The breastfeeding diet limits women's food intake, especially sweets, which often causes early termination of breastfeeding. Many people are interested in whether it is possible to have ice cream while breastfeeding in the first month. Today we will answer this question and figure out what types of ice cream can be used by lactating mothers, how to properly introduce them into the diet and eat them. We will also share healthy ice cream recipes for nursing women.
Store-bought ice cream should not be eaten while breastfeeding; it is much better to make natural ice cream with your own hands.
The benefits of ice cream for breastfeeding
Natural ice cream is a healthy and tasty product that we have loved since childhood. It contains vitamins, minerals and other valuable substances. Ice cream contains amino acids, fatty acids, and mineral salts. Thanks to this composition, the delicacy has the following properties:
- Stimulates the synthesis of the joy hormone, which helps improve mood, overcome stress and depression.
- Improves the functioning of the immune system.
- Strengthens bones and teeth.
- Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Speeds up metabolism.
- Improves skin condition.
- Normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
- Gives strength.
- Helps with insomnia.
- Improves the functioning of the reproductive system in women. It has been proven that women who regularly consume ice cream become pregnant 25% more often than those who give it up.
- Normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
How does ice cream affect lactation?
A poor diet negatively affects breast milk production. It is believed that eating ice cream has a beneficial effect on breastfeeding. This is primarily due to the fact that it promotes the synthesis of the joy hormone. A calm and joyful woman is more likely to breastfeed. Endorphins stimulate easier release of breast milk. In addition, the product contains a fairly high fat content, which can affect the fat content and nutritional value of milk. Therefore, if you are looking for sweet treats while breastfeeding, pay attention to this product.
Homemade ice cream
Home-made ice cream is considered a suitable option in terms of the correct ratio of beneficial amino acids, fats and vitamins, as well as because of the natural ingredients used. Eating such a dish can improve a mother’s mood on a hot day and will not make her worry about the baby’s health.
Homemade ice cream can be prepared as follows:
mash a few bananas, add 1.5 cups of milk, the same amount of cream and 100 grams of sugar (you can reduce the amount to your taste), mix the ingredients thoroughly, then simmer over low heat. To prevent the milk from curdling, it is better not to bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and allow time to brew. After cooling, place into portioned silicone molds, inserting a wooden stick/toothpick for convenience. Place in the freezer and chill for at least 3 hours.
Homemade ice cream will be healthy and tasty for all family members, including small children and nursing mothers.
Of course, you can eat a serving of ice cream during lactation; the main thing is to follow simple rules when choosing and consuming the product. If it is not possible to make a sweet dessert yourself, then it is better to choose popsicles while breastfeeding. This way, the young mother will not cause much harm to the baby, but will satisfy her need for the joy hormone. It is also a good substitute for chocolate, which some women choose to combat postpartum depression. After all, the health and well-being of a newborn baby should always come before one’s own interests.
When and why should you not eat ice cream when breastfeeding a newborn?
The main harmful property of modern ice cream is its composition. There are practically no natural treats on store shelves. It contains emulsifiers, preservatives, stabilizers and other harmful substances. They can harm not only the baby, but also a healthy adult. Manufacturers, in order to save money, often replace natural fats with synthetic ones, which are not digested properly and are deposited in the body. This leads to the development of atherosclerosis and various types of harmful neoplasms.
Ice cream is a sweet and high-calorie product. Excessive consumption affects a woman’s figure, so people who are obese or losing weight need to limit the amount of treats in their diet. A high sugar content negatively affects the condition of tooth enamel. It is not recommended to eat the product if you have atherosclerosis or high blood cholesterol levels. In addition, ice cream is prohibited for people with diabetes. Only special ice cream is allowed where sugar has been replaced with one of the other sweeteners.
Allergy
Ice cream contains allergens. First of all, it is cow protein, which often causes an allergic reaction in infants. High sugar content aggravates the situation, increasing the risk of developing negative reactions. Colored ice creams may contain either dyes or natural additives. They can also cause allergies in your baby. This is why a nursing mother is not recommended to eat fruit or chocolate ice cream.
