Is it possible to eat corn while breastfeeding: its health benefits and harms

While breastfeeding the baby, the mother should carefully monitor her diet so as not to provoke the child to develop diathesis, colic, bloating and other unpleasant symptoms that cause pain and restless behavior.

Is it possible to have corn when breastfeeding a newborn - boiled, fresh or canned? This question interests many women. To answer it, you need to know everything about the benefits of cereal and how to use it.

Don't self-medicate! Be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner. The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care.

Benefits of breastfeeding

The product contains enough vitamins:

• Groups B (B6, B2, B9, B5, B1);
• N;
• beta-carotene;
• RR;
• A;
• E.

Cobs are rich in choline and vitamin C, but they are not found in flour and cereals. Corn protein contains 18 amino acids , including the entire spectrum of essential ones that support the health of a nursing mother and baby.

Corn does not contain gluten, a protein that causes damage to the small intestine in people with celiac disease.

The chemical composition of cereal includes many minerals necessary for the body:

• copper;
• sulfur;
• zinc;
• chromium;
• cobalt;
• molybdenum;
• boron;
• manganese;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• sodium;
• iron;
• calcium;
• phosphorus.

Can I have corn while breastfeeding?

Moms often ask their doctors if they can eat corn while breastfeeding. Like other new products, it is being introduced to the menu with caution. It is necessary to make sure that the woman and baby are not allergic.

Its advantage is the absence of gluten, a protein that causes deterioration of intestinal health in people suffering from celiac disease. “Corn gluten” is simply the name given to high-protein additives in animal feed. Its protein contains zein, which is not able to have a negative effect on the intestines.

Will it harm the health of the newborn?

Despite the absence of gluten in the product, sometimes symptoms of celiac disease appear after eating baked goods made from corn flour.

Signs of the disease appear due to the addition of gluten-containing flour from barley, millet or rye to the product. Therefore, when breastfeeding, you should avoid eating foods prepared with the addition of corn flour.

In children, symptoms of the disease appear between the ages of six months and one year, when foods containing flour are introduced into complementary foods.

Is it possible to eat boiled corn during lactation? Boiled or fresh corn is healthy, but eating it in excessive quantities can cause increased gas formation .

This does not cause concern to adults, but bloating in the baby’s tummy will cause colic.

You should not eat it if you have increased blood clotting, thrombosis, or problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Eating grains in large quantities can cause headaches and stomach upsets.

You will also learn about red and yellow tomatoes during breastfeeding, their benefits, and possible harm to the baby's health.

In the following material you will find useful information about the use of cucumbers during lactation in the first month of a newborn.

Is it possible to eat ice cream while breastfeeding, how to eat it so as not to harm it? We'll tell you here!

Why is corn dangerous during lactation?

The abundance of the product can cause headaches, stomach upset and gas formation. However, an adult body is able to prevent the development of such side symptoms. However, an excess, if it reaches the baby with milk, will cause colic.

The cereal is useful for anemia, a disease when the number of red blood cells in the blood decreases. But it is not recommended at all if there is an increased content of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. The cornerstone problem: a decrease in red blood cells leads to an increase in other blood cells. But, if you eat corn in limited quantities, then no problems are expected.

Corn, like most products, is useful during lactation, but in limited quantities, in order to avoid negative consequences for mother and baby.

Symptoms of celiac disease (digestive disorders) can still appear in both mother and child, even in the absence of gluten. This will happen when eating baked goods made from corn flour. Often at the production stage, types of flour are mixed, because other cereals contain this protein.

Corn is on the list of allergens that cause the most complex type of disease. Manifestations of corn allergy develop rapidly. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the grain is easily accessible, and therefore is used in many products and even cosmetics. The rich composition in this case is negative, since the conflict of proteins with the immune system causes increased production of antibodies. And they attack their own body.

To eat or not during lactation

Corn is eaten when breastfeeding a newborn in different forms; it can be consumed either boiled or canned.

After cooking, boiled corn retains its minerals, vitamins and nutrients almost completely, so nursing mothers can eat it already in the first months of the baby’s life. It is important to introduce the product to the menu gradually , carefully observing the baby’s behavior and reaction.

It is recommended to completely exclude canned corn from the menu during breastfeeding, like all store-bought canned goods, because:

• To preserve the characteristic aroma, taste and integrity of the product, manufacturers add flavor enhancers, synthetic preservatives, dyes, and other additives that can harm mother and baby, cause digestive upset and food allergies;
• The inner layer of the cans in which the preserved food is stored contains bisphenol A, a substance that negatively affects the reproductive and endocrine systems, disrupts brain development, and provokes the development of oncology and diabetes.

