Is it possible to drink cranberry juice while breastfeeding a newborn?

Many young mothers know how useful these autumn berries and fruit drinks made from them are for toxicosis, swelling, colds and vitamin deficiency. Cranberry is no less useful during breastfeeding, because in addition to the listed beneficial properties, it has one more thing - fruit drinks made from it promote lactation. Pleasant taste combined with beneficial substances put this product among the most beneficial for nursing mothers and infants.

Cranberry – northern lemon

In our country, cranberries are considered an original Russian treasure, but we have to admit that they grow beautifully in northern Europe and Canada. The Latin name oxycoccos literally means “sour berry.” The first Europeans to settle in North America called it "Cranberry" because the flowers on the stems reminded them of cranes. In Belarus and Ukraine, cranberries are also called “crane”.

Russia is a northern country, so in terms of cranberry reserves we are ahead of the rest. The bushes love to grow in swamps and peat bogs, the fruits are not afraid of frost and ripen when blueberries, raspberries and blackberries have been harvested for a long time. The sweetest harvest can be found in the forest in the spring after wintering outdoors.

In terms of vitamin C content, cranberries are not inferior to lemons, grapefruits, oranges and garden strawberries.

Beneficial properties of cranberries for breastfeeding

The berry in question is rich in B vitamins, alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, phytoncides, and also contains a number of macro- and microelements necessary for the full functioning of the human body.

• The benefits of consuming cranberries will be noticeable throughout the entire period of breastfeeding from the moment of introduction into the diet, for both mother and child:
• due to the large amount of antioxidants in the product, uterine contractions accelerate, which stimulates the production of the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for lactation;
• B vitamins ensure complete tissue regeneration in the mother’s body, and also help increase the absorption of calcium. For a child, these vitamins are necessary as a building element of all organs and systems;
• cranberries have a calming effect, which improves the quality of sleep of a child and a woman;
• phytoncides and ascorbic acid improve digestion, accelerate the elimination of toxins, and also help improve immunity;
• alpha tocopherol increases the tone of the skin, which has a beneficial effect on its protective functions.

What are the benefits of cranberries

Women who have recently given birth have limited food choices. The question of whether it is possible to eat cranberries during breastfeeding worries many. Pediatricians unanimously approve of the choice of healing berries, rich in vitamins and microelements. Fresh, frozen and heat-treated fruits are equally healthy:

• As an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antipyretic agent for colds.
• Juice and whole berries stimulate the production of gastric juice and activate the functions of the pancreas.
• In fresh form, after freezing and heat treatment, it replenishes the deficiency of vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, B9, E, PP, K1. Microelements are useful for mother and baby: calcium, iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, flavonoids, polyphenol, as well as organic acids, fiber, pectin.
• Proanthocyanidins and benzoic acid prevent exacerbations of cystitis.
• Useful substances strengthen and make the walls of blood vessels more elastic, which prevents varicose veins and destruction of capillaries.

A rich range of useful substances allows pediatricians to recommend berries as a supportive remedy in the autumn-winter period, when the risk of colds increases.

Cranberry juice during breastfeeding is recommended for the quick recovery of a young mother after the birth of a child. When breastfeeding, a woman needs to drink a lot of liquid, and sour drinks made from healthy berries will be very helpful. Along the way, fortified fruit juice will help cope with colds and protect against pathogenic bacteria.

Is it possible to eat cranberries while breastfeeding?

The baby receives nutrients, vitamins, and microelements from mother's milk. A nutritious diet for a breastfeeding woman is the basis for the health of the child. The berries contain: flavonoid compounds, organic acids, vitamins C, B, E, dietary fiber, tannin components, minerals. The beneficial properties of cranberries during lactation include:

• strengthening the immune system, increasing resistance to colds and infectious diseases;
• stimulation of the body’s recovery process after childbirth;
• normalization of water-salt balance, prevention of edema due to the diuretic effect;
• replenishment of fluid deficiency, which is necessary for intensive production of breast milk;
• improvement of intestinal microflora, suppression of the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, improvement of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• removal of toxins, lowering cholesterol levels;
• increasing the elasticity of blood vessels, normalizing blood circulation, preventing thrombosis;
• acceleration of metabolic processes;
• prevention of caries and oral diseases, reduction of bleeding gums;
• tonic, restorative effect;
• relieving nervous and emotional tension, preventing the development of depressive states.

The bactericidal effect of the berry is used to prevent diseases of the genitourinary system that women are susceptible to during the postpartum period.

Cranberry stimulates the production of insulin; doctors recommend drinking drinks based on it for nursing mothers with diabetes. If you have a cold, cranberry juices and compotes will lower your temperature and speed up recovery. The minerals and vitamins included in the composition will improve the condition of hair, nails, and skin. In the absence of individual contraindications, moderate consumption of the berry will not harm the body of the mother and newborn.

