Bolehkah Ibu Menyusui Makan Jengkol? Fakta Medis & Dampaknya pada Bayi

For many breastfeeding mothers, this phase isn’t only about meeting their baby’s nutritional needs, it’s also about adapting to various dietary restrictions. One common dilemma is: “Can breastfeeding mothers eat jengkol?”

Jengkol, known for its distinctive aroma and savory taste, is a favorite dish for many. However, some mothers worry: “If I eat jengkol, will my breast milk still be safe for my baby? Can its strong smell affect the quality of my milk?”

Those concerns are valid because what a mother consumes can influence her body and indirectly affect her baby. So, can breastfeeding mothers actually eat jengkol without disturbing their baby’s comfort? Is it just about the smell, or are there real medical risks involved? Let’s find out in the article below!

Nutritional Value and Risks of Jengkol

Before answering whether breastfeeding mothers can eat jengkol, let’s take a look at its nutritional content. Jengkol actually provides good nutrition. In every 100 grams, it contains plant-based protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and B-complex vitamins.

Plant-based protein supports cell regeneration. Iron helps form red blood cells and aids postpartum recovery. Calcium and phosphorus strengthen bones and teeth, while B vitamins support energy metabolism.

However, behind its benefits, jengkol also contains jengkolic acid, a natural compound that can accumulate in the kidneys and cause digestive problems or even jengkol poisoning (painful urination).

According to the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition (2020), jengkolic acid isn’t harmful in small amounts for healthy individuals. But in those with kidney problems, it may trigger urinary tract inflammation.

So, can breastfeeding mothers eat jengkol? Yes, as long as it’s consumed in moderation and the mother is in good health.

Read also: Can Breastfeeding Mothers Drink Ice-Cold Beverages? Find Out the Facts Here!  

Effects of Eating Jengkol on Breastfeeding Mothers

Source: Freepik

Although nutritious, jengkol is still a food that breastfeeding mothers should be cautious about. Here are some of its possible effects:

1. Changes in Body Odor and Breast Milk Aroma
   Jengkol contains volatile compounds that produce a strong odor, which can be excreted through sweat and breast milk. Some babies sensitive to smell might refuse to nurse.
   

2. Digestive Discomfort
   Eating too much jengkol can cause bloating, nausea, or abdominal pain due to its acidity. This discomfort can interfere with the breastfeeding process.
   

3. Kidney Risks
   Excessive intake of jengkolic acid may form crystals in the urinary tract, leading to painful urination. Therefore, can breastfeeding mothers eat jengkol every day? The answer is no, consume it occasionally and in small portions only.
   

Read also: Can Breastfeeding Mothers Eat Durian? Check Out the Facts Here 

Effects on the Baby

Jengkol consumption can also indirectly affect the baby, mainly through changes in the aroma and taste of breast milk.

• Baby refuses to nurse: Some babies are highly sensitive to the smell of breast milk. If the mother eats jengkol, the milk’s aroma may change, making the baby refuse to nurse.
  

• Risk of colic or fussiness: Although jengkol isn’t toxic, certain compounds from the mother’s diet can cause mild digestive discomfort in sensitive babies, leading to fussiness or colic.
  

• No direct toxic effect: When consumed in moderation, jengkol doesn’t have any toxic impact on babies. Still, the baby’s comfort should always come first.

So, can breastfeeding mothers eat jengkol? Yes, but they should observe their baby’s reaction afterward. If the baby becomes fussy or refuses to nurse, it’s best to stop eating jengkol for a few days.

Read also: Can Breastfeeding Mothers Eat Pineapple? Find Out Here! 

Medical Facts: Is It Safe or Not?

Source: Freepik

According to nutrition experts and the Indonesian Journal of Nutrition, jengkol isn’t categorized as a prohibited food for breastfeeding mothers. However, its intake should still be limited because excessive consumption of jengkolic acid can strain the kidneys. The strong aroma may also alter the taste and smell of breast milk, which might make some babies reluctant to feed.

Therefore, can breastfeeding mothers eat jengkol? Yes, but only in small portions and not too frequently. To make it safer, boil jengkol until it’s soft to reduce its jengkolic acid content. Avoid combining it with high-purine foods such as salted fish or organ meats, which can further burden the kidneys.

After eating jengkol, mothers should drink plenty of water to help flush out residual jengkolic acid through urine. It’s also important to monitor both the mother’s and baby’s reactions. If symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or baby fussiness occur, stop eating jengkol and consult a healthcare professional.

Read also: Mom, Recognize the Signs That Your Baby Is Full After Breastfeeding

How to Maintain the Quality and Freshness of Breast Milk

Whatever a mother eats, the quality of her breast milk can still be maintained through a healthy lifestyle and proper storage. Even if she occasionally eats jengkol, breast milk will stay fresh if handled and stored correctly.

Many mothers maintain a balanced diet, green vegetables, protein-rich foods, and enough fluids. However, the quality of breast milk can still deteriorate if stored improperly. Milk kept for too long in non-airtight containers can absorb odors from the environment, especially if the mother has recently eaten jengkol.

That’s why, besides watching what they eat, mothers should also use high-quality storage containers for breast milk. The question isn’t just “Can breastfeeding mothers eat jengkol?” but also “How can they keep their breast milk fresh and safe even after eating their favorite foods?”

Read also: Fussy Baby While Nursing? Here Are 9 Common Causes and How to Handle Them

The Role of Hegen Bottles in Supporting High-Quality Breast Milk

Hegen offers a modern solution for mothers who want to preserve the quality of their breast milk in a practical and hygienic way. Here are the key advantages of Hegen products:

1. BPA-Free and Non-Toxic Materials
   Hegen’s bottles and storage containers are made from premium PPSU material, free from BPA, BPS, and phthalates, to prevent chemical contamination even during long-term storage.
   

2. Air-Tight Storage System
   Hegen’s air-tight lids prevent external odors or contamination, including the smell of jengkol, from affecting the stored breast milk.
   

3. One System for All Needs
   From pumping and storing to warming and feeding, everything can be done in a single container, minimizing spills and ensuring hygiene.
   

4. Breast-Like Teat Design
   Hegen’s nipple design mimics a mother’s breast, allowing babies to feed comfortably without nipple confusion.

Read also: Baby Vaccinations: Schedule & Tips to Calm Fussiness – Hegen Indonesia

By using the Hegen Breast Pump and Hegen Storage Bottles, mothers can enjoy jengkol occasionally without worrying about milk quality. The milk remains fresh, safe, and nutritious for the baby.

So, can breastfeeding mothers eat jengkol? Absolutely, when consumed in moderation, not too often, and with attention to the baby’s reaction. Still, maintaining breast milk quality is more important than avoiding a single food.

With Hegen’s safe, hygienic, and mother-friendly storage system, you can continue enjoying your favorite meals without compromising your baby’s comfort and health.

Protect your breast milk’s quality with Hegen bottles, safe, hygienic, and made for modern mothers. The best investment for your baby’s growth and development. Visit Hegen Indonesia’s official store to shop now!

Featured image – Freepik