Fruits – Yes

Many are interested in the answer to the question of whether fruits are allowed after childbirth. Our answer is – yes. And during breastfeeding – also yes. Fruits are a healthy source of vitamins and minerals that are so necessary for pregnant and breastfeeding women. And not just for them, but also for the father, because the taste preferences of parents influence the child’s taste inclinations: either they will be drawn to sweets and sodas or to healthy fruits and vegetables – for now, the choice is yours.

Quantity or quality?

If you are still worried about which fruits can be eaten after childbirth, we will give the example of the practices of the WHO and international organizations – they do not prohibit any food during pregnancy and lactation.

There are, of course, various restrictions, but for the most part, they are fanciful and fictional. Exceptions may include individual intolerance to certain fruits, but this is not related to pregnancy. However, pregnancy can influence certain factors: for example, the timing of fruit consumption and their combinations. You might have heard stories about a pregnant wife sending her husband to the store at night in winter to buy strawberries. Well, even in this scenario, let’s analyze: in winter, the strawberries are likely of questionable quality, and at night, the body is supposed to be sleeping, not eating, because all internal processes slow down. Eating half a kilo of strawberries or even one banana will make you realize they have settled heavily in your stomach.

Therefore, you can eat everything, but in moderation, choosing good quality products and only those you truly want.

First Fruits After Childbirth – Which Ones?

A general recommendation for all food, including fruits after childbirth, is that the food should be familiar. This means fruits and vegetables should be local, seasonal, and ones you’ve tried before to ensure they won’t cause allergic or other bodily reactions.

Can I eat apples after childbirth? Yes, for our country, the optimal choice for the first fruits to introduce into a woman’s diet after childbirth is indeed light-colored apples in baked form.

Can I eat pears after childbirth? Yes, this fruit is excellent for cleansing the intestines and quenching thirst. However, initially, peel the fruit and thermally process it. Bananas can be eaten after childbirth, but only if you have no individual contraindications. Also, keep in mind that they can be somewhat binding for the intestines and may provoke constipation, which could already be a concern for new mothers.

As for which fruits can be eaten after a cesarean section – this question doesn’t have many peculiarities. Continue eating the same seasonal, familiar fruits; the key point here is to reduce the likelihood of fermentation and stagnant phenomena in the stomach and intestines.

Away with red and orange?

This is also one of the myths and remnants of the past. Red and orange fruits are unlikely to cause diathesis in a baby through mother’s milk. However, if you have an allergy to citrus fruits or berries, you should definitely exclude them.

How much and in what form?

How much and what fruits can a woman eat postpartum? To ensure vitamin intake, consume no less than 200-300g of fruits daily. Exceeding this amount during the first months of a child’s life is not recommended. New fruits should be introduced gradually into a mother’s diet, just as in the future with baby weaning:

• try a new product in a small amount in the first half of the day and observe the child;
• if there are no negative reactions – rashes or increased gas, the next day increase the dose to half a portion;
• on the third day you can eat a full daily portion;
• the next day you can introduce a new fruit.

It’s not advisable to try several fruits simultaneously during the introduction period – it will be harder to understand what the child reacted to.

Bake, boil, squeeze, blend

The safest way to eat fruits is in baked or boiled form, and this should be preferred in the first weeks after childbirth. Afterward – listen to your body and observe your baby’s body.

Juices can be a valuable source of vitamins and a pleasant variety for the mother. They normalize intestinal peristalsis and help to establish digestion. However, they should be freshly squeezed juices, not store-bought ones in packaging, from seasonal fruits. For the best effect and safety of consumption, it is recommended to dilute them with water 1:1. Each juice is beneficial in its own way:

• Apple is rich in iron and iodine;
• Pear is a source of pectin and folic acid, but sometimes provokes colic in the baby – choose the variety or temporarily limit it;
• Peach is a natural antidepressant, tones, enriches the intestines with dietary fibers;
• Apricot contains beta-carotene, which aids the immune system;
• Plum is effective for constipation in both mother and child.

Be cautious when drinking “bright” and sour juices like pomegranate and cherry, as the aggressive acidic environment can negatively affect the tooth enamel weakened during pregnancy.

Smoothies, like juices, are a great support for nursing mothers to lose weight after childbirth and to enrich the body with vitamins. The requirements and restrictions for them are the same.

What to avoid

The only absolute prohibition is on what is contraindicated not just for new mothers and nursing moms, but also in other situations:

• fruits that cause intestinal discomfort;
• processed with toxic fertilizers and special substances for long-term storage;
• diet infringement during intestinal infections;
• severe allergic reaction.

It is recommended to consume with caution:

• pomegranate, persimmon – it’s better to introduce them into the diet no earlier than 2-3 months of the baby’s life;
• kiwis, pineapples, avocados, and other exotic fruits – it’s best to wait 4-5 months to ensure the baby’s intestines are strong enough;
• citrus fruits – they can be a strong allergen, so carefully monitor for any reaction (start with a slice of lemon in tea);
• grapes – they can cause significant gas formation, especially when freshly picked.

If you are unsure whether a mother can eat bananas, pomegranates, kiwis, plums, grapes, or any other fruits after childbirth, you can always consult the competent specialists of our project. We will help you find a balance between benefit, enjoyment, and safety.