Lactase deficiency
In addition to allergies, milk protein can cause individual intolerance, which is also known as lactase deficiency. With this disease, dairy products are not digested, which can be manifested by bloating, stool disturbances and other reactions from the gastrointestinal tract. If a child experiences such a reaction when a nursing mother eats ice cream, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out lactose intolerance.
Danger of the product during hepatitis B
Like any other ingredient in a nursing mother’s diet, ice cream has “two sides of the coin.” There is a certain danger when using it during feeding. Eg:
- if a nursing woman eats a natural product, then the high content of milk protein in its composition can provoke allergies and colic in the baby;
- if it is not a sweet made with your own hands, but purchased ice cream, then it contains dyes and preservatives that are harmful to an infant;
- the sugar contained in your favorite dessert has a bad effect on digestion, as well as on the state of the endocrine system;
- This is a too fatty product for a baby’s gastrointestinal tract, so nursing mothers should use it with caution;
- In addition, ice cream is too high in calories; eating it in large quantities is not recommended for your figure.
Can a nursing mother eat ice cream?
Breastfeeding is not a disease, so strict restrictions vary from person to person. During this time, you are allowed to eat any food. It is important that it is natural. The same goes for ice cream. If it is natural and correctly introduced into the diet, then ice cream will only bring benefits during breastfeeding.
In the first two weeks, first month after birth
Breastfeeding diet is important. It is based on the safest products that will definitely not harm an infant. Even those who do not believe that such nutrition is necessary agree with its necessity in the first weeks after childbirth. This is due to the fact that the baby’s gastrointestinal tract is just adapting to a new type of nutrition, learning to cope with the different components that enter it with breast milk. To make the adaptation as gentle as possible, it is better to avoid foods that can cause allergies or are difficult to digest during this period. Therefore, in the first month after giving birth, eating ice cream, even organic, is not recommended.
What to do if you eat ice cream during breastfeeding?
Not every mother can resist, so women often complain that they still ate a little ice cream. If your baby is older than 5 months, or you know that the child is definitely not allergic to milk protein, then most likely this will not harm the little body.
If you are a mother with allergies, or your baby has recently been born, you need to stop breastfeeding for a while. Food components begin to enter breast milk within 20 minutes after consumption. They can be released for up to 24 hours. Therefore, at this time it is recommended to feed the baby with stored expressed milk or formula. Some experts recommend additional pumping so that “bad” milk does not remain in the breast.
Doctor Komarovsky's opinion
Dr. Komarovsky always advocates comfortable breastfeeding. He believes that a lactating woman does not need to change her diet. A nursing mother can eat any natural products. The same goes for ice cream. According to him, you can eat homemade treats whenever you want, carefully monitoring your baby’s reaction.
Cons of ice cream while breastfeeding
Dessert when breastfeeding a newborn is dangerous based on the following factors:
- Contains components that are dangerous for both adults and the developing body of the baby. These are preservatives, stabilizers, thickeners. In babies, such components can cause allergies.
- Contains a large amount of milk protein, which can cause severe allergies in the baby.
- Increased (more than 20%) sugar content in ice cream negatively affects the digestive organs and endocrine system.
- Large portions of fat negatively affect the developing organs of the baby’s digestive system. But you shouldn’t give up dessert because of this; take it as food for thought. Don't overeat your favorite sweets.
- Ice cream is a high-calorie food; a young mother should not forget about a sense of proportion. Excess calories can cause overweight and obesity. To avoid dieting, a young mother should remember the norm when eating dessert. However, if you quickly returned to your previous state and do not have a predisposition to replenishment, you can eat ice cream while breastfeeding.
What kind of ice cream can you eat while breastfeeding?
The very first rule when choosing ice cream for a nursing mother is the requirement that the product be natural. The treat should not contain flavorings, preservatives or other chemicals. It is best to choose white or cream ice cream. Chocolate or fruit types are not prohibited, but it is not recommended to eat them, as the risk of negative reactions in this case increases.
Dairy based
Dairy-based ice cream is most suitable for nursing mothers. It is allowed to be eaten after 3 months in small quantities. It is important to choose a treat without fillers, condensed milk, nuts, etc. Such additives increase the risk of developing allergies in a child. The most famous representatives of such ice cream are “Ice cream” and “Eskimo”. You can read more about the first one in the article “Is it possible to have a seal while breastfeeding?”