How to introduce cranberries into your diet

Many nursing mothers are wary of eating all red fruits and berries, as they cause allergic reactions in infants.

Cranberries are an exception to the rule. Despite the red color of the berries, they rarely cause allergies.

Concentrated juice and raw berries can change the taste of mother's milk, so you should start with fruit drink or several cranberries diluted with water.

You can introduce the product into the diet already in the first month of the baby’s life. You need to start with a few berries or a quarter glass of juice (fruit drink) diluted with water. If the child shows no signs of allergy within two to three days, the portion is gradually increased. Cranberries are eaten fresh, frozen or dried, but in the latter case some of the beneficial substances are lost.

Permissible quantity of berries and drinks made from them:

• A handful of fresh or frozen berries per day will be enough. The sour taste is unlikely to allow you to eat more.
• The volume of fruit drink can vary from half a liter to a liter. The drink should not be concentrated.

Possible harm and contraindications

The product in question will not be useful to everyone.

• You should refrain from using it if you have the following contraindications:
• acute gastritis in the mother;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in the baby (developmental pathologies, colic, bloating, etc.);
• high risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) - diagnosed by the doctor upon discharge from the maternity hospital based on the mother’s medical history and the course of labor;
• enterocolitis;
• abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys and liver in the mother and child;
• with increased sensitivity or destruction of tooth enamel in a woman.

Usually, if there are no contraindications and the daily intake standards are met, there are no adverse reactions to cranberries. If recommended doses are exceeded, digestive upset may occur in the mother and child, as well as the appearance of urticaria.

When breastfeeding a child, cranberries are allowed to be introduced into the diet from 4 weeks after birth, if there are no contraindications and the mother has not previously limited herself to this product. At the initial stages, it is advisable to use berries in fruit drinks and compotes. To increase lactation, you should drink a glass of warm drink 20 minutes before you start feeding your baby.

How to choose berries

Ripe and fresh cranberries are elastic - when they hit a hard surface, the fruits bounce off like beads. Cranberries intended for nursing mothers must be whole, not wrinkled or blackened.

Often, in late autumn, crops harvested in September and ripened outside their natural growing conditions go on sale. Such berries are sour, larger and softer than later ones, they are quite suitable for consumption. Fresh cranberries can be placed in a jar, filled with cold water and stored in the refrigerator for a long time.

Ripe berries appear after the first frost; they are juicier and sweeter than September ones. The October-November harvest is stored in the freezer in small portions, since when re-freezing the berries lose their beneficial substances.

Frozen cranberries can be bought in the store at any time of the year. Properly frozen fruits fully retain their beneficial properties.

Dried berries lose some of their beneficial properties, in particular vitamin C, but they are also useful as a source of fiber and acids. The sugar content in drying is much higher, but this is easily compensated for if you do not add sugar to the drink. Unfortunately, store-bought dried fruits contain preservatives that may not be beneficial for mother and child. Also, dried fruits are often sprinkled with vegetable oil and they acquire a rancid taste.

When and in what quantity is nursing mothers allowed to drink cranberry juice?

As mentioned above, cranberry juice is considered a hypoallergenic drink, and therefore it is introduced quite early.

Already two or three weeks after giving birth, a nursing mother can drink a small amount of this drink to support the recovery process. A little later, this volume can be increased to 2-3 glasses per day, but no more.

There are also no strict restrictions on the consumption of cranberry juice per week. However, despite this, it is still recommended to pause from time to time for 1-2 days between doses.

The first time, it’s better to check the fruit drink for allergies and not drink too much of it. This is due to the fact that in the first month of life the child is not yet strong enough and even a harmless product can cause a strong negative reaction.

Therefore, first, the nursing mother tries about half a glass of the broth and monitors the baby throughout the day. If no allergies appear, then the drink is safe and can be drunk. In case of an allergic reaction, the injection is postponed for a couple of weeks and the attempt is repeated.

Cranberry juice recipe

Cranberries and drinks made from them become a pleasant gastronomic variety for nursing mothers. You can prepare fruit juice from fresh or frozen raw materials:

1. Wash two glasses of cranberries under running water. Frozen berries must first be thawed at room temperature.
2. Mash in a bowl or pass through a meat grinder.
3. Squeeze the juice through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.
4. Immerse the remaining cake in two liters of boiling water, add sugar and let it boil.
5. After 15 minutes, filter the broth.
6. Pour in cranberry juice and stir.

The finished fruit drink can be stored in the refrigerator for three days.

What to cook with cranberries for a nursing mother

Cranberry juice is a healthy, delicious drink that doesn’t take much time or effort to prepare. Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. berries (you can take frozen ones);
• 1 liter of water;
• sugar (to taste).