Porridge can be eaten from the first days after the birth of a baby - it is nutritious, improves digestion, saturates the body with useful substances and promotes good weight gain for the child.

But you need to choose hypoallergenic porridges - they do not contain gluten, sugar, or harmful additives.

Carefully read the information about the product on its packaging - if it is indicated that the cereal porridge is made on the same equipment as gluten-containing and dairy porridges, then the product may contain gluten.

To prevent porridge from causing negative consequences, it should not contain:

• flavorings;
• vanillin;
• sucrose;
• emulsifiers;
• fructose, other potential allergens.

Popcorn is a popular and tasty dish. But even use it with caution - you should not eat a store-bought product, since it is excessively fatty and often contains synthetic additives that improve the taste.

But at home, cooked popcorn can be included in the diet in small quantities - it contains more vitamins than baked goods and porridge.

Corn is not a taboo product for nursing mothers, but it should be eaten in moderation - a couple of ears of corn 1-2 times a week is considered the optimal amount.

It is important to monitor the baby’s reaction - if bloating, colic appears, he is restless and capricious, then the product is excluded from the menu and tried to be introduced later.

Corn-based products: features of use during breastfeeding

Boiled corn during breastfeeding

The introduction of boiled corn into the diet during lactation can begin from the first month of the baby’s life. At first, a minimal amount of product will be enough. If a negative reaction does not follow within the first 24 hours, then there is no longer any need to be afraid of corn.

The recommended amount of boiled corn is no more than 2 ears per week.

Expert opinion

Sokolova L. S.

Pediatrician of the highest category

Some nursing mothers experience abdominal heaviness, heartburn, diarrhea, or nausea after eating corn. Even if the baby does not feel any discomfort, corn should still be excluded from the diet.

Canned corn for breastfeeding

Eating canned corn during breastfeeding is also not prohibited. You can buy it, or you can try to make it yourself. To do this you will need:

• Boil the cobs over low heat;
• remove all grains from the fruit;
• boil half a liter of water;
• add 15 grams of granulated sugar, a pinch of citric acid and half a teaspoon of salt to the prepared containers;
• fill the contents with prepared water;
• pasteurize the jars for 15 minutes, roll up and wrap for two days.

Such a home-made product will retain all the benefits and vitamins better than a factory-made one, however, if taken frequently, even it can provoke increased gas formation in the mother.

How to choose a quality product:

1. It is necessary to purchase the product in a transparent jar, which allows you to fully see the contents.
2. The container in which the product is stored must not be damaged. If the seal is broken, bacteria and fungi penetrate into the container, the activity of which leads to the development of rotting processes in the grains and the formation of mold.

Corn porridge for breastfeeding

Corn porridge, like boiled cobs, can be eaten from the moment the baby is born. If a woman is prone to being overweight, then eating such a dish is better within reasonable limits.

When and how to introduce it into a child’s diet

Corn porridge is introduced into a baby's diet no earlier than six months of age.

It is recommended to buy porridge in boxes from well-known manufacturers - this product is carefully processed, the grains in it are crushed as much as possible.

In such porridge, useful substances are preserved, and those that were destroyed during processing are replenished. It is worth giving your baby porridge a couple of times a week, then there will be no problems with digestion.

A child who has reached the age of six months will benefit from porridge because:

• the product contains a lot of fiber, which helps eliminate digestive problems, normalize stools, and relieve constipation;
• porridge contains starch, which is required for growth and full development;
• This complementary food contains many useful substances that meet the needs of a growing body.

Boiled corn can be given to children from one and a half years old, but it is important to explain to the child the need to thoroughly chew each grain and not leave the baby unattended while eating so that the baby does not choke.

Canned corn is introduced into children's diets as late as possible - this product is not beneficial.

A mother can introduce corn into her diet when the baby is 2-3 months old. If the child does not have a negative reaction to the product, then it is acceptable to eat a couple of cobs per week .

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How to include in the diet during breastfeeding

You can try to use this product, but afterward be sure to monitor the condition of the child and your own; if no one has any problems, then the product can be safely introduced into the diet on an ongoing basis.

When can you eat corn during breastfeeding?

If mother and child have no illnesses or allergic reactions, then you can safely eat the vegetable.

How much corn can you eat per day?

As with any other product, the main thing is moderation; do not overeat. It is recommended to consume 1-2 cobs per day.

How to choose corn for a nursing mother

Since we have already found out whether a nursing mother can eat boiled corn, we need to understand how to choose it.