Fruit based
Fruit-based ice cream is more commonly known as frozen ice. It is made from fruit or fruit and berry juice. Such a product will only bring benefits if it does not contain chemical additives. But it is important to remember that most fruits are allergens, so you need to be very careful when eating fruit ice cream during breastfeeding. If you love just these varieties, it is important before tasting to introduce into the diet the fruits and berries that are included in its composition separately and make sure that the baby is not allergic to them.
Shop
It’s rare to find natural ice cream on store shelves. It is important to choose a product responsibly. It is best to buy white ice cream, such as vanilla. It contains the least amount of harmful substances. It is usually sold in a glass. You should not eat store-bought treats too often. Once or twice a week will be enough. Still, it is better for nursing mothers to choose organic homemade ice cream.
If you decide to treat yourself to store-bought ice cream, then choose white vanilla ice cream without additives in a waffle cup.
Pharmacy
Ice cream sold in pharmacies is considered healthier than store-bought ice cream. It contains no harmful additives. It is not a medicine. There are many manufacturers of such delicacies, as well as types of products. You can find hematogenous, spirulina, yoghurt, honey or chocolate treats that will be safe for your baby, except for the risk of allergies. Therefore, carefully read the composition - each component must be introduced into your diet separately before you eat ice cream.
Homemade
Of course, homemade ice cream is the healthiest and safest. You can be confident in the quality and composition of the product. Of course, to prepare it you need to tinker in the kitchen. Usually, preparing sweets does not require much time and skills, so anyone can do it. Start with regular white ice cream, and over time add fruits, nuts and other additives that are present in your menu.
Rules
Experts say that if a newborn is pregnant, it is possible, and often even necessary, to eat ice cream. Desserts and other sweet foods help a young mother cope with stress and restore sleep. Start with the dairy option, it contains only about 3.5% milk fat.
When consuming your favorite treat, follow these rules:
- When purchasing a product, pay special attention to the ingredients and recommended shelf life. The shorter the shelf life of the dessert, the better the product. The delicacy contains practically no stabilizers, thickeners or preservatives - components that lead to allergies.
- A dessert containing palm oil can have negative consequences for the baby. Do not eat such sweets.
- During the first or second month of breastfeeding your baby, you should completely refrain from eating dessert. In the future, you should be careful about fruit sorbets and various additives.
- Experts do not recommend treats containing chocolate or chocolate chips if the baby develops an allergy, it is not clear what it will be to: cow protein or foreign components.
- Desserts containing various additives are also best left for later in the baby’s development. The same goes for fruit-based ice cream.
- You need to start with a small amount - use a quarter of the serving to test. Carefully monitor the baby's reaction; the appearance of colic will be obvious already on the first day; an allergy in a toddler is likely within three days after taking a new product.
- If the baby has a normal reaction to a new diet product, a nursing mother can sometimes afford to eat her favorite dessert. It is important that the new product is not complemented by other products unfamiliar to the baby, so that if negative signs appear, you will know exactly what the baby’s body reacted to.
- If the dessert nevertheless caused a negative reaction from the toddler’s body, do not be upset, you will definitely be able to introduce it into your nutritious diet over time. The organs of the baby’s digestive system are constantly developing, so it is possible that after a short period of time the child will accept the product without negative symptoms.
- A product that has expired, as well as one that has clearly melted, should also not be consumed. Sometimes the supplier violates the storage conditions of the product - purchase the product only in familiar places, paying attention to the appearance of the product.
- Do not use a product that contains various additional components - such as jam, cookies, dyes. A variety of food additives can cause an allergic reaction on the part of the baby’s still unformed body.
- It is important to monitor the amount of product consumed and carefully monitor the baby’s reaction. The presence of a healthy and satisfied mother is vital for a child; if your favorite dessert brings you pleasure, you definitely shouldn’t give up eating it.
From what month can a nursing mother eat ice cream?
