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Can breastfeeding mom dairy products: milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Dairy products during breastfeeding should be a mandatory and integral part of the nursing mother's diet. They contain many substances without which your baby will not be able to actively develop. But there are dairy products that are more useful for mother and child and you need to know about the benefits of different dairy products.

Benefits of Dairy Products During Lactation

Breastfeeding is a time when you are overwhelmed with changing emotions and many questions. While you are breastfeeding, it is important to have a healthy and balanced diet that is nutritious for both you and your little one. Dairy products are a vital source of calcium in food. Having enough dairy products in a lactating mother’s diet will help you meet your baby’s mineral needs. A breastfeeding woman requires between 1000 and 1300 mg of calcium per day. By regularly consuming dairy products during lactation, this level of calcium is provided for both mother and baby. This is certainly a health benefit compared to taking any calcium supplements.

For nursing mothers, it is recommended to take three servings of milk or other dairy products every day.

Children whose mothers get enough dairy products through breastfeeding may weigh more and grow faster. They also develop more actively and suffer less from allergic reactions later in life. Dairy products consumed during breastfeeding also reduce the risk of osteoporosis in children. It also reduces the risk of neonatal rickets, as milk is rich in vitamin D. And what’s more, if you want children with a high IQ, the iodine content in milk will improve the development of the child’s brain.

Dairy products are an excellent antacid. Since heartburn and other stomach problems are common when breastfeeding, drinking milk helps alleviate these symptoms.

Milk is one of the products that is not so well accepted by newborns. But, despite this, milk cannot be excluded from the diet of a nursing mother. A minimum amount of milk should be in her diet, and based on the child's reaction, this amount can be reduced or increased. What milk to choose when breastfeeding?

With so many different types of milk available in the market today, it can be difficult to know which type of milk is right for you and your baby.

  1. Skim milk is a good choice if you don’t want to gain weight. Cow’s milk goes through a process where the harmful fatty acids are reduced to make it light in color. This process also reduces fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and C, which are essential for your baby. This is important to consider because as the fat content decreases, so does the amount of minerals. One cup of skim milk has about 300 milligrams of calcium. Drinking 2 cups each day can help you meet most of your daily calcium needs while lactating.
  2. Whole milk has almost 3.5 percent more fat. If you are not overweight after giving birth and do not want to gain weight, having full-fat milk in your lactation diet may be a good option.
  3. Pasteurized milk should always be used by a mother, even if you have previously preferred homemade milk. Regardless of whether you choose skim or full-fat milk, it is important that it is pasteurized.

After all, you are now responsible for both yourself and your baby. During the pasteurization process, microbes that cause some diseases are usually destroyed by heating at high temperatures. Consuming raw milk (which is not pasteurized) increases the risk of some diseases.

  1. The most common and sought after milk is cow's milk. It is the most widely used milk and is available as whole milk, skim milk, nonfat milk and flavored milk.

Cow's milk is a pool of amino acids that help build cells in the mother's body as well as the baby's body. Vitamin D present in cow's milk is essential to prevent diabetes in mothers and also helps in the growth of the baby. Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant and helps prevent many diseases.

  1. Goat milk, unlike cow milk, has a higher protein content, lower globulin content and more vitamin B2. Dietary fats - in goat milk help to lower cholesterol and speed up the metabolism process. This helps in digestion. Goat milk has a very high percentage of vitamin E, which is immediately absorbed by the body. It also contains high levels of vitamin B2, which stimulates the production of antibodies and thus maintains a healthy immune system. A glass of goat milk contains 283 mg of calcium.
  2. Soy milk is made by grinding soybeans soaked in water. You can also find varieties fortified with fiber or calcium. Soy milk contains almost the same level of protein as cow's milk. This type of milk does not contain cholesterol and provides enough calcium for the developing baby and mother. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids help protect against cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants present in soy milk help fight cancer. A glass of soy milk contains about 290 milligrams of calcium.
  3. Rice milk is available in flavored, low-fat, protein, or calcium-fortified varieties. This milk contains high levels of B vitamins. It is low in fat. Despite its low protein content, it contains more antioxidants in the form of selenium and manganese than other milk options.
  4. Almond milk is a great alternative, especially for those who are intolerant to soy or gluten. Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water. It is free of saturated fat and cholesterol. Almond milk is rich in folate, fiber, protein, vitamin B, calcium, iron, and vitamin E. Almond milk is also low in calories and contains antioxidants that boost the immune system.

It doesn't really matter what type of milk you consume while breastfeeding, as long as you consume the right amount.

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What dairy products can a nursing mother eat?

