Can Breastfeeding Mothers Eat Pineapple? Check the Explanation Here!

Source: nataliabostan via freepik.com

Pineapple tastes fresh and enjoyable to eat. But many myths claim that pineapple should not be consumed during pregnancy because it may cause unwanted issues. This leads to the next question: can breastfeeding mothers eat pineapple? Does it have any effect?

The myth that pineapple becomes off limits for breastfeeding mothers does not hold up. Until now, no scientific evidence shows that pineapple consumption harms pregnancy. When consumed in controlled amounts, nothing bad will happen. Pineapple also contains many nutrients that support health.

To understand the full answer to the question can breastfeeding mothers eat pineapple, the explanations below break down every important point.

Can Breastfeeding Mothers Eat Pineapple?

Source: user33154880 via freepik.com

During breastfeeding, mothers need balanced nutrition and more fluids because the body must produce enough breast milk. Pineapple offers dense nutrients and high water content that can support the mother's daily meals without issues.

Pineapple consumed during breastfeeding does not change plasma pH or breast milk production which makes it safe to eat. The Korean Journal of Pediatrics published this in a study quoted by pyfahealth.com.

As a modern mother who stays aware of health information for yourself and your baby, this question naturally comes up. Although pineapple contains important nutrients and supports your daily fruit intake, excessive consumption may still increase certain health risks for you and your baby.

One common risk is breast swelling, pain, and sensitivity triggered by the enzyme bromelain in pineapple. Excessive pineapple intake may also increase the chance of pineapple allergy in babies.

A Range of Pineapple Benefits for Breastfeeding Mothers

Source: vTopRated via freepik.com

At least four main benefits come from consuming pineapple in appropriate amounts. Mothers can look at each point in the explanations below.

1. A Source of Vitamin C

Pineapple contains high levels of vitamin C. In 100 grams of pineapple, there are around 15 milligrams of vitamin C. This makes pineapple one of the fruits with the highest vitamin C levels, along with guava, mango, strawberries, papaya, kiwi, and bananas.

Vitamin C supports the immune system and helps the body stay healthy. This brings positive effects for both mothers and babies.

2. Contains Bromelain

Bromelain plays an important role in supporting healthy digestion. During breastfeeding, smooth and optimal digestion helps the body absorb nutrients from food efficiently so the body's metabolism works properly.

This also supports the body's ability to produce enough breast milk. Every important nutrient from food can then transfer into breast milk for the baby's growth.

3. High in Manganese

The bright yellow fruit contains high levels of manganese. This supports the baby's nutritional needs because manganese plays a role in bone development. Adequate manganese intake helps babies grow strong and healthy bones.

4. A Good Source of Fiber

Like many other fruits, pineapple contains significant amounts of fiber. Compared to some other fruits, pineapple consistently provides reliable fiber content.

Fiber intake helps mothers prevent constipation. Mothers understand well how uncomfortable this condition can feel.

Control the Portion and Stay Aware of Side Effects

Although pineapple offers many benefits, consuming too much of anything may still cause negative effects. Breastfeeding mothers should control their portion of pineapple each day to avoid the side effects below.

• First, babies may experience allergic reactions. This may happen when babies have sensitivity to certain foods or substances in pineapple.
• Second, pineapple may trigger acid reflux in babies with sensitive digestion.
• Third, consuming pineapple with high bromelain levels may influence breast milk and change its nutrient composition. While bromelain supports the mother's digestive health, a baby's digestive system may not be ready for high levels.

4 Safe Tips for Eating Pineapple

Source: freepik via freepik.com

With the benefits and side effects that you learned from the previous points, these tips for eating pineapple while breastfeeding become useful information. Pineapple tends to be safe to eat because it contains important nutrients, but you need to include it in your daily meals in a safer way.

The goal is simple, which is to prevent unwanted issues that affect your health and your baby’s health so your baby's growth stays on track according to the milestones available.

• Start with a small portion to observe your baby's reaction. If you have not done an allergy test so your baby's condition remains unclear, this step becomes the best way to proceed
• Choose fresh and ripe pineapple to reduce the risk of side effects that may appear as explained in the previous point
• Avoid packaged pineapple juice because it may contain additional chemicals, including excessive sugar
• Consult your trusted doctor to decide whether pineapple can become one of the fruits you eat regularly

Recommended Fruits Rich in Vitamins Besides Pineapple

Source: KamranAydinov via freepik.com

Besides pineapple, you still have many fruit options that you can add to your daily meals. Each fruit contains healthy nutrients that support breast milk production and maintain your health and your baby's health.

Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate are available in other fruits. These fruits include bananas, watermelon, dates, pomegranate, and apricots. You can also include apples, oranges, avocados, papayas, guavas, mangoes, and pears.

With so many fruits that you can eat, you can get a wide range of vitamins and minerals that support breast milk composition, increase milk production, and maintain your health and your baby's health throughout the breastfeeding phase.

Support Your Breastfeeding Phase with a Quality Breast Pump from Hegen

In the end, the question that started this article, can breastfeeding mothers eat pineapple, has a positive answer. As long as you keep your portions normal and ideal and balance them with other nutrients, you do not need to worry about possible side effects.

You can also do other things to support this phase. After learning the answer to the question of whether breastfeeding mothers can eat pineapple or not, you now have helpful insights. To support breastfeeding, you can also do pumping to maintain enough breast milk stock and keep milk production high.

For that, Hegen offers quality breast pump supported by complementary items such as breast milk storage containers in various sizes, teats, and more. Hegen’s high quality products offer comfort during use and strong quality assurance. You can find the products directly on the purchase page and experience the comfort of using Hegen products!

 

 

References:

• Hello Sehat. 10 Buah untuk Ibu Menyusui agar Kualitas ASI Terjaga. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/buah-untuk-ibu-menyusui/.
• Kumparan. Manfaat Nanas untuk Ibu Menyusui. https://kumparan.com/kumparanmom/manfaat-nanas-untuk-ibu-menyusui-1wlnMCVdD73.
• HaiBunda. Sederet Manfaat Nanas untuk Ibu Menyusui. https://www.haibunda.com/menyusui/20190626101402-54-46381/sederet-manfaat-nanas-untuk-ibu-menyusui.
• Cimahi Kota. 7 Buah Tinggi Vitamin C Ini Tak Kalah Enak dari Jeruk, Lho!. https://cimahikota.go.id/index.php/artikel/detail/1025-7-buah-tinggi-vitamin-c-ini-tak-kalah-enak-dari-jeruk,-lho!.
• Pyfa Health. Bolehkah Ibu Menyusui Makan Nanas? Ini Penjelasannya. https://pyfahealth.com/blog/bolehkah-ibu-menyusui-makan-nanas-ini-penjelasannya/.
• Popmama. Bolehkah Ibu Menyusui Makan Nanas? Jangan Lupa Atur Porsinya!. https://www.popmama.com/pregnancy/birth/annas/bolehkah-ibu-menyusui-makan-nanas-jangan-lupa-atur-porsinya.