Is it possible to stew cabbage while breastfeeding: features and recommendations

The benefits of stewed cabbage during breastfeeding

The vegetable contains a large amount of useful substances necessary for mother and child. When properly preparing a dish (stewing cabbage), they are only partially destroyed. It is better to start eating cabbage with vegetable soups. Then you can eat stewed cabbage as an independent dish.

Benefits of stewed cabbage:

1. The dish is low calorie.
2. Helps digest heavy foods.
3. Fights fat deposits.
4. Contains many vitamins and minerals necessary for mother and baby.
5. Promotes rejuvenation and cell restoration.
6. Does not cause allergies.
7. Strengthens and improves immunity, as it contains vitamin C.
8. Fights cholesterol.
9. Has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and hematopoiesis.
10. Cleanses the body of toxins and waste.
11. Normalizes intestinal function and improves metabolism.
12. Eliminates constipation.
13. It protects your eyes from ultraviolet rays.
14. Helps to cheer up and gives strength.
15. Increases stress resistance.
16. Fights blood clots and cancer cells.
17. Positively affects memory.
18. Positively affects skin, hair and nails.
19. Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

The benefits of stewed cabbage

The vegetable contains a large amount of various vitamins and minerals. Any variety of cabbage contains:

• iron;
• iodine;
• sulfur;
• beneficial amino acids;
• coarse dietary fiber;
• cellulose;
• manganese;
• vitamins A, B, K, C, PP;
• zinc.

The composition of the vegetable makes it the most valuable in dietary nutrition. Cabbage does not cause fat deposition and promotes better absorption of coarser foods - meat. That is why cabbage is often combined in cooking with various meat varieties and tomatoes.

Cabbage is often eaten raw, but for the benefit of the mother, it is necessary to eat the vegetable stewed. An important aspect is that it must be stewed under a closed lid in order to preserve the maximum of nutrients. The extinguishing time should not exceed 15-20 minutes. Do not overcook cabbage, otherwise it will become tasteless.

The dish has a lot of useful properties:

• saturates the body with beneficial vitamins;
• rejuvenates and restores cells;
• does not have an allergenic effect.

Various varieties of vegetables can be consumed in stewed form. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage are suitable for the diet for breastfeeding.

Some mothers believe that cabbage can cause colic in their baby. However, this is not the case. Colic is a natural physiological process in which beneficial bacteria colonize the baby's intestines. You should not succumb to the stereotype that cabbage will cause fermentation in the mother’s gastrointestinal tract and negatively affect the baby’s intestines. Stewed vegetables do not cause fermentation. But it is better for a nursing mother to avoid raw foods.

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Harm of stewed cabbage during lactation

Cabbage (stewed) does not cause abdominal pain in a baby. What exactly are mothers afraid of? Although, whether it is possible to stew cabbage while breastfeeding depends on the health status of the mother herself. If she has problems with the digestive tract, then the dish should be taken after consultation with a therapist.

It is important that when consuming sauerkraut, not only the mother receives nutrients, but they also enter the child’s body through milk.

Is it possible to have stewed cabbage while breastfeeding? Is this dish harmful? However, increased gas formation in the child and mother was extremely rare. Therefore, the dish is not recommended if the baby has severe colic during this period. Stewed cabbage can enhance them.

Benefits and harms for the mother

It is recommended to introduce boiled cabbage into your diet. If there is no negative reaction in the baby, the product can be consumed stewed as a separate dish.