Real ice cream is not recommended to be introduced into the diet before the baby is 4 months old. It is best to introduce white first, as it is the safest. It contains milk, sugar, cream. It is recommended to taste fruit types after checking the baby’s reaction to the fruits and berries in the composition. However, it is not recommended to eat such a treat for up to 4 months.
Cream
White natural ice cream has been familiar to us since childhood. It is one of the safest, so it is allowed from 4 months of the baby’s life. Today, many brands produce a delicacy called “Ice cream”. It is important to remember that you still need to read the ingredients, because manufacturers are cunning by adding chemicals to the sweetness for a longer shelf life of the product and reducing its cost.
Read more in the article “Is it possible to have a seal while breastfeeding?”
Creamy soft
Creamy soft ice cream delivers flavor and texture. If it does not contain chemical additives, it is also included in the list of the safest. It should be remembered that the fat content of creamy ice cream is higher than usual. This can cause increased gas formation, colic, or problems with bowel movements in the baby, so do not eat a lot of this treat.
Sorbet or fruit ice
Sorbet or fruit ice is prepared from the juice of fruits and berries. Many of them are quite allergenic, which can harm the baby, so it is not recommended for a nursing mother to eat this type of sweetness. But popsicles are not prohibited. If you already eat some fruit, then ice based on it will only be beneficial. When consuming, it is important to take into account that such ice cream often contains a lot of sugar. This negatively affects the body of a small child. It is best to eat popsicles when your baby is six months old.
Chocolate
Chocolate ice cream is also not included in the list of products for nursing mothers, since chocolate is considered a strong allergen during breastfeeding. But if you or close relatives have never had an allergic reaction to chocolate, you can eat its derivatives while breastfeeding. It is best to introduce this sweetness into the mother’s diet after 6 months.
Pistachio
Pistachios, like other nuts, can cause allergies in your baby. Introduce this ice cream into your diet carefully. It is recommended to try the treat at 4–5 months. First add pistachios to the menu. Only if there is no reaction to them, you can eat ice cream. Also, keep in mind that store-bought pistachio ice cream contains a large amount of sugar and flavorings.
Creme brulee
This ice cream is made with caramel. It has a wonderful taste. A nursing woman is allowed to eat it, because the special taste is provided by sugar caramel, which is not prohibited during breastfeeding. The delicacy is allowed to be eaten 3 months after birth, just like regular white treats. It rarely causes negative reactions in the baby.
Choosing ice cream during lactation
Russian quality standards set strict requirements for freshness, organoleptic characteristics, and milk protein content. For example, in order for a manufacturer to call its ice cream a sundae, it must contain at least 12% milk fats and be completely free of vegetable fats. So just by the name of the ice cream you can predict what will be inside the package.
An important quality indicator is the organoleptic properties of the product. For vanilla, creamy ice cream and ice cream, we can evaluate them ourselves.
| Indicators | Signs of quality ice cream |
| Taste | Sweet milky without additional flavors. |
| Smell | Milk, for vanilla ice cream – vanilla. Ice cream with foreign odors should not be eaten. Most likely, it was stored or transported together with other food products, which is strictly prohibited and is fraught with intestinal infection. |
| Consistency | Dense, creamy. |
| Structure | Completely homogeneous. There should be no ice crystals, pieces of fat or lactose. The only exception is the small brown particles in natural vanilla ice cream. Ice on the surface of the ice cream indicates that the product has been refrozen. |
| Color | Smooth, milky to creamy. |
The quality of ice cream with additives is more difficult to determine, so you will have to trust the information on the packaging. Unfortunately, domestic manufacturers commit many violations in which eating ice cream for nursing mothers can be dangerous.
What sweets can a nursing mother eat - a list of allowed sweets.
In 2021, Roskachestvo tested 34 popular brands of ice cream. In 2 samples, part of the milk fat was replaced with cheap vegetable fat, and the information on the packaging assured that there was no vegetable fat in the composition. E. coli was also detected - 2 samples, antibiotics - 2 samples. One brand had increased acidity, that is, it was made from milk that had begun to sour.
No violations were detected in only 10 brands of ice cream out of 34.