You should not buy the product out of season, it may contain harmful substances or carcinogens. Buy young cobs in the summer, especially since young grain contains the most vitamins and nutrients.

Harm of canned corn

Breastfeeding is an important stage in the life of the mother and in the development of the baby. Therefore, during this period, it is important for a woman to carefully monitor her diet and select only high-quality, safe products. After all, food goes to the baby along with breast milk. It can cause a negative reaction in the child. The baby's colic increases and gas formation increases, sometimes food allergies and even poisoning appear.

Doctors, when asked whether a nursing mother can have canned corn, answer unequivocally that it is not possible. Such factory preparations contain flavor enhancers and dyes. And in the iron cans where the product is located, you can often find bisphenol. Bisphenol has an extremely negative effect on the stomach and endocrine system, heart and blood vessels, and provokes the development of cancer.

Benefit

• It is primarily a source of fiber. Corn promotes better digestion of food and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Vitamins D, K, C and E are excellent nutrition for blood vessels and are necessary to improve immunity and activate the functioning of many organs.
• Microelements such as phosphorus and iron help improve brain activity and have a positive effect on blood circulation.
• Protein and complex carbohydrates are the basis of everyone's nutrition. Corn makes you feel full quickly.
• Magnesium, zinc and potassium are essential for overall positive health.
• Starch has high nutritional value.

In general, this product is very nutritious and is recommended by many to maintain the vital functions of the body and recover from various diseases that reduce tone and weaken muscles. It is also useful for women after childbirth while breastfeeding.

Cooking your own corn

In order not to cause damage and to always have a healthy treat on hand that can be added to main courses and salads, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the canning recipe. The snack can be easily made at home, and the benefits from it will be greater than from store-bought products.

To make a twist, you will need half a liter of filtered water, lemon powder (3 pinches), salt (7 g), granulated sugar (25 g), young corn.

First, boil the cobs until they are ready. Then cut them off, move them into pre-sterilized jars and fill them with hot water combined with bulk ingredients. Pasteurize for a third of an hour, then close, wrap in an old sweatshirt or towel, wait 48 hours.

After a specified period, transfer the preservation to a place for long-term storage. Combine grains little by little with meat and fish dishes, seafood, fresh vegetables (fruits, berries), and other cereals.

From the above we can conclude that home-canned corn is acceptable. You can make it yourself by following the recipe. Always monitor your child's reaction to new products.

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Recipes for corn dishes for nursing

Corn soup

• Beef – 500 gr;
• Carrots – 1 pc.;
• Potatoes – 3 pcs.;
• Corn - 4 cobs;
• Tomatoes – 2 pcs.;
• Onion – 1 head;
• Dill – 1 bunch;
• Parsley – 1 bunch;
• Cilantro – 1 bunch;
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Boil the beef and remove the meat. Separate the grains from the cobs, peel and cut the potatoes. Place potatoes and corn in the broth and cook for 20-25 minutes. Chop the onion and carrots and lightly fry. Chop the tomatoes and add to the carrots and onions, add salt to the vegetables and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the dressing to the soup 10 minutes before the end of cooking.

Chop the cooled beef and add to the soup. Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped herbs. By the way, you can use chicken instead of beef. Both types of meat are allowed during breastfeeding.

Rice with chicken and corn

• Chicken fillet – 200 g;
• Fresh corn kernels – ½ cup;
• Rice – ¾ cup;
• Fresh ginger root – 1 cm;
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp. spoons;
• Salt to taste.

Peel the ginger root and grate it. Wash the chicken fillet and cut into small pieces. Quickly fry the chopped chicken in vegetable oil so that there is a crust on the outside and the meat remains pink on the inside. Add rice to chicken and fry for five minutes. Then add corn grains and pour in 1.5 cups of boiled water. Bring the mixture to a boil and add salt. Don't mix! Simmer covered over low heat for 10 minutes. Add some fresh herbs to the finished dish.

Stewed chicken with corn

• Chicken – 500 gr;
• Tomatoes – 3 pcs.;
• Corn - 1 cob;
• Hard cheese – 150 g;
• Garlic – 2 cloves;
• Vegetable oil – 40 ml;
• Salt to taste.

Wash and cut the chicken and tomatoes.
Fry the meat in oil for 10 minutes. Separate the grains from the cob and add them to the chicken along with the tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes under the lid. Chop the garlic and add to the chicken, add salt and mix. Grate the cheese and sprinkle on top of the dish. Cover with a lid and leave for two minutes. The finished chicken can be sprinkled with chopped herbs. This dish is served with mashed potatoes or rice. You will find many other delicious and healthy recipes for nursing here. Subscribe to our VKontakte group