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Can a nursing mom have jam?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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This question repeatedly worries young mothers, because during the period of breastfeeding all dietary preferences of the mother should be revised in favor of products with greater benefit for the baby? But is it true that you can't eat any jam and what should you eat at all?

According to current recommendations, you do not need to eliminate any food from your diet. Eating a nutritious diet filled with a variety of healthy foods helps maintain health and provides your infant with the nutrients he or she needs to grow properly. If you are not allergic to strawberries or any other berries, you can safely include them in your diet as jam. However, keep an eye on your baby and any negative reactions.

Generally speaking, the answer to the question of whether jam is allowed during lactation is unambiguous - yes! But what kind of jam is allowed for a nursing mother, this issue needs to be approached very differentiated.

Unlike butter, margarine, Nutella and cheese, jam does not contain cholesterol and fats that are harmful to your body. Jam is rich in sugar and a great source of energy and fiber.

Jam is a concentrated source of nutrition when made with fully ripened fruit. Mixed types of jam usually have a more pronounced flavor, but only single-ingredient jams are allowed when feeding.

Jam is a canned fruit product. While many fresh fruits are not allowed for mothers due to the risk of allergic reactions and possible dyspeptic disorders in the baby, cooked fruits can be an alternative. Naturally, when cooking or preserving fruits for jam, many useful substances are lost, but some vitamins are still preserved. Therefore, jam can be eaten during lactation, but you need to figure out which one will be the most useful.

How to choose jam during lactation?

Can a nursing mother have homemade jam? This question is really important because store-bought jam does not taste the same as homemade jam. And if the jam is prepared correctly, then it is really better to give preference to homemade jam. After all, you can make it from the best fruits and preserve the maximum vitamins. Homemade jam is the best choice for a mother because it is made with pieces of fruit, not just juice. The pieces of fruit in the jam will provide additional nutrients, as well as fiber. In addition, you need to take into account the amount of sugar and the type of sugar used to make your jam. Therefore, preference is given to homemade products that contain a known content of sugar and other healthy fruits.

What is the best thing to eat jam with? There are no strict restrictions, but you should remember about proper nutrition and minimized consumption of harmful carbohydrates. Therefore, it is better to leave fresh buns for later, when you are sure that they will not harm you.

How much jam can you eat while breastfeeding? First, try eating a minimal amount of jam and watch your baby's reaction. If you ate 20 grams of jam, and after a day the baby did not become more restless than usual, then everything is fine. You should also pay attention to the baby's skin and see if there are any rashes or redness. You need to pay attention to the baby's stool, if it is the same, then you can eat this jam in the same amount. It is not recommended to increase the dose of jam, it is better to eat less, but regularly.

Raspberry jam

Contains a large number of vitamins that are essential for maintaining good skin health as well as the overall health of the body. Sweet and juicy raspberries are filled with many nutrients that are ideal for the body of a nursing mother. 100 grams of raspberries contain only 52 calories with zero cholesterol. It is also a good source of saturated fat, a healthier version of fats that are needed for hormone production and energy.

Raspberry jam also produces a good amount of carbohydrates, which maintains muscle and central nervous system function. 6.5 g of dietary fiber, which is 16% of the recommended daily intake, stimulates movement in the intestines, thereby improving bowel movements.

Excess weight is one of the problems that many mothers face after childbirth. This product can be used for weight loss because it is rich in manganese and dietary fiber, which helps in increasing the metabolic rate, thereby preventing the accumulation of fat in the body. Raspberry jam can have a positive effect on weight management due to two powerful compounds called ketone and tyroside. These properties are very effective antioxidants that cleanse the body of toxins. Raspberry is one of the rare sources of ketone. This property cannot be found in any other fruits and vegetables. Ketone increases the metabolism of fats in the body, thereby increasing oxygen consumption. This will lead to less fat deposits, especially in fat cells. Consuming raspberries also slows down the activity of pancreatic lipase. This is a digestive enzyme that absorbs fat. If pancreatic lipase slows down, the body will be able to absorb less fat, which prevents obesity. The thyroside content helps to avoid inflammation, which leads to the development of unwanted fats.

Raspberries used to make this jam contain ellagic acid and prevent cancer by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause cancer. This fruit also contains some antioxidants that prevent the accumulation of harmful substances in the body, which can lead to certain health complications. Raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. This vitamin develops the body's resistance to infectious elements. Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins that the body needs. Vitamin C stabilizes overall health. With sufficient vitamin C in the body, protection is established against common diseases. Vitamin C cleanses the body at the cellular level. It stops the accumulation of free radicals, which leads to disorders that lead to illnesses and diseases.