Reviews from those who ate ice cream during breastfeeding
Karina, 34 years old
I've been eating ice cream for probably about a month now. Nothing bothered the baby. I was very glad about this, because the chocolate gave me a rash. And I really wanted something sweet.
Maria, 32 years old
I have been eating homemade ice cream all the time, almost since the maternity hospital. But one time I decided not to bother and bought regular vanilla. That's when the child had green, loose stools. Not nice.
Oksana, 23 years old
I ate ice cream after six months. I cooked it myself from farm products. Exclusively white, of course. It’s not such an important product to eat from the hospital. P.S. The child had no allergies.
Ice cream during the lactation period: benefits
The healthiest ice cream is the one that contains only natural ingredients. Such a product can be found in small production facilities from reputable manufacturers. If you really want to eat ice cream while breastfeeding, let your choice fall on the classic ice cream.
Why ice cream is good for the body:
- ice cream made from yogurt or natural cow's milk is well absorbed by the body, the daily need for calcium is satisfied by 15%;
-frozen dessert with minimal fat content (up to 6%) is suitable for diabetic nutrition;
- easily digestible milk protein has high nutritional value, whole milk ice cream contains many vitamins and minerals necessary for mothers in the lactation period;
- the sweet delicacy is rich in calcium, and calcium is important for the health of your baby’s bones and teeth, as well as the prevention of osteoporosis in a nursing mother.
Recipe for homemade natural cottage cheese ice cream for a nursing mother
There is nothing healthier than homemade ice cream. If you have a few free minutes, use the following recipe and treat yourself to natural ice cream. If you do not use additives or sweeteners, you can eat this treat from 2-3 months.
Homemade natural cottage cheese ice cream for mothers while breastfeeding.
Compound:
- Cottage cheese - 1 pack.
- Fat sour cream - 4 tbsp. l.
- Jam, sugar, condensed milk or dried fruits - to taste.
Preparation:
- Beat cottage cheese with sour cream.
- Add dried fruit, jam, sugar or condensed milk to taste, based on what foods are already in your diet.
- Place in molds and leave in the freezer overnight.
Is it okay for a nursing mother to have ice cream?
A woman's diet during lactation should be as balanced as possible. Up to 900 kcal is additionally spent on milk production per day, which includes about 15 g of protein, 35 g of fat, 65 g of carbohydrates.
Nutritional value of ice cream compared to other products:
- The best sources of protein are lean meat, eggs, and fish. 100 g of ice cream contains 3-3.5 g of protein. For comparison: chicken breast has up to 30 g.
- It is advisable to consume unsaturated fats; they are best obtained from vegetable oil and fish. Milk fat, which gives ice cream its fat content, contains no more than 30% unsaturated fat.
- You need slow carbohydrates: from cereals, vegetables, herbs. They are able to satisfy a woman’s energy needs for several hours in a row. Ice cream contains only fast carbohydrates.
Thus, ice cream during breastfeeding cannot be classified as one of the healthiest products. It can only be considered as a treat and consumed in small quantities, even if it’s hot outside and you want to eat only ice cream all day long.
Is it possible to have condensed milk and tea with condensed milk while breastfeeding?
Recipe for making banana ice cream at home
One of the allowed fruits for nursing mothers is banana. You can eat it from the hospital. Therefore, ice cream based on it will only bring benefits. Like any type of treat, it is not recommended to eat it until 4 months of age when using supplements. If you cook without sugar and vanillin, you can eat sweets from 2-3 months.
Compound:
- Sour cream - 200 g.
- Banana - 2 small.
- Powdered sugar - to taste (or without).
- Vanillin - to taste.
Preparation:
- Beat sugar, vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
- Add chopped and peeled banana to the mixture. Beat with a blender.
- Place the mixture into molds and place in the freezer.
Selection of quality ice cream
So, we found out whether a nursing mother can eat frozen milk dessert. To prevent its consumption from causing health problems for your baby, it is important to take a responsible approach to choosing industrially produced treats:
- It is better for nursing mothers to buy a milk or cream dessert made in accordance with GOST.
- Choose products that have individual packaging with all the necessary information about the manufacturer.
- Carefully study the composition of the treat: the manufacturer must use only milk, sugar and animal fats when creating it.
