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Can a breastfeeding mom have nuts?
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Nuts can be taken during breastfeeding, because they can be one of the main sources of many useful substances. It has long been known that nuts are very useful for the brain, as well as for the development of the child. But there are cases in which it is better for mothers not to eat nuts during lactation, and you need to know about such exceptions.
The main conditions for eating nuts during breastfeeding
Since your baby gets all of his nutritional value from breast milk, increase your breast milk production by eating healthy foods. It is very important to be knowledgeable about foods and avoid unhealthy foods while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is very beneficial for the baby as well as the health of the mother. At the time when a mother is breastfeeding, she needs more nutritional calories than before they take during pregnancy. Eating special nuts helps nursing mothers to provide all the needs for health and growth. It also helps in increasing the production of breast milk. Can a nursing mother eat nuts?
It is generally accepted that women who do not have food allergies can eat potentially allergenic foods such as nuts while they are breastfeeding. But it is important to carefully understand the indications and contraindications.
Most often, breastfeeding mothers whose children are at high risk of developing allergies (usually those with a family history of severe food allergies) are advised to eliminate foods such as dairy, nuts, eggs, and fish from their diet. However, there is still no clear evidence that diet will have any effect on whether a child will develop an allergy. In fact, many allergists are now concerned that by eliminating allergens from children’s environments, we are actually increasing the risk of allergies. Current thinking is that if a breastfeeding mother includes nuts or peanuts in her diet, this may reduce the chances of her child developing a food allergy. After all, early exposure to an allergen can significantly increase tolerance and therefore may reduce the risk of food allergies in children. Therefore, nuts are okay for mothers with no history of allergies. However, if you or your spouse and family have a history of nut allergies, it is best to avoid them.
How do you know if your child has a nut allergy?
A breastfed baby may develop a food allergy after the mother consumes certain foods or drinks, such as cow's milk, soy, eggs, seafood, wheat, tree nuts, eggs, and peanuts. Common symptoms of food allergies in children include: loose stools, colic, vomiting, blood or mucus in the stool, and breathing problems.
If your baby seems fussy or develops symptoms like eczema, diarrhea after eating nuts, he may have a sensitivity or allergy to nuts. You may want to consider getting an allergy test done on your baby to confirm whether he is suffering from any allergy or not. In such a case, taking the risk of eating nuts is a no-no.
Useful properties of nuts during lactation
A nut is a fruit that has a hard shell and a tasty seed. The seeds are rich in essential nutrients and you can eat it raw. Nuts are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants and are a must for all age groups.
Choosing nuts as a healthy protein source can provide essential protein and calories for breastfeeding mothers without the hassle of preparation that other foods require. Busy new mothers often have trouble taking the time to prepare meals, and nuts are easy to eat with one hand while holding or even feeding the baby. Nuts like almonds and cashews require no special preparation to eat. Some breastfeeding mothers have a hard time getting all the calories they need for themselves and their milk supply, and calorie-dense nuts can help mothers increase their calorie intake. Nuts are also easy to pack in a diaper bag for a quick and easy snack after feeding. Breastfeeding mothers can choose from many types of nuts that are so beneficial while breastfeeding, including whole nuts, nut butters, and other nut products.
What are the benefits of eating nuts during lactation? Nuts are a rich source of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, fiber, plant sterols, L-arginine, which are very important for the body. All these nutrients are good for heart health. Eating nuts can reduce bad cholesterol in the blood. It can do wonders for your heart in the following ways:
- Prevents blood thickening and thus reduces the risk of thrombosis;
- Helps keep arterial walls free of plaque;
- L-arginine present in nuts helps make artery walls flexible and prevents clots and blockages;
- The fiber and cellulose present in nuts help regulate bowel function, lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diabetes;
- Nuts are rich in antioxidants, which help eliminate free radicals from the body and protect it from oxidative stress.
- Nuts are rich in vitamin E and hence help in nourishing and moisturizing your skin and hair.
Nuts during breastfeeding in the first month can also increase lactation and milk fat content. It is during the period when a woman's milk may not be formed so actively after childbirth that nuts can help activate the process of lactogenesis.
Which nuts should you choose? Walnuts are considered the most universal during breastfeeding, and are the least likely to cause allergic reactions. They also stimulate brain activity and promote active development in the child. Therefore, walnuts can be consumed by almost all mothers.
Pine nuts are beneficial during breastfeeding due to their composition, which is rich in healthy proteins and calcium. Women suffering from poor or low lactation should eat pine nuts to stimulate milk production naturally.
Cashew nuts are one of the richest types of nuts in terms of protein content, so for mothers who are breastfeeding and watching their figure, they are recommended instead of unhealthy snacks.
The high amount of proteins present in cashews helps in the development of the brain and IQ for the development of the baby. It also helps in maintaining the health of the baby and making him more active and healthy. Not only cashews but also hazelnuts contain many nutritional benefits. These nuts contain good and healthy fats that help in avoiding diseases. Peanuts, like other nuts, can prove to be a healthy source of protein that new mothers require during and after pregnancy, especially while breastfeeding. One of the best parts about choosing peanuts is that unlike other sources of protein, they can be consumed raw.
Peanuts can also be a great calorie-rich snack for new moms, and can help provide the extra calories needed while breastfeeding. Peanuts are also a rich source of minerals, including niacin, a healthy source of protein, and healthy fatty acids. Peanuts contain vitamin E to support cellular health and boost immunity. It has the ability to normalize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. The main benefit of these nuts is that they are a rich source of folate, which helps prevent developmental disorders in children.
Can you eat peanut butter while breastfeeding? Well, peanut butter can also provide the mother with a good dose of healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein during this crucial stage.
Therefore, all types of nuts are rich in proteins and unsaturated acids, so you can take any nuts at your own discretion.
Nutmeg during breastfeeding has a lot of conflicting data on its use. Nutmeg has no specific uses related to lactation. There is no data on the release of any components of nutmeg into breast milk or on the safety and effectiveness of nutmeg in nursing mothers or infants. However, nutmeg has strong antibacterial properties. It is effective in killing a number of bacteria that cause inflammation or thrush in the mouth of newborns. Nutmeg contains 10% essential oil, which can cause a specific smell or taste in breast milk. This is the only effect of nutmeg that your baby may not like and he may refuse such food altogether. Therefore, it is possible to use nutmeg if the child perceives it normally.
Young mothers should take special nutrients during breastfeeding as it is very important for the growth of the baby. Special nuts such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts are the best foods for nursing mothers. Eating all types of nuts increases the value of milk and enriches the production of breast milk, so if there is no allergic reaction in the family, it is necessary to take nuts at least once a week.