Raspberry jam also provides a significant amount of vitamins E and K. Vitamin E normalizes cells and tissues. It also protects red blood cells. Vitamin K, on the other hand, is very important for blood clotting and maintaining liver health.

In addition to the above vitamins, raspberry jam is also an excellent source of minerals, including manganese, copper, potassium, and iron. The 29% manganese found in raspberries helps convert fats and protein into energy, as well as the formation of bones and cartilage, the latter of which is useful for wound healing. Copper also helps in bone formation, as well as the formation of red blood cells and the metabolism of iron. Iron interacts with copper in the creation of red blood cells, as it functions in the synthesis of DNA. Finally, 3% potassium works to balance fluids in the body. Vitamins, including various flavonoid substances, make raspberries a rich source of antioxidants that are essential for the body of both mother and child.

These flavonoids are one of the most effective antioxidants that can optimize not only the function of the heart but also the functions of other parts of the body. Flavonoids prevent inflammation by avoiding the accumulation of platelets. This antioxidant also regulates blood pressure by relaxing the veins and arteries to optimize blood circulation to and from the heart. It also strengthens the walls of the arteries to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Raspberry jam is an excellent source of fiber, which is known to regulate proper digestion. It also has a high water content, which helps smooth out the digestion process. It is very important that the digestion process is carried out properly because the body absorbs nutrients extracted from the food we consume. If the food is not broken down properly, the body will lack the vitamins and minerals needed to function optimally. This can lead to disorders that lead to illness.

Another important property of raspberry jam in particular for your baby is that it protects the retina from damage that can cause infections, disorders and even blindness.

Apricot jam

This is one of the healthiest fruit jams in the world, with a ton of benefits. 100 grams of apricot jam gives you 12% of the vitamin C, 12% of the vitamin A, and 6% of the potassium your body requires – all for less than 50 calories. Apricot jam contains vitamin A, which is also known as retinol. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in improving vision, among other things. And it keeps the immune system in check, protecting your skin in the process. Retinol and beta-carotene (also present in apricots) also reduce the chances of vision problems in both mother and baby.

If your jam has apricot pieces, then apricots are a good source of dietary fiber. Given that the retinol in apricot is fat-soluble, the fruit dissolves easily in the body, and the important nutrients are easily absorbed by the system. And it quickly breaks down fatty acids, which means your digestion is in order.

Considering that apricot jam contains a lot of fiber, it helps to reduce the bad cholesterol content in the body, and this means that your heart is protected. And at the same time, it increases the good cholesterol. In addition, the potassium content balances the electrolyte levels in our system, keeping our heart muscles in order.

Apricot jam is a natural source of antioxidants. Antioxidants, in turn, also kill free radicals that damage our cells.

Any plant product that contains iron has non-heme iron, which is what apricot jam has. This type of iron takes time to be absorbed by the body, and the longer it stays in the system, the better your chances of preventing anemia. It is recommended to take vitamin C with it to ensure better absorption of the iron.

Dietary fiber in apricot jam improves the digestive system of mother and baby. Therefore, a moderate amount of apricot jam will be very useful for a nursing mother, given the low allergenic potential of this product.

If you are breastfeeding during the period when strawberries are actively growing, then you are not recommended to try fresh strawberries, despite all their beneficial properties. In this case, jam can be an alternative, which is considered less allergenic than fresh berries. Strawberry jam is filled with many vitamins and minerals that you and your breastfeeding baby need for good health. Many nursing mothers are deficient in iron, and adding strawberries while breastfeeding is one way to increase your intake. One serving of strawberry jam also provides a small amount of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Strawberries are a healthy source of vitamin C, which you need every day while breastfeeding.

Strawberry jam

It is natural fiber and vital vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients that are low in sugar.

Strawberry jam plays an important role in the development of nerve fibers, which is important during the intensive growth stage of your baby. Strawberries are high in antioxidants, which protect brain cells from damage due to free radicals. They also change the way neurons in the brain communicate with each other. This ultimately leads to improved formation and conduction of nerve impulses, which can improve your baby's memory.

Strawberry jam contains quercetin, and consuming quercetin along with regular exercise may reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaque.

Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C, which plays an important role in preventing inflammation.

Strawberries are known to contain pectin, which is a type of soluble fiber that reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the body.

Strawberry jam can cause colic, fussiness, and discomfort in infants. If your baby has colic, he or she will likely cry, act fussy, or pull his or her legs toward his or her chest in pain. Monitor your baby's symptoms and avoid strawberries to see if they go away over the next few days.

