Watermelon is a tasty berry that perfectly quenches thirst in the summer heat, plus carries huge benefits in the form of vitamins and macronutrients. A pregnant girl can eat plenty of it, of course, observing the measure. Folic acid contained in watermelon is vital for a growing fetus, therefore, in the first trimester, watermelon will be an additional source of this useful substance. But is it possible to eat a watermelon while breastfeeding? This is a very important and interesting question that we will try to deal with right now.
Breastfeeding Watermelon
It is logical to assume that watermelon will have a good effect on lactation, because it consists of 90% of water. And after childbirth, this is generally a find - watermelon has an excellent anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect, even antipyretic. It would seem that you eat and be healthy.
But all these positive qualities can be crossed out at once if you buy a watermelon out of season, even just a couple of weeks earlier than the potential ripening period. The trouble is that at an incredible speed, like a sponge, it absorbs all kinds of nitrates, which process the soil and seedlings for early ripening. Having eaten such an instance, a young mother will get at least an upset stomach and a digestive system failure.
But the most unpleasant thing is that nitrates easily pass into breast milk. The body of a child up to a year is clearly not able to cope with such a load on the organs. Therefore, if you decide to eat a watermelon, make sure that you get a natural product that outwardly should inspire confidence in you - no cracks, dents. And especially do not buy cut watermelons.
How to check watermelon for usefulness
You can check the berry for nitrates (chemicals) at home, having a little experience. Take a glass, pour clean tap water into it. Cut a slice of watermelon, along with green peel and pulp. Throw a piece into a glass of water, stir. Has the water become cloudy, opaque? So this watermelon is not worth it. Natural watermelon does not affect the state of the water, it will remain as clear and clean.
Watermelon during breastfeeding can solve the problem of anemia, as it contains a lot of iron. This should be noted for mothers with a low level of hemoglobin in the blood.
But there is one more BUT. Watermelon has a red juicy pulp. Brightly colored foods, in most red and orange colors, carry a great risk of an allergic reaction. A baby with breast milk will receive allergenic substances, and if their norm is exceeded, an allergy is guaranteed.
An acute allergic reaction is dangerous because it is characterized by a sharp, almost instantaneous deterioration in the condition of the child, redness and a rash. Or an allergen can gradually accumulate in the body, and when there is a limit amount, only then give a reaction. Read about Allergies.
How to choose a watermelon? - Choose a ripe, tasty and sweet watermelon
If the family has allergies, one of the family members has asthma, then wait a bit to eat watermelon during lactation. You can start using it after three to four months after childbirth, when the mother’s lactation is established and the baby through milk gets acquainted with many products. Try adding a small slice of watermelon per day to your mother’s diet, a maximum of two to three skibs.
Take care of yourself and eat only healthy foods!
Further:
- Breastfeeding Fruit
- Melon at GV - is it possible or not?
- Breastfeeding Apples
