Milk when breastfeeding: the benefits and harms

The diet of a woman changes completely after childbirth. It is important to consider many nuances of nutrition in this period, because it will depend on the health and overall health of the baby. You can study such information with the help of books, magazines or the Internet. Even all doctors have their own personal opinion about nutrition during lactation. Each new food should be introduced into the menu gradually, taking into account all its advantages and disadvantages. One of these products is milk. Young mothers are interested in the question associated with the possibility of using such a composition during breastfeeding, as well as the likelihood of certain negative consequences.

Can I drink milk when breastfeeding?

It would seem that there is nothing wrong with a young mother drinking milk after giving birth. After all, what else can ensure the production of breast milk but the consumption of milk itself?

Everyone since childhood consumes such products both individually and as part of various dishes. Milk can be used to make omelets, porridge. In addition to having a specific taste, milk also has many valuable nutrients. Calcium and magnesium contained in this product are necessary for a woman's body, which during pregnancy and childbirth weakened. These substances are also useful for the baby, who has just come into the world and must get used to the environment. That is why the benefits of dairy products in this period can not be overestimated.

Cow

As for milk obtained from a cow, at the stage of breastfeeding, it is recommended to refrain from its use. For the mother's body, such a drink is considered useful, but the child has a high probability of negative consequences. Cow's milk has a very different composition and characteristics than woman's milk. Therefore, this composition is often harmful to babies, leading to the development of allergies or intestinal distress.

Such a response of the body occurs because of the specific proteins present in this product, namely casein, lactalbumin and lactoglobulin. Both the baby and his mother often have an intolerance to one or more of the components listed above.

The manifestation of this negative effect on protein is different for each child. Most often the allergy leads to a skin rash, starting on the face and then spreading to the skin on other parts of the body. You may also experience nasal congestion, bowel disorders, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, increased gas. Slow weight gain or, conversely, weight loss are also symptoms of an allergic reaction.

In particularly severe cases, when a nursing woman's diet contains a large amount of cow's milk, the infant may develop anaphylactic shock, laryngeal edema and other dangerous conditions.

Allergy in the girl herself to the proteins of this drink is characterized by the same symptoms. In some cases, such intolerance is congenital, of which the woman is aware and does not include this product in her food. But it often happens that a young mother does not particularly prefer dairy products, but begins to intensively eat it during pregnancy, and during lactation, in order to give your child a lot of useful substances. In such cases, allergies can be a surprise to her.

Goat

Goat analog can be consumed during breastfeeding. This option of dairy products should be studied in more detail. First of all, it should be noted that goat's milk contains more calcium than cow's product, but at the same time it is characterized by a smaller number of vitamins. If the infant is allergic to the protein of the cow's composition, an excellent substitute can be a goat product, since there is no casein in it, there are only traces of it.

It is also important to consider that such a drink is absorbed by the body much better. In its nutritional properties it is not inferior to its cow counterpart, and in children's nutrition it is considered almost hypoallergenic. Most moms do not like this drug because of its taste, but if you buy a fresh product, there will be no discomfort.

Oatmeal

Such a plant-based drink for women during breastfeeding is very useful. Regular consumption of this type of product contributes to the normal growth and development of the baby, as well as provides a rapid recovery of the woman's body.

The substances in such milk protect a young mother from developing postpartum anemia.

Soy

There is no categorical ban on soy composition in breastfeeding women. However, there are several factors, at the detection of which from such a product should be abandoned. For example, it is not recommended to drink soy milk in the presence of hypotension, as well as a tendency to low blood pressure. You will have to exclude such a delicacy if you are allergic to other leguminous crops. Also, you can not drink a lot of milk in the case of low Ca in the body.

During breastfeeding, a soy drink will be useful if the infant is found to have an intolerance to the protein contained in the cow's version. A woman can also replace animal milk with plant products, but only in small quantities, otherwise it will lead to allergies or colic in the baby.

Melted

The unique composition of this product helps to improve the quality of breast milk and makes up for the lack of valuable elements in a woman's body. Melted milk strengthens the bone system, develops the heart and blood vessels, forms muscles and ensures the intellectual development of the baby.

But do not get carried away with such a drink. It is enough to drink no more than 200 ml per day. This is due to the fact that in such a liquid found a high concentration of fat, which can lead to an allergic reaction or intestinal upset in the child. Therefore, this composition is recommended to introduce only after the baby is three months old, in small portions, constantly watching the reaction of the child's body. To prevent the appearance of negative consequences, you should also consult a specialist.