- Based on the shelf life of the product, you can determine whether it contains preservatives: the less time the manufacturer allows the delicacy to be stored, the less harmful elements it contains that the baby may react to.
- In order not to harm the functionality of the baby’s immature intestines, at first it is better to choose products with a minimum fat content of 3.5%. A month after successfully introducing dairy ice cream into the diet, mom will be able to try a richer, creamier dessert.
- Don't experiment with toppings - buy only white ice cream made from milk or cream. Any flavor addition to the dessert you ate can lead to a food allergy in your baby on breastfeeding.
- Before eating ice cream during breastfeeding, carefully examine the dessert. It should be of the correct shape and have a uniform airy consistency. It is better not to eat a delicacy that has crystals in its structure - this condition indicates a violation of the rules for storing frozen goods.
Finding quality ice cream that won't harm a breastfed baby is quite difficult. It would be safer to make the dessert at home yourself, using fresh ingredients.
A little about ice cream
Today there are many varieties of this cold dessert. They differ not only in taste and composition, but also in production technology.
Cream
Ice cream is the most favorite type of ice cream, which contains exclusively animal fats.
The ice cream produced in the USSR contained exclusively natural products
People born during the USSR still remember the taste of delicious Soviet ice cream. What is his secret? It’s very simple - this milk delicacy has a very sparse composition and all the products used for its preparation were natural. The Soviet ice cream was made strictly according to GOST. And, of course, at that time the use of artificial additives was completely prohibited.
Now you can find a similar product on store shelves. GOST R 52175 2003 defines the composition of modern ice cream:
- cream;
- whole or skim milk;
- sweetened condensed milk;
- butter;
- eggs;
- sugar.
The use of emulsifiers, stabilizers and natural dyes is allowed.
Ice cream is ice cream that contains at least 12% milk fat.
Table: energy value of ice cream
| Contents per 100 g. | |
| Squirrels | 3,7 |
| Fats | 15 |
| Carbohydrates | 20 |
| Calorie content | 232 |
Ice cream, unlike other types of ice cream, is the freest from harmful additives. Therefore, if the child is not allergic to cow protein, then a nursing mother may well please herself with this type of cold dessert.
Video: ice cream at home
Ice cream
Creamy - ice cream based on natural cream.
The composition of ice cream is similar to ice cream, but without the use of butter
It is made from the same ingredients as ice cream, but without butter. Therefore, it differs from ice cream in the smaller amount of milk fat (less than 12%) and lower calorie content.
Table: energy value of the product
| Contents per 100 g. | |
| Squirrels | 3,7 |
| Fats | 10 |
| Carbohydrates | 19,4 |
| Calorie content | 183 |
Ice cream, like ice cream, is also a fairly high-calorie and allergenic product. Therefore, when using it, a nursing mother will need to be careful.
Video: homemade cream ice cream
Dairy ice cream
One of the main ingredients of dairy ice cream is whole or powdered milk.
Dairy ice cream is a low-calorie product
Dairy ice cream has the least fat and calories when compared to ice cream or ice cream. This particular type of ice cream can be a good alternative for a nursing mother if she really wants to treat herself to this delicacy, but is worried about her figure and is afraid of colic or loose stools in the child. The disadvantages of milk delicacy include the fact that it does not have such a rich taste as the previous two.
Dairy ice cream contains: milk, sugar.
Video: milk ice cream according to GOST
Table: energy value of milk ice cream
| Contents per 100 g. | |
| Squirrels | 3,2 |
| Fats | 3,5 |
| Carbohydrates | 21,3 |
| Calorie content | 126 |
Fruit ice and sorbet
Fruit ice and sorbet are chilled masses based on natural fruit juices and purees.
Natural fruit juice, fruit puree and sugar are the main ingredients of sorbet and fruit ice.
Sorbet and fruit ice contain fruits, berries, juices and sugar.
For a nursing woman whose baby reacts sharply to milk protein, fruit ice will be an excellent way out of a situation when you really want ice cream. In addition, there are practically no calories in this type of cold dessert, because it completely lacks the fat component of the product. This type of ice cream will not allow a woman to gain excess weight, and will protect a child from an allergy to milk protein.
