At the end of summer - in the beginning of autumn a watermelon, a sweet and juicy berry ripens. Well, how can one resist temptation and not enjoy a striped fruit! Therefore, the mother of babies raises the question of whether a watermelon can be fed. It's time to consider all the pros and cons.
Benefits of watermelon when breastfeeding
In addition to the excellent taste, watermelon has useful properties:
- the composition of this fruit includes vitamins (for example, PP, B1, B2) and trace elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium), so necessary for a woman due to weakening of the body after pregnancy and during lactation;
- contained in watermelon vitamin C will help a woman to strengthen immunity to the beginning of the flu epidemic period;
- In addition, watermelon during breastfeeding is useful for a large amount of iron. Anemia often is an actual problem of pregnant and lactating;
- a woman engaged in caring for an infant, wants to look beautiful. Folic acid, contained in the largest berry, normalizes digestion and improves complexion. Antioxidants prevent aging of the body. Panthenolic acid removes toxins and provides a sound sleep;
- Also, mothers noticed a link between watermelon and breast milk: because of the same folic acid, the amount of milk increases;
- Watermelon contributes to the removal of excess fluid and eliminates edema - a frequent phenomenon after childbirth.
Possible damage to watermelon when breastfeeding
Unfortunately, in addition to the above-mentioned beneficial properties of watermelon during breastfeeding, there are various risks to the health of both the baby and the mother.
First, the red fruit belongs to the strong allergens. An untreated allergy in a baby can develop into a diathesis.
Secondly, most often this sweet fruit is used as a dessert after the main course. Mixed with other products, watermelon for a nursing mother is often a source of unpleasant sensations of heaviness in the stomach and increased gas production. The breast can also disturb intestinal colic.
Thirdly, poisoning with watermelon during breastfeeding is not uncommon. The fact is that unscrupulous suppliers often nibble striped berries with nitrates to speed up maturation. Suffers and the kid to whom through a thoracal milk harmful chemicals get to.
When can I eat watermelon while breastfeeding?
To minimize the negative consequences of drinking watermelon, follow some of our recommendations:
- Do not rush to buy the first watermelons that appear in the markets in early August. The time of natural maturation of watermelons falls at the end of August - September.
- Choose a watermelon without cracks and stains, through which an infection can penetrate. Just do not eat an immature or sluggish fruit: lactating mothers can eat only a ripe watermelon. Buy a berry with a dry tip, a yellow patch on the side and a dry mesh on the skin.
- Give a watermelon to try one of the adult family members. In the absence of unfavorable signs of poisoning during the day, boldly relaxed with a sweet berry.
- Try a small slice of watermelon and observe the reaction of the baby's body. If there are no manifestations of allergies, next time try a bit more. Find the strength to abandon the watermelon until the baby does not turn 3-4 months old.
- Use watermelon in between main meals, not mixing with any other food, except with a slice of white bread.
As you can see, watermelon is a unique product that brings both benefit and harm. Caution and a measure will help a nursing mother to regale a sweet berry without consequences.