Dry milk

In principle, when breastfeeding, powdered milk is on the list of approved products, because no harmful elements in it have not been found. But still such a drink after childbirth should be introduced into the menu carefully, watching the reaction of the baby. This is due to the fact that in some cases, babies do not like such products because of lactose allergies. In this case, the harm to the immature body will be caused by both dry and natural composition.

Almond

This type of dairy products is recommended to include in food to provide the body with valuable substances. It is enough to drink one glass of such a drink to replenish the daily norm in tocopherol and omega acids. A high vitamin E content helps to protect the dermis and the body in general from the influence of free radicals. This component protects the epidermis from the negative effects of chemicals and sunlight. Polyunsaturated acids found in this fluid nourish cells from the inside.

It is known that girls during pregnancy and breastfeeding need to take folic acid. This compound is required for the proper formation of all organs and systems of the child. Almond milk contains the required amount of this vitamin.

Also found here is a large amount of calcium and vitamin D. The complex of these compounds is required for the formation of the child's skeleton. In addition, they support the bone system and the woman herself. Such milk is characterized by a mild laxative effect. This allows not to overload the gastrointestinal tract of a nursing woman. In this case, the digestive system functions normally.

In addition, this product can be used to eliminate excess weight, which most women face after childbirth. Experts advise using almond milk instead of regular milk, as it has a lower caloric content.

How to consume milk correctly

The safest method of introducing milk drink is the consumption of tea with milk, as well as milk porridge. In the first week after the baby is born, it is recommended to add 1 large spoonful of milk in a cup of tea. Gradually, the amount of milk product can be increased. After a week, the volume of this component can be increased to half a cup. To prepare porridge in the first days after childbirth, it is necessary to dilute milk with water in equal ratios.

Of course, milk products are important both for the mother and for the baby. However, in the first months of such a drink is better to give up. This will help protect the newborn from the development of certain complications.

As mentioned above, cow's milk should be substituted for goat's milk in case of EB, since it contains less lactose and is less likely to cause allergies.

The introduction of such a product should not be made before the period when the baby is three months old. Until then, the child's digestive as well as immune system is not developed for such products.

How much you can drink per day

The main rule of consumption of the product is a gradual introduction, that is, to begin with you need to drink 100 ml of milk drink. After that, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the child's body for several days. If the baby did not have a skin rash and no stomach upset, the volume of milk can be slightly increased. If after two weeks the child did not have any adverse reactions, you can drink milk without fear.

Can you drink it at night and on an empty stomach

If we talk about taking this drink before going to bed, we should consider that it has many amino acids, which have a sedative effect on the human NS. For this reason, the product is recommended to be consumed by those who have disturbed sleep. It will help to fall asleep quickly and soundly.

However, along with this there is a certain harm from milk drunk in the evening. Since such a product is considered quite nutritious, therefore, it is not digested quickly. That is, it turns out that the stomach and intestines continue their work even at night. This can be dangerous for the digestive system.

It is recommended to drink the drink on an empty stomach. When taken after a meal, this composition will inhibit the synthesis of hydrochloric acid.

The benefits of milk when breastfeeding

General benefits

The benefits of dairy products during lactation are due to the content of a large number of valuable substances in it.

1. One of them is calcium. This ingredient is necessary for a woman during breastfeeding because it supports the health of the tooth enamel and bone system. The baby also needs it for growth and strong bones.
2. Milk contains elements that are easily absorbed by the body. In large quantities it contains proteins. Therefore, this product should be a must in the diet of a young mother. After all, proteins act as the basic building material of human body tissues.
3. Such a product provides a decrease in acidity in the stomach, has a positive effect on the digestion processes of both the baby and the mother. In addition, the drink perfectly removes toxic substances from the body in case of poisoning.
4. Milk helps to cope with insomnia. The composition has a mild effect on the nervous system, which allows a person to fall asleep more easily.
5. The drink saturates the woman's body with necessary substances.

