon, as it can cause loose stools in the child.
Saturation of milk with vitamin C helps to strengthen the child’s immunity, and iron and potassium have a beneficial effect on blood formation, increasing hemoglobin and strengthening the cardiovascular system.
How to choose a melon for a nursing mother
The main rule for eating melon is that it is useful and does not harm while feeding a child. Unfortunately, today there are many unscrupulous manufacturers who are trying to increase their profits by improving the taste and external qualities with the help of chemical nitrates. With this method, a grown melon can seriously harm not only the mother, but also the child, causing indigestion or, even worse, causing poisoning.
It is strongly not recommended to purchase melons with cracks, dents, damage and cut in half. Since pathogenic microbes begin to spread very quickly on the cracks and cuts of the fetus, which, if they enter the body, can cause an infectious disease.
A nursing mother can only eat a fully ripe melon, so be sure to check for ripeness when choosing a fetus:
- the ripe fruit has a pronounced melon aroma;
- the peel should be elastic when pressed;
- when tapping, the sound should be deaf;
- the stalk must be dry (naturally dried).
And most importantly, you should buy melons only in special fruit and vegetable departments.
How to introduce melon into the diet of a nursing mother
Women who gave birth at the beginning of summer, if desired, can introduce melon into their diet with HB, but this should be done, observing a number of rules:
- With extreme caution, you should use melon if the child is not yet 3 months old. Most pediatricians are completely categorically against the use of this product up to 3 months, since it is during this period that the baby is in the process of improving the digestive system.
- If it was decided to introduce melon into the diet, then this should be done gradually, observing the baby’s reaction to a new product. You should start with a small piece, and with a good reaction to a new food, you can gradually increase its amount. Thus, when breastfeeding, a nursing mother can consume up to 200-250 g per day no more than 3 times a week.
- In no case is it recommended to use melon with other products. The most ideal option is to eat it as an independent dish in the period between main meals (between lunch and dinner). So, until the evening you can observe the reaction of the child. You should not drink melon, as this will slow down the process of its assimilation.
- The use of melon before bedtime or immediately after a meal should be avoided. Indeed, during this period, the process of digestion of this product will be complicated.
In what cases should you refrain
Since the melon itself is a product that can be consumed in moderation during feeding, there are times when it is contraindicated:
- with gastritis, peptic ulcer or colitis in the mother;
- diabetes;
- with the appearance of diathesis and an allergic reaction in a newborn;
- with bloating, colic and indigestion in a child;
- with an overweight nursing mother.
If the child or mother has signs of poisoning or indigestion, in no case should the melon be eaten, as it can further worsen the condition and cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Conclusion
A nursing mother can eat melon, but with extreme caution. And only if the lactation period coincides with the period of ripening of these fruits. Before adding the product to the diet, be sure to consult your pediatrician or nutritionist in order to avoid harmful effects.