Mother's milk is the best nutrition for a newborn baby. It is rich in useful elements and vitamins that promote the proper growth and development of the baby. Breastfeeding has many advantages over ready-made formulas, as well as other complementary foods, so if possible, you should give preference to this method of feeding children.
The process of breastfeeding must be approached with full responsibility. It is important that the baby's mother eats properly and drinks enough fluids to feed her baby high-quality breast milk. It should be rich in vitamins and beneficial elements, and for this you need to eat right.
The first few years of a child’s life are especially important for his formation and development, and nutrition is one of the most important keys to success.
Some foods that mom eats can cause allergies or colic in the baby. Therefore, before consuming questionable products, it is better to seek advice from a specialist.
After giving birth, many mothers think about how to restore their figure after childbirth. Some sources advise eliminating sweet and starchy foods and replacing them with nuts and dried fruits.
It is known that even such seemingly harmless snacks as nuts and candied fruits are strong allergens. For example, dried apricots when breastfeeding a newborn in the first month can even be dangerous for him.
What are the benefits of dried apricots?
Dried apricots are good for breastfeeding because they contain a large number of elements important for the human body. It is good to eat as a nursing mother, but not in the first months after childbirth.
Experts believe that this dried fruit is healthier than fresh apricot, but despite this, you should not abuse this product, especially during breastfeeding.
Dried apricots have several features - they are poorly absorbed by the body and are also a strong allergen. Therefore, a nursing woman should introduce this product into her diet gradually, with caution.
It is recommended to start consuming this snack no earlier than three or four months after giving birth. By this time, the newborn’s body will begin to adapt and will be ready to assimilate new foods.
- You should not refuse to eat dried fruits for fear of poor digestibility or allergies.
- Dried apricots are a big risk for a nursing mother in the first month, but then they are a powerful source of strength and energy.
- This snack is higher in calories than an apricot, but the former is not harmful to a woman’s body and figure.
- Another useful property of this sweet delicacy is its positive effect on the normal functioning of the intestines and stomach.
Composition of dried apricots and its properties
Many studies have been carried out on the biochemical composition of fresh and dried apricot fruits [7].
Dried apricots contain the following important and beneficial substances:
- Minerals – potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Potassium is especially important, the natural source of which is dried apricots.
- Vitamins – thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin A. However, dried apricots contain less vitamin C and folic acid than fresh apricot fruits.
- Phytochemicals in the form of polyphenols and carotenoids. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Carotenoids (pigments) have some protective effects against cancer and degenerative diseases.
Dried apricots are a good source of dietary fiber (fiber, etc.) and may play a role in preventing obesity. Consumption of dietary fiber also helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels [6].
Thanks to its biologically active components, dried apricots have been recognized as useful for chronic gastritis, coronary heart disease, intestinal diseases, liver steatosis, atherosclerosis, and various tumors [10].
In addition, dried apricots contain sorbitol, which has laxative properties [9].
How to eat dried apricots while breastfeeding?
To eat this delicacy correctly, you must first choose it correctly. It is best to give preference to dried fruits of a grayish tint. This is what they should look like when dried properly. Bright orange fruits with a shine are a sign of the presence of chemicals in them.
You can start eating dried apricots and other dried fruits during breastfeeding no earlier than three months after birth. Ideally, it is better to wait until the baby is at least four or five months old.
You can try several fruits in the morning, and then monitor the child’s reaction for two days. If during this time the baby does not develop an allergy or does not have a digestive disorder, then you can continue to introduce this delicacy into your diet. If a negative reaction occurs in your baby, you should postpone taking the orange yummy for a few more months.
Do not exceed the daily allowable amount, which is 100 grams. This dried fruit is perfect for porridge, salad, meat or hot dishes.
Dried apricots are easiest to digest when breastfeeding in the form of a compote or decoction. This is more beneficial for both the mother and her baby.
Sulfites in dried apricots
Fresh apricots spoil quickly. Their shelf life is approximately 4-5 days. Some of the fruits are consumed fresh where they are grown, the rest are dried for storage. For mass harvesting of fruits, sulfurization is used. This is a process in which apricots are treated in special ovens with sulfur dioxide (fumes from burned sulfur). Sulfur dioxide, or sulfur dioxide, is called food additive E220.
This pre-treatment increases the shelf life of dried fruits and improves their appearance. The same effect is achieved by soaking fresh apricots in solutions of sulfites (salts of sulfurous acid).
As a result of this processing, beautiful, bright, glossy dried fruits are obtained. But they contain sulfur compounds. The permissible amount of E220 in dried apricots is 0.2%. For unscrupulous manufacturers this figure exceeds 0.3%. Such dried apricots can cause food poisoning.
Sulfites cause a range of adverse clinical effects in sensitive individuals, ranging from dermatitis, urticaria, abdominal pain and diarrhea to life-threatening anaphylactic and asthmatic reactions. The severity of these reactions varies. Asthmatics (adults and children) and people with airway hyperresponsiveness are at greater risk [12].