The leafy vegetable brings many benefits to the woman’s body:

• stimulates the production of breast milk, saturates it with vitamins and mineral compounds;
• suppresses the growth of pathogenic microorganisms;
• has a general strengthening effect, increases the functional activity of the immune system;
• relieves constipation, improves intestinal motility;
• B vitamins prevent the development of sclerosis and improve cognitive function;
• increases performance, gives vigor;
• promotes the removal of slag masses, toxic compounds and excess liquid;
• reduces serum levels of bad cholesterol;
• increases the elasticity of blood vessels, improves hematopoiesis;
• Vitamin A protects the retina from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• Regular use of cabbage prevents the development of breast cancer and prevents the formation of blood clots;
• Antioxidants in the product improve the condition of nails, strengthen hair, and restore the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Stewed cabbage causes harm due to diseases of the digestive tract. These include ulcers, enterocolitis, gastritis of hyperacid and hypacid forms in the acute stage. When a leafy vegetable enters a woman’s stomach, it stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid and active enzymes, and therefore can aggravate the pathological process.

Abuse of herbal products leads to the following effects:

• increased gas formation in the intestines;
• bloating, feeling of heaviness in the epigastric area;
• increased risk of developing gastritis, heartburn;
• constipation, flatulence;
• In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the product is possible.

For a child

The benefit of stewed cabbage for babies is that the vitamins and mineral components it contains pass into breast milk. It is saturated with nutrients necessary for the normal growth and development of the baby.

B vitamins normalize the child’s psycho-emotional state and improve cognitive functions. stimulate thinking processes. Minerals strengthen the musculoskeletal system, bone structure and cartilage tissue. Retinol improves the functioning of the visual analyzer.

Harm from stewed cabbage is rarely observed. It appears when a child has an individual intolerance to the product or when the mother of a baby abuses leafy vegetables.

In such situations, the following side effects are observed:

• in children under 4 months of age, intestinal colic occurs;
• constipation;
• flatulence;
• gas formation increases;
• swelling is observed;
• skin rash, itching, soft tissue swelling and hyperemia.

White cabbage during lactation

Can a nursing mother have white cabbage? And which varieties are healthier? More on this later.

Cabbage is famous for its diversity of crops:

1. White cabbage.
2. Broccoli.
3. Colored.
4. Marine.

All of them bring many benefits to the body. But which stewed cabbage will be healthier for mother and baby during breastfeeding? White cabbage (stewed) can be consumed from the third or fourth month after the birth of the baby. But it should be introduced into the diet quite carefully. It will supply the body with folic and ascorbic acid, relieve swelling and pain in the mammary glands during feeding, and replenish lost nutrients.

Selection of varieties for breastfeeding

A wide variety of cabbage varieties allows you to diversify the menu of a nursing woman as much as possible. Any cabbage is good. Preference can be given to broccoli and cauliflower, blue cabbage, sea cabbage or white cabbage.

Broccoli perfectly cleanses the intestines of toxins and is well absorbed. Has many beneficial properties:

• normalizes blood circulation;
• has a beneficial effect on the entire body;
• prevents the development of cancer;
• relieves stress.

Broccoli owes these properties to its composition.
This type of cabbage contains a large amount of vitamin A. It improves vision and helps get rid of many eye diseases. Cabbage perfectly energizes you for the whole day and promotes a good mood. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins and improves intestinal function. It removes toxins from the body and is absolutely safe for pregnant and lactating women. Cauliflower is included in complementary foods immediately after zucchini, so this vegetable does not have a negative effect on the baby’s body. The vegetable contains a large amount of vitamin C.

White cabbage - contains folic acid, B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Widely used for stewing and preparing first courses. You can start eating fresh white cabbage in the third month after giving birth. In the first month, you should start eating stewed cabbage in moderation. The vegetable perfectly eliminates swelling, saturates the body of a nursing mother with all useful amino acids and substances. This variety prevents the development of lactostasis and relieves pain in the mammary glands. Since ancient times, raw cabbage leaves have been applied to the breast for bleeding nipples and mastitis.

Sea kale is a beneficial seaweed for the human body. The product contains a large amount of iodine. Seaweed must be consumed for the health of the thyroid gland and the entire endocrine system. The product can be consumed in small quantities in the second month after a woman gives birth.