Highly allergenic foods can pass through your breast milk. Strawberries are a highly allergenic food, which means they can cause an allergic reaction even if you eat the jam. Signs of an allergic reaction can include fussiness, diarrhea, and skin rashes. If your baby shows any of these symptoms after eating strawberry jam, do not eat it again.

Currant jam

It has a wide range of health benefits. In addition to this, blackcurrant berries contain much more vitamin C than any other natural plant or food source (about five times more than a fresh orange). When it comes to vitamin C-rich foods, blackcurrant jam is a superfood. The nutritional benefits of vitamin C for the body are significant. It is used by our body to metabolize protein and form collagen.

The purple color of blackcurrant indicates the presence of anthocyanins, which have exceptionally strong antioxidant activity, as well as other health-promoting qualities.

Research shows that blackcurrant jam has significantly higher levels of antioxidant activity than other fruits. And even if you eat blackcurrants in jam form, it is important to know that blackcurrant antioxidants appear to be very stable and remain active after processing.

Another important benefit of blackcurrant jam is that it contains a lot of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are also great for heart health. These essential fatty acids can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad cholesterol” levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. They also help develop neural connections in your baby’s brain.

Blackcurrant has excellent antibacterial properties because it contains chemical compounds - tannin and anthocyanin. Both of them can prevent the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract, so currant jam prevents urinary tract infections.

Considering the benefits of currant jam and its good tolerance by the child, you can try adding such jam when breastfeeding.

Cherry jam

Contains many vitamins such as vitamin C, potassium, and beta-carotene.

Cherries, as a fruit itself, have a high water content; increasing water usage will definitely lead to increased energy levels as well as improved metabolic processes. If cherry jam is prepared correctly without excess sugar, the benefits of cherries are also preserved.

Cherry jam has some beneficial properties. Anthocyanins, antioxidants in cherry jams, are substances that are associated with protection against free radicals, as well as the suppression of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Therefore, cherry jam has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, equating to folk medicine.

Dark cherry jam contains quercetin, ellagic acid and a large amount of melatonin. All these components effectively affect the mother's nervous system and improve the duration of sleep and treat insomnia.

Cherry jam contains antioxidants and provides an excellent source of vitamins B1-B3, B5, B6, C, K, potassium and magnesium for the body. It is low in fat and also contains no cholesterol, so jam is an ideal snack or even a treatment to help you lose weight.

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Plum jam

Unlike butter and cheese, they do not contribute to the cholesterol and fat content and are therefore a preferred breakfast accent for nursing mothers. Plum jam is one of the healthiest types of jam for improving digestion. Pectin is a substance found in all fruits. During the heating process when making jam, this substance is modified. Modified pectin increases peristalsis and helps with constipation, which can affect not only the mother, but also get into breast milk and prevent constipation in the baby.

Plum jams are rich in sugar and a good source of energy. Plums are rich in fiber, vitamin C, A and antioxidants. Plums contain a good amount of magnesium, which can relax muscles and prevent stress. Given the low allergenic activity, a young mother can eat plum jam in moderation without harm to the child.

Blueberry jam

Loaded with nutrients and widely known for its health benefits, especially for children. And if a mother eats jam while breastfeeding her baby, the effect on the baby's brain development will be significant. Blueberries are considered one of the most nutritious berries. One cup of blueberry jam (148 grams) contains 24% of the recommended vitamin C, 36% of the recommended vitamin K, and 25% of manganese, in addition to fiber.

Blueberries are about 85% water and are very low in calories and carbohydrates, but rich in nutrients. The antioxidant compounds found in blueberries are able to maintain their protective properties even after cooking. Blueberry jam also helps maintain brain function, reduces oxidative damage to brain cells, and improves your developing baby’s memory.

Pear jam

Unlike plum jam, it has a binding effect, so when choosing this or that jam, you should pay attention to what kind of stool your baby has. Pear jam is also very useful for new mothers. The health benefits of pear jam for babies include a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is easily digestible, helps in healing wounds faster, stimulates the immune system and also has antimicrobial properties. One of the main reasons why pear jam should be included in the diet of a mother while breastfeeding is to provide essential vitamins and minerals in addition to a regular supply of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Pears contain a number of vitamins such as vitamin A1, B1, Niacin, B2, Niacin, Folate, E and C. There are important mineral extracts such as potassium, copper and phosphorus in pears with low levels of sulfur, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium and chlorine. There are several varieties of pears that have a very rich source of iron in them. Vitamins and minerals play a big role in the overall development of your baby, including strengthening the immune system, improving vision, bone growth, brain development, red blood cell production. Each vitamin and mineral plays a major role in the overall development of your baby. And all these vitamins are supplied through breast milk up to the period of six months. Since fresh pear fruit may have some side effects, it is better to give preference to pear jam.

