Grapes are a rich source of antioxidantsiXSubstances that prevent or reduce the effects of free radicals and prevent cell damage.and potassiumiXA mineral and an electrolyte required by tissues in the body. Though they are a good source of vitamin C, you may be wondering whether it is safe to consume grapes during breastfeeding (1).
Consuming grapes by a lactating mother is not known to cause any side effects in the baby or even the mother. Additionally, consuming grapes has not been found to have any significant impact on breast milk production or contribute to breastfeeding problems in mothers. Instead, it has several health benefits, such as regulating blood pressure and digestion. However, if you notice symptoms such as stomach aches in your baby, consult your doctor to know whether grapes could cause such aches. You may also take an advisory from your lactation consultant before including grapes in your diet.
Read on as we provide you with more information about consuming grapes while breastfeeding, its health benefits, and possible side effects.
Can You Eat Grapes While Breastfeeding?
Grapes are highly nutritious fruits that do not have any known side effects while you are breastfeeding. Consuming grapes while breastfeeding also protects infants from coliciXRegular and prolonged fussiness in an otherwise well-fed, well-rested, and healthy baby(2).
Can You Have Grape Juice While Breastfeeding?
You may have grape juice while breastfeeding in moderate quantities. Since breastfeeding can make you extra thirsty, you can enjoy a glass of fresh grape juice and fluids, including water, milk, and herbal teas, which can also be taken. However, ensure that the juice is made from fresh grapes and does not contain added sugars (3). You can also get advice from a nutritionist on how to add juices to your diet when breastfeeding.
Things To Keep In Mind While Eating Grapes While Breastfeeding
Motherhood involves always striving to ensure the best for your little one. It is important to have a healthy and well-balanced meal while you are breastfeeding, as what you eat (or don’t eat) may affect your baby’s health and taste preference. If you are interested in eating grapes during breastfeeding, make sure to keep the following points in mind:
- As with anything you eat or drink while breastfeeding, make sure you speak to your doctor first and only eat grapes once you have confirmation.
- Eating grapes while breastfeeding can sometimes cause stomach upsets in your baby. If you are eating grapes when breastfeeding, make sure you do not eat any other fruit for at least two to three days. It will help you notice any change in your baby’s stool or general behavior. If your baby does develop an upset tummy or pain, and if you have had no other fruit or new food except grapes, you will know for sure if it was caused by eating grapes.
- If your baby is showing signs of colic, it is important for you to monitor everything that you eat while breastfeeding and note its effect on her. Apply the same rule; when you are eating grapes for the first time while breastfeeding, stay away from eating any other fruits or new foods. It will give you time to note if eating grapes increases your baby’s discomfort or colic.
- Whenever you eat grapes while breastfeeding, make sure you do so in moderation. While eating a few grapes should not be a cause for concern, too much of anything can cause problems, and the same applies to eating grapes.
Health Benefits Of Eating Grapes
Once your doctor has given you the go-ahead to eat grapes while breastfeeding, start eating them in moderation to enjoy the following maternal health benefits (4):
- Protects Against Cancer:
Grapes are loaded with powerful antioxidants that are known as polyphenols. They help to slow down and even prevent the onset of different types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, colon, prostate, lungs and even pancreas.
- Protects Against Diabetes
The glycemic indexiXA number assigned to different foods to show how quickly and how much they can increase the blood sugar levels number in grapes is low, which helps keep the blood sugar levels in control.
- Lowers Cholesterol
Grapes contain plenty of fiber that makes them a good choice to reduce high cholesterol in the body.
- Regulates Blood Pressure:
Grapes are rich in their potassium content that helps to keep your blood pressure in check.
- Relieves Constipation:
The high water content in grapes helps to keep you hydrated and prevents constipationiXA condition in which a person passes stools less than three times a week and may have difficulty removing waste entirely from the rectum, which is a common occurrence during and after pregnancy, especially during the postpartum period when the body is recovering from childbirth.
Eating grapes as a breastfeeding snack can be beneficial for both you and your baby’s health, as they offer optimal nutrition. The fruit is known to lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and relieve constipation in mothers. In most cases, consuming grapes in moderation does not cause any side effects in infants. On the contrary, they are known to protect from colic. However, if you notice any discomfort in your baby after breastfeeding, consult your doctor. Also, monitor your diet for a few days to check whether grapes or other food causes discomfort.
Key Pointers
- Grapes are a highly nutritious food that can be safely consumed by breastfeeding mothers after consulting with a doctor.
- It is important to check for sensitivities in the baby after the mother consumes grapes, as a mother’s diet may affect her baby.
- Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants and potassium, and they are best consumed fresh and unprocessed.
- Moderate consumption of grapes can provide several benefits, such as protection from diabetes, lowered cholesterol, regulated blood pressure, and relief from constipation.
- Consuming grapes during breastfeeding may also help relieve colic in babies.