Cow's milk

1. Regular consumption of cow's milk reduces the acidity in the epigastrium, which is necessary for some forms of gastritis and ulcers. The product also helps to eliminate heartburn, improve the quality of sleep and raise the mood, as it provides the synthesis of serotonin.
2. In addition, milk provides strengthening of joints, teeth and nail plates due to high levels of calcium.
3. The drink is effective for different types of colds, as well as the prevention of various diseases of viral and infectious origin.
4. There is also noted a beneficial effect of the cow's product on the cardiovascular system, which is used to prevent the development of cardiac pathologies.
5. The drink perfectly quenches thirst and helps to eliminate edema. Consequently, such a product is useful for the urinary system.
6. It should also be noted the cleansing properties of the drink. Milk removes toxins, heavy metal salts and pesticides from the body.
7. This product is considered the basis of proper nutrition, as it is found in many vitamins and minerals. Inclusion of this composition in the diet will improve the well-being of women and at the same time contributes to weight loss.

Goat

1. Milk obtained from the goat contains a mass of unsaturated acids, such as linolenic acid and linoleic acid. These two components strengthen the body's defenses. So, with regular inclusion of the drink in the diet, the body's resistance to viral diseases increases. This will help a person to better tolerate avitaminosis and seasonal flu.
2. Goat's milk does not contain harmful fats. Such a composition helps to clean blood vessels from cholesterol deposits. Such a property of the product is valued for being an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis.
3. Goat milk is recommended for young mothers who have poor digestion and insufficient gastric juice production. This composition enhances the digestion of food and prevents its fermentation in the organs of the digestive tract. This eliminates bloating, constipation and other disorders.
4. After the birth of a child, women especially need calcium, as the baby takes all the reserves of this substance with milk. To make up for the lack of this element, it is also recommended to drink goat's milk. In addition, this will help reduce the likelihood of developing rickets in the infant.
5. A large amount of protein, vitamins and other valuable compounds help women recover faster after childbirth.
6. Often a young mother develops postpartum anemia after giving birth to her baby. Such milk contains cyanocobalamin - a vitamin that ensures the process of hematopoiesis. The drink helps to improve blood composition, restores its normal circulation, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and cleans them.
7. Goat milk is used to make cottage cheese and cheese. They are also very useful. Such products help eliminate dysbacteriosis and intestinal disorders. In addition, they increase digestion and do not allow food to ferment in the gastrointestinal tract.
8. Goat milk restores intestinal microflora and peristalsis.
9. Also, regular consumption of this drink during the lactation period leads to the fact that the rush of milk increases, improving its quality and fat content. With the constant inclusion of the product in the diet, the risk that the baby will refuse the breast is reduced. This is due to the fact that goat's drink eliminates the bitterness from breast milk.

Oatmeal

Oat milk is a product of plant origin. In color and consistency, this composition resembles its goat counterpart. The drink is made from crushed oats by dissolving it in water, followed by settling and straining. Such milk is enriched with minerals. Calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, copper and other elements are found here. In addition, milk contains niacin, tocopherol, representatives of the B vitamins.

1. Regular consumption of the product helps normalize blood glucose and cholesterol levels. A beneficial effect on the skin and hair is also noted. Moreover, oat milk has a tonic effect, improves brain activity, memory and concentration. Also as a result of introducing the product into the diet, metabolic processes in the human body are accelerated.
2. This type of milk protects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. There is an anti-inflammatory effect on the affected tissues.
3. Another advantage of this kind of milk is that it is well satiated and gives energy. It is also known that the drink made of oats has diuretic and choleretic action. The fiber in the raw material improves the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, gets rid of bloating and constipation.

Soya

Soy milk is considered a really useful product due to its plant origin and its content of important amino acids, valuable minerals and vitamins.

1. The drink cleanses the intestines of toxins, restores normal peristalsis, strengthens the cardiovascular system, protects female reproductive organs from the development of cancer. It should also be noted that the product is hypoallergenic. In addition, it is characterized by antioxidant action.
2. Due to the fact that there is no cholesterol in such milk, the blood vessels are not strained. This property is valued by hypertensive patients.
3. Soy milk contains potassium, which is also necessary for the activity of the cardiovascular system.
4. In such a drink there are phytoestrogens, tocopherols and isoflavones. All of them have a positive effect on the female body. Vitamin E is considered a strong antioxidant that protects against the effects of free radicals, moreover, it ensures the health of hair, nails and skin. Phytoestrogens are analogues of female sex hormones. As for isoflavones, scientists believe that these components will help reduce the likelihood of developing ovarian, cervical, and breast cancer.
5. In addition, the compound improves nervous system function.