Pear jam is one of the richest sources of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are those biochemicals that are important in protecting cells, tissues and DNA from damage. As the food we eat is broken down into specific nutrients and consumed by each cell in our body, the cell releases certain chemicals known as free radicals as residue. These free radical molecules do not have electrons and to stabilize themselves chemically, they rip electrons from anywhere including cells, tissues and even DNA. This causes damage to cells and DNA that can sometimes be irreparable. Babies are also vulnerable to attacks from free radicals. So, providing fruits, vegetables and herbs regularly in mom’s diet helps maintain antioxidant levels.

The flesh of pear fruits is very soft and tender. This makes jam from these fruits one of the ideal candidates for good digestion by the mother. It is also useful at a time when your child suffers from problems related to digestion, including a tendency to functional diarrhea.

Pear jam has antimicrobial properties. This quality is possessed by biochemical substances from pear. They are effective against bacterial species that usually cause diseases.

Another benefit of pear fruit is its wound healing property. Pear is also very good for the immune system. The immune system is stimulated by biochemicals such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. These biochemicals enhance the body's immune alertness. The measures that need to be taken while breastfeeding your baby and eating pear jam are to prevent allergies. Since pear belongs to the family of plants that cause allergies, there is a possibility that even pear can cause allergies in your baby.

Strawberry jam

It is related to strawberries by its genus. Therefore, the degree of allergenicity of such jam is equal to strawberries. Strawberry jam also has a number of vitamins, but also those components that are exclusively contained only in this berry. Strawberry jam can be a good source of calcium and phosphorus. Your child's growth will depend on how much dietary calcium he gets every day. As we all know, calcium is necessary for bone growth, as well as for the development and functioning of muscles, heart and nerves. Phosphorus, on the other hand, also helps in bone development along with improving digestion, breaking down protein, restoring cells and various chemical reactions that occur in the body. Strawberries are a good source of folate or folic acid. Folic acid is very important for babies and young children. Folate helps in the production of red blood cells and is good for brain development. All these elements the child can get from your milk if you eat strawberry jam.

However, strawberry jam can be potentially dangerous for infants. Therefore, it is recommended to try introducing it into the diet in very small quantities and monitor the child's reaction.

Gooseberry jam

One of the healthiest low-calorie foods. Gooseberry contains a lot of water and vitamins, which is also preserved when making jam. It has low sugar content, unlike other berries, which ensures a healthier digestive system. Gooseberry is a really fiber-rich fruit. It will help in healthy and balanced bowel movement and also cleanse the intestinal tract thoroughly. Its bitter and sour taste activates many taste receptors and also helps in activating digestive enzymes. These types of juices help in proper breakdown of food elements effectively. It is known to neutralize the acidity in the stomach and has a cooling effect. Gooseberry jam reduces gastric problems as it has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a good antidote for indigestion. It reduces acidity if taken on an empty stomach.

Gooseberry is rich in minerals such as chromium, zinc, copper, iron and others. Therefore, gooseberry jam is considered useful for both mother and child, and even prevents hair loss due to hormonal changes in the mother's body.

Quince jam

It can be classified as an exotic type of jam, so many mothers are afraid to try it and prefer those types of jam that are made from locally grown fruits. But this is not quite right, because in fact, quince is a very healthy product, and quince jam almost never causes allergies. In addition to the astringent, sour taste, quince is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consumption of 92 g of quince jam offers 0.6 mg of selenium, 13.8 mg of vitamin C, 0.12 mg of copper, 14.08 g of carbohydrates, 0.64 mg of iron, 1.7 g of total dietary fiber, 181 mg of potassium, 0.037 mg of vitamin B6 and 16 mg of phosphorus. Like most fruits, quince is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and C, fiber, and minerals such as potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Quince jam is low in fat. The rich nutritional value of quince makes it beneficial for your health in the following ways.

Taking quince jam reduces cholesterol levels in the body. Antioxidant activity can reduce fat oxidation, neutralize triglycerides, and reduce fat found between blood vessels. In addition, quince skin contains a flavonoid called quercetin. This flavonoid can reduce inflammation in our blood vessels, which is a heart booster.

Flavonoid compounds and phytonutrients can reduce the severity of vision problems and also enhance the maturation of cones in your baby's eye. This will help prevent future vision problems in your baby and reduce the risk of your baby developing color blindness.

Quince jam can help in the formation of red blood cells. Copper and iron are necessary for the new formation of blood cells. Higher levels of iron in berries can significantly improve the production of red blood cells. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and fatigue.

