Is it possible to eat celery while breastfeeding?

When a woman becomes a mother for the first time, she is interested in what foods to eat during breastfeeding in order to transfer important vitamins to the baby with milk for full growth and development, without causing harm to her body. The diet of many women who care about their health and figure includes celery. And for good reason: this is a very healthy and low-calorie product that contains many vitamins and microelements.

But here a natural question arises: is it possible to eat celery while breastfeeding (BF)? Let's take it in order.

Can a nursing mother eat celery?

When breastfeeding, use celery with caution.. And that's why:

1. The root and stems, essential oil and seeds of the vegetable contain a large number of allergens. They are not destroyed even during heat treatment.
2. Celery contains a lot of fiber, which causes bloating, colic, and constipation in the baby.

First month of lactation

This is the most exciting and at the same time difficult time for mother and baby. All processes in a woman’s body are rebuilt and begin to work in a new rhythm. The baby is very vulnerable, and his digestive system reacts to the slightest adverse effect with colic, flatulence, constipation or loose stools. That's why During the first month of lactation, celery is completely excluded from the diet.

Subsequent months

When the baby gets used to the new world for him, and you understand whether he is prone to allergies or not, you can gradually expand the diet. Try 2-3 g of celery and observe your baby's reaction for a few days. Take your time to introduce new foods into your diet.

Doctors recommend doing this 3-4 months after the baby is born.

Root

Celery root is not recommended for use in the first months of breastfeeding.. Although it is less concentrated in taste, it contains the same substances as the stems. Introduce it into your diet 3-4 months after the baby is born.

Interesting on the topic:

Watermelon during breastfeeding

Potatoes during breastfeeding

Asparagus during breastfeeding

Stems

Celery stalks are included in the menu 3 months after the birth of the child. They are subjected to heat treatment. At the same time, not only the amount of vitamins and microelements is reduced, but also the content of essential oil, from which the child may develop allergies.

The benefits and harms of celery during breastfeeding

Positive impact on mom:

1. Improves the absorption of food, and this promotes weight loss.
2. Normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and psychological state.
3. Helps strengthen the immune system. It has been proven that a mother who has included celery in her diet over time suffers from colds less often.
4. Has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair, teeth and nails.
5. Improves vision.
6. Normalizes blood pressure and normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
7. Maintains water balance in the body.

Possible negative consequences for mom:

• causes allergic reactions - itching, peeling and redness of the skin;
• aggravates diseases of the digestive tract;
• puts additional stress on the kidneys.

Along with breast milk, the baby receives a large number of vitamins and microelements:

• calcium increases bone elasticity, helping the baby actively grow and develop physically;
• iron saturates cells with oxygen and improves blood circulation;
• antioxidants remove harmful substances and toxins;
• magnesium calms the nervous system.

Possible negative consequences for the baby:

1. Risk of allergies.
2. Negative effects on the digestive system. Manifests itself in the form of colic, gas, constipation or loose stools.
3. Refusal of breast milk due to changes in its taste.

How does celery affect lactation?

With moderate consumption of celery, lactation improves and the amount of milk increases. But due to the bright taste of the vegetable, its taste changes. Introduce it into your diet gradually and very carefully. When used correctly, it will only bring benefits for both mother and baby.

Interesting fact. Often, women who have undergone a long and difficult birth begin to have vision problems. This is due to the fact that during childbirth the body works for wear, and the main pressure during pushing falls on the head and optic nerves. If you encounter such a problem, consult a doctor and be sure to include celery in your diet.

How to properly eat celery for a nursing mother

When breastfeeding, introduce celery into the diet carefully, observing the child’s reaction.. Gradually increase the amount. Be sure to boil or cook celery in a double boiler. Thus, possible negative effects are reduced, but all useful vitamins and microelements are preserved.

It is recommended for a nursing woman to consume no more than 5 g of vegetables per day, 15 g per week. During lactation, include celery in your diet no more than once a week.

Read also:

Celery for an infant: how to introduce it into complementary foods

How to prepare buckwheat porridge for first feeding

How to choose and cook celery

In a fresh vegetable:

• rich green color of petioles;
• no signs of disease or wilting;
• leaves without spots or inclusions, shiny and elastic.

More some advice for nursing mothers:

1. Add stewed celery to prepared side dishes. It goes well with any vegetables.
2. After boiling, do not rush to pour out the water; use it as a base for any soup.
3. Stew potatoes, zucchini and celery together. Makes an excellent side dish for meat or fish.

And now a few detailed recipes from celery, which are allowed during breastfeeding.

Vegetable soup

Products you will need:

• white cabbage – 200 g;
• celery stalks – 300 g;
• carrots – 1 pc.;
• onion – 1 pc.;
• butter – 30 g;
• a pinch of salt.

Wash and peel all vegetables. Cut them into small cubes and fry a little. Place the vegetables in a saucepan and add water, bring to a boil and turn off the stove. A tasty and very healthy soup is ready.

Vegetable stew

Ingredients:

• celery – 4 petioles;
• zucchini – 500 g;
• eggplants – 500 g;
• bell pepper – 3 pcs.;
• carrots – 2 pcs.;
• onions – 1 pc.;
• garlic – 1-2 cloves to taste;
• tomatoes – 500 g;
• vegetable oil;
• salt and sugar - to taste.

Wash and peel all vegetables, cut into cubes. Fry finely chopped onion and garlic. Gradually add all the vegetables: first carrots, peppers, celery, eggplants, then tomatoes and zucchini. At the end - salt and sugar to taste.

Advice. While breastfeeding, add more dill to all dishes. It helps the baby fight colic.

Conclusion

Celery is allowed for nursing mothers if consumed in moderation, without allergies or gastrointestinal diseases.Gradually introduce it into your diet 3-4 months after the baby is born. Be sure to monitor your baby’s reaction – digestive system disorders are possible.