Melted

1. Among the beneficial characteristics of melted milk are the positive effects on the nervous system, heart and blood vessels thanks to thiamine and magnesium.
2. Due to retinol, vision and the condition of the dermis, as well as hair and nails are improved.
3. Because this product contains easily digestible protein, it stimulates the immune system, normalizes the hormonal background and maintains muscle tone.
4. Calcium and vitamin D complex strengthens bones and teeth enamel. Thanks to sodium the water-salt balance is normalized.
5. Iron helps prevent the development of anemia.
6. The presence of dairy fats helps to eliminate avitaminosis, getting rid of heartburn. In addition, it is an excellent prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. Lactose in the drink cleanses the intestines from dangerous microorganisms.
7. It is also noted the tonic effect of ghee and the ability to protect the body from stress.
8. In addition, for the woman's body, the benefit of such milk is to compensate for the lack of valuable minerals, as well as to stabilize the hormonal background and support the endocrine system.

Milk powder

The benefit of powdered milk is that it improves blood composition and well-being of women with anemia. In addition, the drink helps to strengthen teeth, hair, nails and joints. The beneficial effects of powdered milk on blood vessels have also been discovered. The product is considered diuretic, hence it prevents the development of edema.

Dried milk is better digested than regular milk, for this reason it is useful for people who have a sensitive intestine. But still there is lactose, so if you are intolerant to this component, the powdered product will also be poorly digested.

Almond

1. The advantage of almond milk is that it does not contain lactose. It follows that the product is not dangerous for those who have an individual intolerance to this component. The composition of such a drug contains retinol, as well as carotenoids. These substances are necessary for normal vision. As part of the drink there is no cholesterol, which has a positive effect on the blood vessels.
2. Almond milk contains omega acids, which ensure the synthesis of special enzymes that protect arteries and blood vessels. This composition also stimulates the production of red blood cells, which improves blood quality.
3. Almond milk contains in its composition fiber, which increases intestinal peristalsis. This helps to protect the digestive tract from the fermentation of food in it.
4. Since ancient times, the drink has been used to thicken bone tissue.
5. The composition of such milk contains biologically active components that strengthen the immune system. In this case, a person is less exposed to viruses, easier to carry the flu and acute respiratory infections.
6. Also, the drink is enriched with antioxidant substances that are responsible for the youthfulness of the skin. That is, they slow down the aging process by increasing the production of collagen.

What are the dangers of milk during lactation?

Everyone knows that milk is a very useful product, as it contains many vitamins and other valuable elements. However, despite this, this drink has some negative aspects, especially for women during lactation. This is due to the fact that the components of dairy products can lead to allergic reactions in both the mother and the baby. Most often, the intolerance of milk appears because of such a component as lactose.

During breastfeeding the intake of milk can lead to allergy symptoms in the baby. In such cases, there is usually a reddening of the dermis and a rash that begins to peel. In some cases, there are small spots, hives.

After the mother's use of milk, the baby may have digestive disorders. In this case, vomiting and bloating occur most often. Stools are also disturbed, that is, diarrhea or, conversely, constipation develops.

Disordered breathing of the baby may also indicate an allergic response of the body. This is usually manifested by rhinitis and difficulty in breathing in the baby.

If the baby has at least one of these symptoms, the young mother should immediately give up drinking dairy products. Such a drink will not be included in the diet until the woman stops breastfeeding.

How to correctly introduce milk into the diet of a nursing mother

To know whether it is possible to drink milk when breastfeeding, you need to study all the positive and negative aspects of this product. Such a drink does not belong to the forbidden in this period, because it can make up for the deficiency of various nutrients that ensure the normal functioning of the body.

In order for the intake of milk not to harm the child, the mother should follow some rules for the correct introduction of a new dish in her diet.

1. So, you need to remember that it is better to start the process with small portions. After drinking one glass of milk, you should take a break for a few days to see how a child's immature body reacts. If the stools become frequent and liquid, you should be alert. If there are other manifestations of allergy, the consumption of milk will have to be postponed for some time. If there are no negative reactions, you can drink another glass.
2. It is recommended to drink milk as a supplement. For example, it can be mixed with tea.
3. To start using milk, a breastfeeding woman can add it to different dishes, such as in an omelet. In this case, the risk of an allergic reaction is minimal, but it is still there. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the condition of your child.

It is also recommended to try different types of milk, that is, instead of cow's milk you can use goat's analogue. This will help to minimize the manifestation of allergies. But it is recommended to introduce the drink with caution. In this case, drink such milk one glass at a time with a few days intervals.