With a significant concentration of sulfites in dried apricots, a negative reaction to them can be caused by taking even a small amount of dried apricots [11].
The most desirable apricots for consumption are sun-dried, without any additional processing [6].
Expert opinion
Sokolova L. S.
Pediatrician of the highest category
To choose natural dried apricots, you should give preference not to bright orange shiny fruits, but to dried fruits of a dark, brownish color, without shine. The fruits should feel dry to the touch, not oily.
Dried apricot recipes
Only at first glance it may seem that it is impossible to prepare tasty and healthy dishes from dried apricots. In fact, it can give them a rich taste, some zest, and even become the main ingredient of a dish.
Compote
Summer fruit compote will be useful for women who suffer from constipation. To prepare it you will need 200 grams of fruit, one quarter cup of sugar and two liters of water.
The fruits must be thoroughly washed and filled with sweetened water, then simmered over low heat for seven minutes. The drink can be drunk after an hour.
Turkey salad
Another option for a dish with dried apricots is a salad.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of turkey;
- pear;
- 200 grams of boiled rice;
- 100 grams of dried apricots.
The products should be cut into small cubes and mixed with low-fat yogurt. Add salt and pepper to taste. A delicious salad with dried apricots is ready, you can also add raisins if you are not allergic to them..
Pilaf with chicken and dried apricots
An excellent dish with dried apricots that is suitable for nursing mothers is chicken pilaf.
Ingredients:
- 350 grams of chicken;
- a tablespoon of vegetable oil;
- 150 grams of brown rice;
- large carrots;
- 50 grams of dried apricots;
- bulb;
- 5 pieces of prunes (optional);
- salt/pepper to taste.
Preparation:
First, cut the chicken into pieces and fry them for 10-15 minutes. After this, add the onions and carrots chopped with a salt shaker. Keep on fire for 5 minutes. The next step is to wash the rice in cold water and add it to the chicken and vegetables. Add salt and pepper. Pour the mixture with two glasses of water and simmer until the water has completely evaporated.
Cottage cheese casserole
If a nursing mother wants to eat baked goods with dried apricots, then the ideal option would be a curd casserole with dried apricots.
To prepare it you will need:
- 450-500 grams of cottage cheese;
- one chicken egg;
- 50 grams of dried apricots;
- a tablespoon of sugar;
- a pinch of vanilla sugar;
- half a teaspoon of butter (to grease the baking dish).
Preparation:
Pour the cottage cheese into a container, add the egg and sugar. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and add the dried apricots cut into pieces. Mix and place in a greased baking dish. Place in an oven preheated to 180 degrees and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
A recipe for compote of dried apricots and apples for a nursing mother, which can be drunk in the first month after childbirth
Pediatricians recommend introducing a drink made from dried apricots into the mother’s diet after the child turns one month old. Some experts claim that it is allowed from birth if the mother has never had a negative reaction to this product. In this case, the likelihood of an allergy in the baby is minimal. It is best to use a gentle recipe, where the base is apples or pears, and dried apricots are added in minimal quantities for taste. The use of sugar in such a drink should be minimal. Over time, the amount of drying of apricots can be increased until dried apricots completely replace apples.
Homemade compote of dried apricots and apples for a nursing mother.
Compound:
- Apples - 4 medium.
- Dried apricots - 5–8 pieces.
- Sugar - to taste.
- Water - 3 liters.
Preparation:
- Pour boiling water over the dried apricots.
- Cut the apples into pieces.
- Drain the water from the dried apricots and add the drying agent to the apples.
- Add sugar and fill with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for up to 5 minutes.
- Let stand covered for several hours.
Or use this video recipe for a universal preparation of dried fruit compote:
When should you not eat dried apricots while breastfeeding?
- If a woman had problems with the absorption of dried fruits before the birth of the child, then after that you should not risk eating dried apricots, especially during breastfeeding.
- If the baby has an allergic reaction after the mother ate this fruit and breastfed the baby, you should immediately exclude it from the diet. When breastfeeding a newborn, dried apricots can cause severe harm to a fragile little body.
- Another indicator that a woman should not eat dried apricots is food indigestion, gas formation and colic in a child.
In any case, before introducing a new product into your diet, you should definitely consult with your local therapist or pediatrician.
It is imperative to remember that dried apricots during breastfeeding in the first month can be dangerous to the baby’s health. It is better to wait a little until the little body gets stronger, and then gradually introduce this delicious dried fruit into the mother’s diet.
Consumption of dried apricots during lactation
According to pediatricians, one of the significant problems during breastfeeding is hypogalactia (decreased milk production by the mammary glands), which affects thirty to eighty percent of women [3]. Eating dried apricots helps combat hypogalactia [2].
Apricot, from which dried apricots are made, is a galactagogue, a substance that promotes the secretion of breast milk [14].
One of the menu options for breastfeeding women suggests consuming dried apricots once a week in a small amount (a quarter cup) [15]. This helps stimulate lactation and gives the mother energy and strength [13].
In what form should you eat dried apricots when breastfeeding?
