The benefits of oatmeal
Properly prepared porridge brings undeniable benefits to the body not only of the woman, but also of the child during breastfeeding.
For nursing mother
This product improves the functioning of the digestive tract of women whose risk of developing constipation increases during pregnancy. In addition, the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases is reduced.
With regular use, hormonal levels improve, resistance to stress increases and blood sugar levels normalize. Oatmeal helps reduce appetite for a long time, which helps fight excess weight.
For a newborn
The product contains a large amount of vitamins and microelements that promote rapid and complete growth. The child’s body is charged with energy for a long time.
When the mother regularly consumes oatmeal, hemoglobin levels increase and the functioning of the nervous system in children improves.
Benefits for breastfeeding
Oatmeal or flakes made from this cereal are one of those products that are recommended for women to consume while breastfeeding. Thanks to a dish made from this cereal, the new mother receives a large amount of energy, vitamins and microelements.
Oatmeal is well absorbed by the body and has the following list of nutrients:
- riboflavin;
- retinol;
- pantothenic, violet and ascorbic acids;
- thiamine;
- choline;
- niacin;
- tocopherol;
- phylloquinone.
For nursing mother
Many women prefer this product during lactation because it does not cause excess weight. The fact is that the carbohydrates contained in oatmeal give a person a feeling of fullness. Thanks to them, the young mother does not suffer from hunger and can more easily endure the ban on eating flour or sweets. For women with diabetes, products made from this cereal are also a salvation, as they help regulate blood glucose.
Important! Constant consumption of this product affects stress resistance; scientists have proven that oatmeal has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and heart function.
- In addition, constant consumption of oat porridge affects:
- Intestines . Plant fiber prevents constipation and improves stomach function.
- Immunity . The complex of antioxidants and vitamins contained in this cereal improves the body's overall resistance to various infections.
- Appearance . Oatmeal improves the condition of teeth, hair and skin, adding strength and shine to them.
For a child
In the first months of life, thanks to the mother, the baby should receive a large amount of vitamins necessary for normal development.
If a woman eats oatmeal during lactation, the child’s body is saturated with such elements as:
- potassium;
- sulfur;
- calcium;
- nickel.
Without these substances, normal development of the baby will not occur. In addition, the cereal contains phosphorus, magnesium and sodium, which affect the muscular and vascular system, stimulate brain activity and normalize the nervous system.
Did you know? One of the beneficial properties of oats
—
removal of toxins and heavy metal salts from the body. This product is extremely useful for residents of large cities.
When can it be added to the diet?
Due to the gluten content, its use may be limited, especially during the first month of life. This is associated with a high risk of developing allergies.
Oatmeal on water
Oatmeal with water is allowed to be introduced into the diet starting from three to four months after the birth of the child. At the same time, it is necessary to regularly monitor his well-being and, if symptoms of atopic dermatitis appear, it is necessary to limit the consumption of the product for some time.
With milk
When cooking with milk, oatmeal is introduced into the diet a little later, which is explained by an increased risk of developing rashes. This is especially true for the use of cow's milk, which acts as an allergen. The safest option is to use goat milk.
Which oatmeal to choose when purchasing
When choosing porridge for cooking, it is better to choose a non-instant product. It is better to choose the porridge that takes the standard 15–20 minutes to prepare. Such oat mixtures are produced in a food factory by cutting whole grains into smaller flakes. The product sold in domestic stores is divided into classes 1 to 3.
Important! Women during lactation should not opt for flakes that are prepared in a few minutes. In such mixtures the content of useful substances is minimal.
The most preferable choice would be grade 1 porridge. It is made by flattening oats and contains the largest amount of useful elements. Class No. 2 arrives on store shelves after the beans are cut into several parts. It contains 50% less necessary substances than the first.
If the oatmeal package says grade 3, it means the grain has been flattened and cut. Such a mixture is quickly prepared, but contains practically no useful elements. In addition, when purchasing products made from this cereal, you should pay attention to its shade. Fresh oatmeal has a white, rarely cream color.
What cereals can you eat after childbirth: list
During the postpartum period, there is a pronounced weakening of immune forces. Nutrition is aimed at replenishing expended resources, and it is selected taking into account the possible negative impact on the child’s body. The selected diet should be hypoallergenic and exclude the development of intestinal colic.
Porridges are universal dishes that are recommended for women. Among them, the most commonly used are:
- Buckwheat. It is approved for use immediately after childbirth, since, despite the large amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as iron, it rarely causes an allergic reaction.
- Corn grits (in small flakes). This product is gluten-free, so it is recommended to include it in the diet in the early postpartum period.
- Rice. The product does not contain gluten, but its consumption increases the risk of side effects. Therefore, to prevent complications, it is included in the diet no earlier than 4 months.