It is important to remember that despite the absence of milk protein in fruit ice cream or sorbet, these types of dessert can also cause an allergic reaction, because the natural juices of berries and fruits are natural allergens.
Table: energy value of fruit ice
| Contents per 100 g. | |
| Squirrels | 1,8 |
| Fats | 1,9 |
| Carbohydrates | 8,1 |
| Calorie content | 112 |
Unfortunately, fruit ice sold in stores contains a large number of dyes, preservatives, and artificial flavors. And fruits and juices in the industrial production of delicacies are often unnatural. This fact can harm the health of not only the infant, but also the nursing mother. Therefore, it will be much safer to prepare such ice cream at home using exclusively natural products.
Video: fruit ice at home
Ice cream and GW - possible harm
It would seem that a frozen dessert made from milk and with the most natural composition is not harmful. However, industrially prepared ice cream cannot be considered a safe product for nursing mothers for many reasons. And that's why.
- Emulsifier - any purchased ice cream will contain this substance. Although it can be found in natural foods (such as chicken eggs), 90% of ice cream uses artificial emulsifiers. Ice cream with artificial emulsifiers during breastfeeding can cause an eating disorder.
- Thickeners/stabilizers - if, after reading the composition of ice cream, you find a food additive with a value of E 400 - E 499, it means that the product uses these substances. These additives form the desired consistency. Some of them, of plant origin, are even beneficial for the body - agar-agar, pectin, gelatin. Chemical stabilizers are dangerous to health, for example, E 476, with frequent use it leads to liver enlargement.
- Dyes/flavors – not a single industrial fruit ice cream or sorbet can do without them. Manufacturers rarely use natural dyes in their products, because artificial ones are less expensive and have a larger “palette”. Synthetic dyes and flavors that are identical to natural ones can cause allergies in infants.
Which ice cream is safer for breastfeeding: read the labels
Diathesis in a child.
Look at the composition of a particular brand and take into account the baby’s further reaction. There is no way to know what kind of ice cream mom can eat in advance. An allergy to ice cream often occurs due to intolerance to cow protein. If there is none, it is preferable to eat ice cream and creamy treats. Ice cream containing cow's milk is high in calories, and the baby's stomach may not be able to handle it.
Some types of sorbet are very harmful. Popsicles cause a negative immune system response due to strawberries, apricots or peach, which are allergens for the baby.
Manufacturers often include chocolate in ice cream. It contains cocoa beans or cheap substitutes, which lead to gastrointestinal upset in the child.
Pediatricians agree that fruity apple or pear ice cream is the safest. But it is recommended to administer it only after three months.
Tomato ice cream is made from sugar with the addition of tomato paste. It also contains the additives E461 (unsafe, can lead to stomach upset), E407 (Carrageenan, also bad for the gastrointestinal tract).
It is worth noting that quality products can still be found. Not so long ago, natural types of treats began to appear on pharmacy shelves. They are made on the basis of fructose without the addition of chemicals. You can recognize such a product by the inscription “BIO”.
Features of introduction into the diet
If, nevertheless, a nursing mother cannot resist the temptation to eat a cold delicacy, she should remember that different types of delicacy differ in their effect on her body and on the condition of the child. It all depends on their composition.
Ice cream for a young mother
Experts do not recommend “Plombir” ice cream to women during breastfeeding due to its high fat content and the high concentration of cow’s milk in it. Excess fats can cause a young mother to gain weight, which is already common during lactation.
A large percentage of cow's milk in the delicacy causes an excess of casein in the baby's body, which will lead to gastrointestinal problems. The calorie content of the product in question is up to 500 kcal, and the fat content is at least 25%.
Considering the high energy capacity of this type of ice cream, doctors allow their patients to include it in their diet only after a year of feeding. In this case, the frequency of administration should be no more than 2 times a week, one serving.
What you need to know about ice cream
This type of delicacy is in second place in terms of fat content after “Ice cream”. This is explained by the fact that the basis of the product is milk cream.
However, this variety is quite high in calories and also contains cow’s milk, which is contraindicated for a baby until his gastrointestinal tract has matured. And for mom, 300 kcal in 100 grams of treats is completely unnecessary.