Peach jam

It has a similar structure and composition as apricot. Considering that apricots are considered a local product, and peaches are exotic, it is recommended to reduce the level of consumption of peaches during lactation. But this does not apply to peach jam, because it is a boiled product, which is not as allergenic as fresh fruits.

About 50 grams of peach jam provides you with the following nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, iron. Peach jam is extremely rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the formation of baby’s bones, 100 grams of peach fruit gives you 6.6 milligrams of this vitamin. Vitamin C helps your body easily absorb iron, helping you and your baby prevent anemia. 100 grams of peach jam provides about four micrograms of folate. Folate is an important nutrient during your lactation period. It minimizes baby’s restlessness, mother’s fatigue, leg cramps. Peach jam maintains fluid balance in mother and baby. Peach jam is rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin. These nutrients are important for the healthy development of baby’s eyes and vision.

The abundant potassium present in peaches is good for the baby's circulatory system. Excessive sodium intake can be harmful to infants as their immature kidneys cannot process the mineral. They get enough from breast milk. Peaches are low in sodium.

Peach jam contains fluoride, which is essential for healthy bone and tooth development. Adequate fluoride intake helps prevent dental caries or tooth decay.

Peaches are a good source of dietary fiber, offering about 1.5 grams per 100 grams of fruit. The recommended daily intake of phosphorus during lactation is 700 milligrams, and 100 grams of peach fruit provides 20 mg of this nutrient. This helps build strong bones in both the mother and the growing baby. Thus, peach jam provides everything that is needed during lactation.

Fig jam

Used to treat various diseases. Ayurveda uses figs as a cure for fevers, asthma, hemorrhages and epilepsy.

There are many health benefits that figs provide. But, there is a doubt whether fig jam can be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother and whether it will be harmful to babies. It turns out that figs can be introduced into baby food and they provide essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the growth of the child.

Fig jam helps in digestion. This benefit is especially useful in case of babies whose digestive system is very weak and therefore they need very soft food. Introducing figs into the diet of a lactating mother can help in smooth digestion of food and improve the baby's stool.

The need for vitamins and minerals is more in infants and children as compared to adults. In infants and children, vitamins and minerals play an important role in the development of their body and brain. Minerals such as iron, copper, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium are essential for the development of various organs in the body. Fig jam is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and including figs on a regular basis may prove to be a better option in the long run.

Improving the immune system function should also be a top priority for a mother when it comes to the overall health of the baby. Figs can help you with this. The various biochemicals and polyphenols found in them are known to improve the immune system.

Fig jam does not need to be cooked for long, especially if you use fresh fruit. When boiling, make sure you do not throw away the boiled water, as the water will contain all the nutrients.

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Cloudberry jam

You need to eat it very carefully. Despite the fact that it contains many vitamins, in particular vitamin C, this product has many laxatives. This can increase peristalsis in the mother and can cause diarrhea for the child. Therefore, it is better to taste such jam after the lactation period.

Sea buckthorn jam

It is known for its anti-flu effect. It increases the activity of the immune system during the cold season and prevents colds. Considering that a young mother should not get sick while breastfeeding, sea buckthorn jam can help with this. In addition, sea buckthorn jam contains vitamins B, K, PP, which improves the barrier function of the baby's skin, which is so important for him during this period. But you need to remember that you need to eat fresh sea buckthorn jam, made from fruits this year, since harmful substances can accumulate in it later.

Cranberry jam

Very useful for the cardiovascular system. It contains a lot of vitamin K, which also allows the baby to ensure the normal functioning of the blood clotting system.

For mom, cranberry jam can be useful due to the content of active antioxidants that regulate metabolism and improve digestion.

Dogwood jam

It is used in Arab countries as the main remedy for the prevention and treatment of colds. Since this plant is not so common in our area, it is in vain not used for the same purpose. Since nursing mothers cannot use drugs during the season of illnesses, then in this case dogwood jam can be an excellent choice. Dogwood contains pectin, organic acids, tannin, sugar, resin and vitamin C, and what is interesting is that it has more vitamin C than an orange. It has a wide range of therapeutic effects and can be used in the following situations: sore throat, anemia, kidney disease.

Dogwood tea can be used as a natural way to combat fever and digestive problems. Tannin and pectin, as one of the main components of this plant, have a positive effect on the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, it can be recommended for nursing mothers.

Jam during breastfeeding can be an excellent source of vitamins that are not available at a certain time of year, or which can be allergens in fresh form. Therefore, nursing mothers should not refuse jam, thinking that there is nothing useful in it. If jam is prepared correctly, it can preserve many nutritional elements and vitamins for the mother and her baby.

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