During breastfeeding, dried apricots are easier to digest in compotes. If the mother is not allergic to apricots, dried apricot compote is allowed from the age of 4 months. It is optimal to drink it warm before feeding. To prevent the baby from having intestinal problems, drink the drink before noon, no more than a glass a day. You can drink dried fruit compote every other day. The total volume of the drink per week should not exceed 4 glasses. In case of allergic manifestations, the consumption of dried apricots is stopped. Later you can try again to introduce it into the diet.
Important! A nursing mother should keep a diary in which all new foods are entered and the baby's reaction is noted. Foods that fail the test are highlighted in red and marked with a reintroduction date.
It is advisable to try dried apricots in their natural form during the 5-6th month of breastfeeding. Apricot fruit goes well with cottage cheese desserts, complements baked goods, meat dishes, salads and snacks, giving them a refined taste and delicate aroma. This treat is a good snack and a natural source of energy and antioxidants. If the baby has a sensitive digestive system, he often gets sick, suffers from colic and diarrhea, the consumption of compote and dishes with dried apricots is postponed for a long time.
Introduction of the drink into the diet of a nursing mother and features of use during lactation
In the first months of lactation, it is recommended to make compote one-component.
You can introduce compote from the first days of the baby’s life - the one made from green apples. It is optimal to take seasonal fruits.
The author, having repeatedly prepared this drink, noticed a recurring pattern: when green apples - even the familiar Simirenko variety - are added to compote in the off-season and they were bought in a store, a negative response from the baby’s immune system occurs more often than seasonal apples bought in the summer. We are talking about fruits purchased in a supermarket, not at street sales points, where, perhaps, the fruits are not so heavily processed for long-term storage due to their greater purchaseability. It is characteristic that summer fruits did not cause allergies in the first month of a child’s life, even if they were red.
The first test is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Drink compote in the morning - start with 0.5 cups.
- It is necessary to observe the baby’s reaction for two to three days.
- If negative manifestations (colic, bloating) do not appear, the norm can be gradually increased to 2-3 glasses per day.
- If the baby reacts poorly, you need to postpone the introduction of the drink for a month, and then try again.
As for other types of components, you will have to wait 1–2 months with them, and only then gradually introduce them into the diet.
The first ones to try after the apple are pear and prune uzvars - they can be included in the menu for the second month of lactation.
In the third or fourth month, you can try compotes made from white currants, gooseberries, white cherries, and rose hips.
It is better to add other fruits and berries, especially those with bright colors, to the compote no earlier than 6 months after the baby is born.
In order for the compote to bring maximum benefits and a minimum of negative manifestations, you should follow a few simple rules:
- The main rule for using compote in the first 3 months of a baby’s life is one-component. Even if all the components of the compote are already included in the mother’s menu, their combination can lead to fermentation processes in the baby and cause painful colic.
- You should not purchase ready-made compote mixtures - you can never be sure of the quality of the raw materials used for their preparation. It is better to take fruits separately and make a drink from them. Ideally, fruits and berries from your own garden or from a trusted seller.
- In order not to burden the baby’s body and not cause allergies, it is recommended to exclude sugar from the list of ingredients. This way, the drink will bring maximum benefits and at the same time will not become a test for the baby’s pancreas and the figure of the nursing mother.
- It is optimal to consume compote as a separate dish, rather than with food. This way you can protect yourself and your baby from fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract due to the combination of incompatible ingredients.
The author, through her own example, was convinced of the importance of the above tips. Having introduced pears, apples and prunes into her daughter’s diet, she confidently took the ready-made compote mixture from the supermarket. The product looked decent: through the transparent packaging one could see large fruits, cut into neat slices. Therefore, the author did not doubt the quality of the product. But after the first feeding, the baby became covered with red spots. What caused the allergy - a combination of products or their dubious origin - can only be guessed at. Thus, it is better to prevent allergies by following precautions rather than deal with the consequences.
Is there any benefit
Any fruit mixture can cause colic in a baby and disrupt the functioning of the digestive system. Therefore, pediatricians recommend that women during lactation drink compotes made from dried fruits with extreme caution. Before cooking, you need to soak them for at least three hours.
According to nutritionists, consuming such compotes brings greater benefits to the body compared to a drink made from fresh fruits. Dried fruits contribute to the rapid recovery of a nursing mother after childbirth and saturate the child’s body with the necessary elements.
Dried fruits have also been found to help improve lactation. If the amount of breast milk is insufficient, doctors advise drinking 200 ml of warm compote half an hour before feeding the baby.
The drink helps cope with constipation not only in mothers, but also in newborns.
Compote is an excellent remedy for this and, compared to medications, has a gentler effect on the intestines.
Among the main beneficial properties of the drink:
- strengthening the immune system;
- improved breast milk production;
- normalization of the digestive system;
- a source of vitamins for women and babies during breastfeeding.
Table: the effect of a decoction of various fruits and berries on the body of mother and baby
| Product | Compound | Benefit | Harm |
| Apples |
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| Plums (prunes) |
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| Pears |
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| Apricots |
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| Cherry |
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| Rose hip |
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