Apples during breastfeeding

How does eating apples affect a child?

During the first year of life, a baby receives all vitamins and minerals from breast milk. Therefore, during lactation, it is especially important for a woman to maintain a balanced diet, primarily consisting of fruit. Apples, with their unique composition, are considered the most vitamin-rich of all fruits. However, before including them in the diet, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks.

Benefits of apples for babies

Thanks to their unique composition, apples have many beneficial effects on the body of mother and child:

• vitamins:
  • A – improvement of visual functions;
  • group B – stimulation of digestive processes, regulation of the central nervous system, oxygenation of nerve cells, improvement of skin condition;
  • E – improving blood clotting, stimulating regeneration processes, normalizing the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
  • C – removal of waste and toxins, strengthening the immune system, suppression of infections and viruses;
  • R – strengthening of gums, reduction of the risk of bleeding, removal of excess fluid from the body;
• microelements:
  • potassium – improves the functions of brain structures, stimulates intestinal function;
  • phosphorus, calcium – normalization of cerebral circulation, strengthening of the skeletal system;
  • iron – saturation of cells with oxygen, normalization of hemoglobin in the blood;
  • fiber – stimulation of intestinal peristalsis and metabolism.

Is there any harm?

Eating apples while breastfeeding can trigger a negative reaction in the baby. Specifically:

• skin rashes;
• allergic reaction (most often it occurs when the mother consumes red fruits);
• increased gas formation, bloating, colic.

Which apples can be eaten and how to properly include them in your diet

Including apples in your breastfeeding diet is only possible after consultation with a neonatologist and following certain guidelines. It's also important to monitor your baby's reaction to the fruit during the initial period.

Green apples

Green apple varieties are considered the most suitable for consumption during lactation. This is due to several significant advantages:

• absence of allergenic components;
• minimal sugar content;
• variety of varieties and tastes;
• availability at any time of year;
• rich in vitamins and beneficial elements (including iodine, which has a positive effect on hormonal balance).

Introducing green apples into the diet is acceptable as early as the first month of breastfeeding, provided the mother has no allergic reaction. Doctors recommend no more than two medium-sized apples daily. Not only will this not cause harm, but it will also help enrich breast milk with vitamins A, C, and B, as well as increase hemoglobin levels in the mother's blood.

It is recommended to eat green apples with the skin, which contains a large amount of fiber.

Red apples

Almost all varieties of red apples are distinguished by their excellent taste and contain a large number of nutrients that have a beneficial effect on the health of both mother and child. However, they should not be introduced into the diet until at least six months after breastfeeding. This is due to the high risk of allergic reactions in infants, which can be triggered by the pigments present in the skin of red fruits. Furthermore, the high sugar content can cause fermentation and bloating in the baby.

Yellow apples

Introducing yellow apples into your baby's diet should only be done after 6 months of breastfeeding. However, there are a few rules to follow:

• the first time, limit yourself to 1 teaspoon of applesauce and monitor the baby’s condition;
• If there is no negative reaction, the portion can be gradually increased.

The recommended daily intake of yellow apples during lactation is no more than 200 g.

Apple juice

Apples and freshly squeezed apple juice contain the highest amount of iron needed by a nursing mother. This beverage can be gradually introduced into the diet a few days after birth. It is recommended to obtain juice from unsweetened fruits, and the daily intake should not exceed 150 ml.

Apple compote

Fresh compotes are an important part of a nursing mother's diet. The most suitable option is apple compote (unsweetened or with minimal sugar). This drink quenches thirst well and doesn't cause gas in the baby. Apple compote can be drunk within the first few days after birth. The first serving should not exceed ½ cup.

Apple water

Apple cider vinegar is typically prepared with lemon zest, cinnamon, and sugar. Therefore, drinking this beverage during pregnancy is not recommended. The components contained in cinnamon can cause the following adverse effects:

• allergic reaction;
• blood thinning, which is dangerous after childbirth;
• deterioration in the taste of breast milk;
• headache, rash, swelling.

Lemon, like cinnamon, found in apple water can cause allergies in both mother and baby.

Dried apples

During lactation dried apples They very rarely cause an adverse reaction in a newborn. They are introduced into a nursing mother's diet with a gradual increase in dosage, starting with 1–2 slices per day.

Baked apples

During breastfeeding, baked apples can be introduced into the diet already in the first weeks after birth.

What's the bottom line?

Eating apples and apple-based drinks while breastfeeding is perfectly acceptable. However, to avoid harming your body, it's important to follow all expert recommendations.