- Millet cereal. Cooked porridge prevents the development of constipation. It is recommended to include it in a woman’s diet starting from three months of pregnancy.
Which cereal should you choose?
For a woman who is breastfeeding, of course, the diet should include only natural products that retain all nutrients, without chemical additives. There are several types of porridges made from oat grains.
The most recommended and healthy is porridge made from whole grains. Oats that have ripened are only sifted, removing spoiled grains, and dried. This type of processing allows you to preserve all the vitamins and minerals in the finished product, thereby providing the body with complete saturation. The only drawback of this type of porridge is the cooking time. These grains are pre-soaked; the cooking time can reach 1-1.5 hours.
A simpler and more convenient way to prepare oatmeal is oatmeal. It only takes 10-15 minutes to cook them, and they retain many useful substances. Almost useless and undesirable are instant cereals, the so-called quick breakfasts. They are poured with boiling water and are ready to eat almost immediately. When pre-treated with steam, such oat flakes lose many of their beneficial microelements. In addition, manufacturers often add flavorings, flavor enhancers, preservatives and other components that are undesirable for a nursing woman to this type of porridge.
Possible harm from eating oatmeal during breastfeeding
Oatmeal, like any product, can exhibit its negative qualities. They are taken into account before use. The most common are:
- Contains gluten. This plant protein can lead to the development of problems with the digestive function.
- Development of an allergic reaction in a child. When you start consuming oatmeal early, the protein it contains acts as an allergen.
- The appearance of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Can a nursing mother eat oatmeal?
Oatmeal is a fairly popular and healthy product. Therefore, many mothers wonder how oatmeal affects the baby while breastfeeding. A nursing mother is allowed to eat a dish cooked in water from the first months of lactation and only after the successful introduction of gluten-free rice and buckwheat. Milk porridge can be eaten when the child reaches three months of age or after drinking whole milk.
Breastfeeding women should start introducing complementary foods with a small amount of porridge (about a couple of tablespoons). Then for 2 days. a nursing mother should monitor possible changes in the baby’s well-being. If during this time no negative consequences have been identified, the woman can safely increase the portion, but not overeat. If rashes, colic, bloating in the baby or upset stool appear, you should exclude the dish from the menu for 2–4 weeks. The maximum permissible daily intake is 0.25 kg (usual portion of porridge).
When choosing flakes, you should give preference to pure cereals, without the addition of chemical compounds. Quick breakfasts in most cases provoke the development of allergies in infants.
Who is strictly contraindicated from eating
Oatmeal should be introduced into the diet with caution, having previously ruled out any contraindications. Among them are:
- A history of an allergic reaction to the product in the mother and a tendency to diathesis in the child.
- The presence of celiac disease, which is accompanied by the development of digestive disorders due to the inability to break down gluten.
Contraindications
Despite the large number of advantages, this product has one drawback - gluten content. There is such a thing as individual intolerance to this substance by the body. This can affect both mother and child. Therefore, you should use oatmeal very carefully the first few times, carefully monitoring your condition and that of your child.
Did you know? Oats were popular back in Ancient Rus', however, in those days they were pounded, not ground. The resulting crushed grain was used to cook porridge and bake bread.
Oat porridge is healthy and nutritious; preparing it will help a new mother avoid wasting unnecessary time in the kitchen and get the right amount of essential substances.
Recommendations for preparing and eating oatmeal
Hercules porridge is a healthy breakfast during breastfeeding. Before eating this dish, a nursing woman should read the recommendations for preparing oatmeal and the porridge recipe.
- First, the cereal must be rinsed to remove excess flour.
- Place the cereal into boiling water, adding a little sugar and adding salt to taste.
- Cook the oatmeal for ¼ hour on low heat.
- During the cooking process, the dish should be stirred constantly to avoid burning.
- When ready, you can add a small piece of butter.
- It is also recommended to leave the dish in a closed container for 10 minutes. for better flavor development.
While breastfeeding, pediatricians advise eating oatmeal cooked in water. Milk porridge, due to its cow protein content, is considered an allergen for babies. You can add pieces of fruit, berries, honey, provided that the baby has no allergic manifestations. This can be checked by introducing the ingredients separately, after which you need to monitor the baby’s condition. The maximum permissible daily intake is 0.15 kg of food.
Whole grain oatmeal is the healthiest; it takes longer to prepare, but does not lose beneficial compounds. However, pediatricians do not recommend eating dishes made from such cereals in the first months of a baby’s life. Flakes are easier to digest and absorb by children's digestive system. Breastfeeding women should not consume this fast-brewing dish. Manufacturers often add flavor enhancers, flavors, and preservatives, which can be harmful to the health of the baby. You can bake healthy cookies from oatmeal.
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