During breastfeeding, creamy ice cream can be introduced into the diet of a young woman as early as six months after the birth of the child. Like any delicacy, a creamy cold product should not become an everyday food. 2 - 3 times a week will be enough to lift a woman’s mood.
Popsicles while breastfeeding
Experts include sorbet and fruit ice as fruit varieties of this delicacy. The technology for manufacturing the product involves the use of various juices, purees made from fruits, and low-calorie yoghurts. Some recipes allow you to include green tea or instant coffee in this ice cream.
If such delicacies do not add extra pounds to the mother, then they can pose a certain threat to the baby. Almost all products contain caffeine, which is harmful to the child; cocoa beans can cause intestinal disorders, and various fruits can provoke an allergic reaction.
Although pediatricians are convinced that fruit treats are the safest of all types of ice cream during breastfeeding. It is allowed to be introduced into the diet of a nursing woman three months after the birth of the child. True, this should be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Chocolate ice cream and lactation
This variety of sweet product is loved by many women for its unique taste and high tonic properties. But during breastfeeding, this type can be allowed to the mother only after a year of lactation.
This recommendation is due to the fact that the product, in addition to milk and cream, which is already harmful for the baby, may contain chocolate and cocoa beans. These components are prohibited for a young mother as substances that can cause a severe allergic reaction.
In addition, chocolate, when it gets into the baby’s blood, negatively affects the functioning of his central nervous system. Chocolate ice cream during breastfeeding is in no way inferior to “Ice Cream” in its negative impact on mother and child, and in some components it even poses a more serious threat to the health of the entire young family.
Watch the video about nutrition for a nursing mother:
Kinds
According to its composition, ice cream is divided into varieties:
- with animal fat from 12 to 20%: ice cream, cream, milk;
- sherbet - a frozen mixture with milk components;
- vegetable fatty – this product contains palm and coconut oils;
- sorbet - prepared from fruit or berry puree without milk;
- fruit ice is low-fat, dense, and contains a large amount of juice or berry puree.
The consistency can be hardened, soft or homemade. When breastfeeding, it is advisable to prefer homemade dessert. Seasoned ice cream is prepared industrially. Soft stuff is not intended for long-term storage; it is made in public places.
Based on the type of packaging, a distinction is made between large-packed and small-packed. The first variety includes cakes and rolls. For the second - cups, briquettes.
According to taste there are:
- fruity;
- berry;
- chocolate;
- vanilla;
- Creme brulee;
- with chocolate chips.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies sell unique bio-ice cream. It contains beneficial bacteria that regulate intestinal function, increase the body's defenses, eliminating the possibility of allergies. The dessert has undergone clinical trials and its effectiveness has been scientifically proven. Used to prevent gastrointestinal diseases, allergic pathologies and increase susceptibility to external influences.
What kind of ice cream can a nursing mother eat:
- made without the addition of chemical dyes or preservatives;
- made according to GOST. In this case, the composition does not contain harmful vegetable fats;
- with the addition of natural ingredients. Pieces of fruit or berries are better than their aromas.
During the first time after childbirth, it is allowed to eat dessert made at home from natural ingredients. Classic ice cream sundae can be eaten by a nursing mother if she is sure that the baby is not allergic to cow protein.
How to choose the right ice cream?
Pediatricians recommend that a young mother decide on the type of cold dessert. Fruit varieties are beneficial.
Apple ice cream
But, if the baby’s body accepts cow protein well, then it is better to opt for milk or cream ice cream. They contain lecithin, which has a positive effect on metabolic processes and the development of the gastrointestinal tract.
When buying a cold summer dessert in a store, you need to pay attention to its composition. The product must contain natural ingredients. It should be taken into account that some manufacturers do not indicate the full composition of the treat on the label. It is better to give preference to proven popular brands.
You should refuse to buy ice cream if it contains:
- vanilla;
- cocoa;
- chocolate;
- nuts;
- red fruits and berries (raspberries, strawberries, currants);
- synthetic additives (flavors, flavor enhancers, dyes, preservatives, stabilizers);
- Palm oil;
- Exotic fruits.