Cranberry juice recipe:

• sort and wash the berries, pour them into clean gauze;
• tie the ends of the material, lower the bag into boiling water for a few minutes (no more than 2);
• the cranberries are placed on a sieve and thoroughly ground until the juice is completely drained;
• the juice should be poured into the broth and the mixture should be brought to a boil;
• add sugar.

Fruit juice can be prepared without boiling:

• wash the cranberries (2 tbsp.) and pour boiling water over them;
• mash with a wooden mortar;
• add 1 tbsp. boiled water at room temperature;
• strain, remove the cake;
• dilute concentrated juice with 5-6 tbsp. boiled water, add sugar to taste.

Cranberry jelly is prepared in almost the same way as fruit juice. The difference in the recipe is that before adding the juice to the broth, you must add potato or corn starch diluted in water.

The most popular cranberry dish is fruit juice.

Contraindications

Despite all of the above, red berries are not useful for everyone and not always. First of all, this fruit can cause allergies - the bright color speaks for itself. However, in terms of the degree of allergenicity, this product is not among the most active, but rather average. Women during lactation must take this fact into account. We will talk below about how to replenish your diet with sour berries and do it as safely as possible.

The second feature of the berry is its sour taste. This acid is extremely useful, but for those who have high stomach acidity, it is of no use. The berry will irritate the already inflamed inner walls of the stomach and duodenum.

Peculiarities

Those taking anticoagulants should also consult a doctor before drinking a glass of fruit juice. The berry thins the blood, which means the effect of medications will increase. Those taking other medications, most of which are broken down in the liver, may also be affected. Once in the blood, these fruits slow down the processes occurring in the liver, so in the end, the effect of the drugs may be different than indicated in the annotation. In addition, the sour berry can gradually destroy the enamel, so it should not be consumed by people who have dental problems.

How to avoid allergies in your baby?

Very often, young parents ask the question, how to avoid allergies in their baby? If the baby reacts to cranberries with red cheeks or other manifestations, the mother should not eat this berry. It is better to wait 1-2 months and try to introduce this product into your menu again.

To make sure that the child responds well to the red berry, it must be administered according to the rules. We will list the main methods for introducing berries into the diet during breastfeeding below.

For the first time, mother can eat 50-100 g of berries or its equivalent in the form of fruit drink. You should carefully monitor the baby, noting the slightest changes in his behavior or appearance. For example, a child may:

• a rash appears (not only on the face);
• stomach ache;
• diarrhea or constipation may occur.

All this may indicate intolerance to the substances that the berry contains. If the baby responded well, the mother can eat cranberries again, but not earlier than in a day. Sometimes the body's reaction is slightly delayed, and the child may break out in a rash only after 24 hours.

Only after a week of eating the berry can a woman increase its amount in her diet. The fact is that allergies sometimes appear after seven days, as they can be cumulative. However, you should not drink cranberry juice all day while breastfeeding - you need to try to eat a varied diet so that the body gets everything it needs for itself, as well as for generating milk.

Possibility of eating cranberries while breastfeeding

Cranberries can support a woman’s body, which is weakened by recent childbirth, but it should be used wisely during breastfeeding, in accordance with the rules for introducing any new products.

1. In its pure form, the berry should not be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother earlier than three months after birth (to avoid a possible allergic reaction in the baby). But cranberry juice can be consumed already in the first month of a child’s life.
2. At first, the woman tries to drink half a glass of the drink two to three times a week. It is advisable to do this in the morning between the main meals (first and second breakfast) in order to assess the baby’s condition during the day, while not introducing new foods at the same time. Over time, the volume of fruit drink you drink can be increased to three glasses a day (but no more, so as not to provoke the formation of kidney stones and not to change the taste of milk familiar to the child).
3. It is preferable to drink cranberry juice warm, since such a drink enhances the flow of breast milk.
4. A nursing mother should know that only a homemade drink prepared with her own hands will benefit her. Packaged fruit drinks from the store are of no value to her and the child (and the high sugar content and the presence of preservatives can even be harmful).
5. The berries themselves can be introduced into the diet three months after childbirth. At first, the mother tries to eat 2-3 pieces, again carefully observing the child’s reaction. Gradually, the daily dose increases to a handful of cranberries (it should be noted that more is not necessary, and the specific sour taste of the berry may bother a woman).
6. Along with fresh cranberries, a nursing mother can also consume frozen ones: they also contain vitamins. Dried berries will not bring such benefits, because during the drying process a lot of vitamin C is lost, and the specific gravity of sugar, on the contrary, increases several times (if 1 glass of fresh berries contains 2 g of sugar, then a glass of dried berries contains 74 g). Store-bought dried fruits are generally unacceptable during breastfeeding: as a rule, they contain preservatives that extend shelf life (for example, sulfites can negatively affect the baby’s digestive and respiratory system, and vegetable oils, which prevent the berries from sticking together, quickly become rancid and are harmful to health ).