Sea kale during breastfeeding

This type of cabbage is sold ready-made. Its benefit lies in its high iodine content. It is this element that protects the thyroid gland of mother and child. It also strengthens the heart, blood vessels and improves memory. It is allowed to use after the baby turns 3 months old. Since there is a high probability of allergies. It is better to use in small quantities.

Based on the above, to the question “is it possible to eat cabbage while breastfeeding”, the answer will be in the affirmative. And it’s not just possible, but even necessary. The main thing is not to overdo it with portions. You also need to know at what age this or that type of cabbage is allowed.

Varieties

There are many types of this vegetable crop, each of which has its own unique properties. Any of the varieties is characterized by a high content of vitamin C and fiber. Before we find out which of them is best suited for enriching the diet, and whether a nursing mother can use one or another type, let’s consider each one separately. So, cabbage happens:

Brussels

It turned out to be the most valuable. It contains three times more vitamin C than its “brothers”. For those who suffer from hypertension, this vegetable is especially indicated, because it contains potassium. Rich in essential folic acid.

Broccoli

Broccoli deservedly takes second place. Contains carotene and high-quality vegetable proteins. With their help, cholesterol levels are lowered. Just like Brussels sprouts, it does not cause excessive gas formation and digestive problems, which often causes inconvenience and discomfort to a person. It is worth noting that this fruit is recommended for a woman who has chosen breastfeeding. When starting complementary feeding, your baby can be given broccoli puree within a week, after zucchini.

Colored

In third place is the no less famous color one. It is easily digested, combines a delicate taste and a whole list of essential vitamins. Although there is a small disadvantage for breastfeeding - the presence of purine substances. For those mothers who suffer from kidney problems, it is better to control the amount of product consumed.

Read also: Is it possible for a nursing mother to eat pork liver during breastfeeding?

Red cabbage

It has surpassed its relative in the cabbage bed. What makes it valuable is the pigment cyanidin, which gives a bright purple hue. In turn, the pigment has a positive effect on blood vessels and improves the passage of blood through them.

White cabbage

We have reached the most famous and popular. As you can see, this beauty is far from first on the list. Although this does not make it harmful or bad at all, it simply means that the presence of positive properties is slightly lower. Unlike other types, it is possible to pickle and eat fresh, preserving ascorbic acid in large volumes. She is the winner in the fight against winter vitamin deficiency.

There is a significant disadvantage to breastfeeding, such as the formation of fermentation in the stomach after consumption. If a woman is on breastfeeding, it can be assumed that eating this type of crop will lead to obvious inconvenience. Stewed cabbage when breastfeeding a newborn, unfortunately, can cause colic in the baby. Painful sensations are clearly not necessary, which means including it in the diet only three to four months after childbirth.

Chinese

It looks interesting, has leaves, but does not have a head of cabbage. The composition is very close to the previous representative. The only negative is that it’s tasty to use only the leaves in a salad, and there are few of them. The stalk can be cut into Christmas tree strips and added to soups.

Marine

There is also a subspecies that is a plant, not a vegetable crop. Sea kale has been known since childhood and is famous for its high iodine content. When your baby reaches six months of age, you can eat valuable algae in limited quantities.

How to properly introduce cabbage into your diet?

We have already found out the answer to the exciting question “can a nursing mother eat stewed cabbage?” Now let's talk about how to introduce this product into your diet.

The variety of cabbage the mother chooses determines at what month (age of the child) you can start eating sauerkraut. First, the mother must know whether she can eat this dish herself (whether there are any digestive problems). If everything is in order, then you need to learn how to prepare the dish correctly (recipes will be discussed below). The main rule is that you cannot use spices (except bay leaves, which are allowed).

Introducing stewed cabbage should begin in the morning. Because if a child has problems (colic, allergies or intolerance to one of the beneficial substances in cabbage), he can go to any hospital. And at night, the baby’s stomach should rest, and not try to absorb the “new milk” received from the mother.

