Is it possible to eat parsley while breastfeeding?

Breast milk is the most valuable product for a newborn. However, during lactation, the mother has to adhere to a strict diet, excluding salty, fried, smoked foods, carbonated and alcoholic drinks. It is allowed to eat any greens (onions, parsley, dill and other aromatic herbs). Let's consider how parsley affects the body of mother and child.

Beneficial properties of parsley

The plant contains many vitamins A, C, K and folic acid. They:

• protect against viruses, bacteria, pathogenic microorganisms;
• help the liver and kidneys work;
• improve blood clotting;
• normalize hemoglobin levels;
• participate in the absorption of calcium;
• reduce irritability;
• restore cells;
• improve the condition of hair, nails and skin;
• increase the volume of milk secreted;
• remove toxins from the body.

Parsley is recommended for insufficient lactation. You don't have to worry about weight gain, since greens are included in many diet menus.

Can a nursing mother eat parsley and dill?

Yes, you can, but with caution, since there is a risk of negative effects of plants on the baby’s body. Doctors recommend closely monitoring the baby's condition. If he reacts poorly to a new product, it is better to remove greens from the diet.

These plants are approved for use by children of the first year of life. They improve digestion and help protein absorption.

Consumption of parsley depending on the feeding period

Parsley is not introduced into the diet immediately after childbirth.Depending on the period of feeding, it is important to take into account some features.

In the first month

Greens are introduced gradually and with caution. A sudden change in diet negatively affects the body of the mother and baby. It’s good if a woman adds herbs to soup or main courses and carefully monitors the baby’s condition for 2 days.

Reference. It is better to use parsley that has previously undergone heat treatment. In this form, it practically does not cause allergic reactions and colic in the baby, or bloating in the mother.

If everything is in order, the amount of parsley can be increased. If the baby develops a rash, itching, redness or swelling, the greens are abandoned, and a second attempt is made only after a month.

In the second

Here parsley is used no more than 10–20 g, additionally adding other greens. Usually the product is used to diversify salads and main courses.

On the third and fourth

In the third month of lactation, you can expand your diet. The woman herself chooses when to add greens to her dishes.

In the fourth month, you are allowed to switch to fresh greens, adding them to salads and snacks. The occurrence of an allergic reaction to a product in a baby is an extremely rare occurrence.

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Rules for introducing parsley into the diet of a nursing mother

Before including greens in your diet, it is important to familiarize yourself with the features of their intake.

How often to use and in what form

Nursing mothers can eat parsley every day, but be sure to monitor the baby's reaction. If all is well, you can gradually increase the dosage. Otherwise, stop taking it and consult a doctor.

Reference. Women love parsley not only for its beneficial qualities, but also for its low calorie content. 100 g of this green contains only 36 kcal.

In the first 3 months of lactation, it is better to use greens that have undergone heat treatment. Introduce fresh parsley from the middle or end of the third month.

Dosage

The daily intake of parsley for breastfeeding is about 50 g, the weekly intake with daily use is about 350 g.

Cooking methods

The herb is added to first and second courses, side dishes and baked goods (dough for pies, pancakes). Greens will be an excellent addition to natural-based sauces. The plant must be fresh, otherwise it loses all its beneficial properties. It's best to add parsley at the end of cooking.

You can make an infusion from it that will improve milk production. To prepare it, take 1 tbsp. l. fresh or dried parsley, pour 250 ml of boiling water over it. Leave for 30 minutes, strain and consume warm half an hour before feeding the baby.

Attention! Before using such a product, it is important to consult a doctor and find out if there are any contraindications. Thus, the plant is prohibited for nephritis due to its strong diuretic effect. Excessive use may result in nausea, vomiting, headaches, and convulsions.

The right combination

Parsley goes well with any dishes, butter-based sauces, and baked goods. It should not be consumed fresh, especially on an empty stomach.

General recommendations for eating greens while breastfeeding

Basic moments:

1. In the first months, consume greens only after heat treatment, as they are better absorbed. There are no strict rules for its preparation, other than digestion.
2. In the third and fourth months, you can add parsley to salads and combine with other vegetables and ingredients.
3. For the first time, it is better to eat a small portion of greens and monitor the child’s condition for 2 days.
4. If your baby has an allergy, remove the plant from the diet. Restart after 3 or 5 weeks.
5. You cannot introduce several types of greens into your diet at once. Be sure to take intervals of at least 2-3 days.
6. It is better to add dill to your diet first, and then gradually parsley, green salad, cilantro, and so on.
7. You should not use mint, sage and rhubarb, as they reduce lactation. Use sorrel, oregano and basil with caution.
8. Be sure to wash greens before cooking.

It is better to consult your doctor in advance. Because herbs often cause allergies in infants.

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Is it possible for a young mother to eat Chinese cabbage during breastfeeding?

Is it possible to introduce cauliflower into the diet during breastfeeding?

Is it possible to include broccoli in the diet during breastfeeding?

Possible harm and contraindications

Possible harm:

1. Allergic reaction in a baby. Signs include redness, rash or hives.
2. Digestive problems. Signs include colic, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain in the baby and bloating in the mother.
3. Food poisoning. Signs: mild to moderate intoxication in the mother. Even a baby can be poisoned in a complex form. This is possible due to poor quality preparation of the greens for cooking.
4. Painful contractions of the uterus. The symptom appears when parsley is consumed excessively or added to the diet immediately after childbirth. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor immediately. Due to the risk of premature birth, the plant is contraindicated for pregnant women.

There is one contraindication - allergies. If close relatives had such a problem, it is better for a nursing mother to refuse to eat greens. There is a risk that the child already has an intolerance.

Conclusion

You can eat parsley while breastfeeding, but in small quantities. Its benefits for the body of mother and child are great, therefore, in the absence of allergic reactions, greens should not be abandoned. The main thing is to add the plant at the end of cooking, and use it fresh only in infusions if there are indications and the consent of the doctor.