In addition, unlike mom, the body can react to cabbage (even stewed cabbage):

• loose stools or, conversely, their consolidation;
• skin rash (very rarely, maybe from seaweed);
• the child may become easily excitable, this will affect the quality of sleep and the baby’s behavior;
• the appearance of cutting pain in the abdomen.

If you eat stewed cabbage in the evening and one of the listed signs appears, then baby and mother will have a fun night.

When, after eating the dish, nothing like this was observed within 24 hours, then the portion can be safely increased. The initial dose should not exceed 30 g. Then 100 g per meal is possible. But you need to try to ensure that the amount of cabbage you eat per week does not exceed 300 g in 7 days.

Is it possible to eat cabbage while breastfeeding if it is pickled, pickled or fresh? Here the answer will be negative. The safest dish is considered to be only stewed cabbage.

Stewed cabbage for a nursing mother. Different dish options

If your mother decides to treat herself to a cabbage dish, then it is important to decide on the type/variety of the vegetable. When purchasing, be sure to check whether the cabbage is old. If it is seaweed, is it expired?

The best places to start are cauliflower and broccoli. Later it will be possible to eat white cabbage. In the beginning it is better to cook it without additives. Then you can include carrots, tomatoes, dill and so on.

When cooking, be sure to cook with the lid closed, this way the beneficial substances will be better preserved. The cooking time should not be longer than 1/3 hour. Overcooked cabbage is tasteless and practically useless.

1. A healthy cauliflower dish. You need to take its inflorescences, rinse and bake in the oven with egg and cheese.
2. It is useful to cook white cabbage without spices; meat can also be omitted. The chopped cabbage is poured with water (here according to mother’s wishes, but make sure that the cabbage is boiled and not fried). Add the bay leaf; remove it at the end of cooking. If the child reacts normally to tomatoes, then you can add them. Exactly peeled tomatoes. And tomato paste may contain spices, which are harmful to both mother and child. You can add grated carrots. Add a little salt. Simmer until done, but do not overcook. This dish will be useful for a child as a first complementary food when he grows up.
3. Just white cabbage with salt. Chop the cabbage. Boil water and add chopped cabbage. Cook for no more than 20 minutes. Salt immediately. It is better to strain the finished cabbage through a colander. In this form, cabbage is considered the most harmless for the developing digestive tract of a child.

Recipe for stewed cabbage with onions and tomatoes

A recipe for stewed cabbage for a mother whose baby is over 6 months old. You will need:

• White cabbage;
• tomato;
• bulb onions);
• dill and parsley;
• sunflower oil;
• laurel leaf;
• salt.

All ingredients are taken at the discretion of the mother. Finely chop everything. Fry onions and carrots in oil. Then add the cabbage and simmer everything together a little (about three minutes). Add water and simmer for another 15 minutes. Before turning off the heat (about five minutes, you need to add salt and add the remaining ingredients). After cooking, remove the bay leaf.

Is it possible to give it to a child?

Stewed white cabbage can be given to a breastfed baby at the age of 1 year, preferably after zucchini. Broccoli, cauliflower - at 8-10 months. By this time, his digestive tract will be ready to digest coarse fiber, intestinal colic will finally stop bothering the baby, so the plant product will not harm the child.

Formula-fed babies are allowed to try the dish at the age of 8 months. Before serving, the cabbage is pureed.

Attention! It is strictly forbidden to stew cabbage for babies with butter, salt and spices.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Stew Recipe

For preparation you will need:

• broccoli and cauliflower in equal quantities;
• tomatoes;
• carrot;
• a little dill;
• onion;
• sunflower oil.

Cut the inflorescences of two types of cabbage in half (or whole) and leave them in salted water for a while to remove the bitterness. Afterwards, drain the water and cook in new water for 30-40 minutes with the addition of salt. Chop tomatoes, carrots and onions and fry in oil. After 5 minutes, add the cabbage broth and the cabbage itself (the amount of broth is at your discretion). Simmer for another 10 minutes.