Often, whole milk, especially in the first few months of breastfeeding, can cause bloating or colic in the baby. In this case, the mother has to limit milk intake, but needs to increase the intake of other products - kefir, yogurt, cheese.

Can a nursing mother eat cheese? Cheese is one of the most nutritious and essential sources of minerals for mother and child. Cheese is a storehouse of nutrients that will improve your health and the growth of your breastfed baby. Eating cheese during lactation will be very beneficial. Eating cheese along with a well-balanced diet will help you consume fewer carbohydrates and control your blood sugar levels.

The most common type of cheese is Swiss cheese. Swiss cheese is a form of pale yellow cheese that has distinctive holes in its slices, which are caused by the release of carbon dioxide during the manufacturing process. Swiss cheese is made using cow's milk. The taste and texture vary depending on the ingredients added. Swiss cheese is a rich source of calcium and other nutrients that are essential for strong teeth and bones.

  1. Swiss cheese is safe and you can enjoy it while breastfeeding. Swiss cheese contains a high concentration of essential nutrients such as calcium and vital proteins. The high calcium content in Swiss cheese helps strengthen the baby’s bones and cartilage. Cheese also offers other essential nutrients such as zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and riboflavin, which are good for you and your baby’s health. The vitamins and minerals in cheese help your body maintain a balanced metabolism. Swiss cheese contains significant amounts of conjugated linoleic acid and sphingolipids, which help prevent heart problems.

Cheese is also a rich source of zinc and biotin. Zinc helps your tissues grow and develop. Biotin helps prevent hair loss, a common complaint among new moms.

  1. Eating blue cheese while breastfeeding can help manage osteoporosis and gout, and keep your teeth healthy and strong. Blue cheese contains saturated fat, so watch your intake.
  2. Tofu is a type of cheese that is rich in all the essential nutrients you need during lactation. Tofu is a kind of curd obtained from soy milk. The gelatinous texture of tofu has no taste of its own. It easily takes on the taste of the foods it is mixed with. Tofu is low in fat and can be a good substitute for cream cheese or eggs. Tofu is often considered a complete food as it contains all 8 essential amino acids. It is also rich in manganese, copper and iron, which should be wisely added to your diet. Copper and iron help in the synthesis of hemoglobin in your body and are a good source of energy. It contains calcium in abundance, which helps in the proper development of your baby’s bones.

You should avoid tofu if you have thyroid problems.

  1. Parmesan cheese is a type of hard cheese that is safe to eat even while breastfeeding. Even though the cheese is made using unpasteurized milk, it is safe because it has a low water content compared to soft cheese, so bacteria are less likely to grow in these types of cheese. Eating Parmesan cheese has many health benefits for both you and your baby. Parmesan cheese is a rich source of proteins, which are especially necessary for your body. This cheese is also a good source of calcium. Parmesan cheese is made in the most natural way and does not contain any preservatives or additives. It also has a very low pH value, which does not allow bad bacteria to grow inside. Parmesan cheese will not cause any stomach problems as it is easy to digest.

Can a nursing mother eat cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is usually a soft, processed cheese. Processed soft cheeses are also useful during lactation. These cheeses have a soft, flexible texture, but can sometimes be watery, runny, or sticky. You can eat cottage cheese if it is made using pasteurized milk. Therefore, it is better to give preference to store-bought cottage cheese during breastfeeding. Soft cheeses are a breeding ground for bacteria and are potential sources of them, so you should eat cottage cheese immediately after you buy it and do not store it.

Can a nursing mother eat yogurt? Dairy products such as yogurt are considered healthy additions to your diet.

Yogurt is a fermented product that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a type of beneficial bacteria. This bacteria helps in the digestion of milk. It especially digests lactose, which adds energy to your body. This bacteria in yogurt mixes with lactic acid and reacts with milk to produce a creamy texture and sour taste.

There are many health benefits of eating yogurt while breastfeeding, making it an ideal addition to your diet. Yogurt, being a dairy product, contains all the nutrients you would find in milk.

It is rich in calcium, which helps in the development of bones and teeth in a small child. Yogurt is rich in protein, which helps in the development of new cells. This vitamin-rich product takes care of most of your vitamin needs. Yogurt contains 1% of the daily intake of vitamin A, a nutrient essential for your baby's eyes. Yogurt also contains a large amount of prebiotics. Prebiotics are bacteria and yeast that thrive in our intestines. These bacteria promote good bacteria in the intestines, which will go a long way in maintaining health. These healthy bacteria prevent problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. So if your baby has problems with stool, then just start giving mom yogurt.

Yogurt is a low-fat dairy product that provides you with your usual dose of minerals and vitamins. If you don’t want to gain weight, avoid yogurt with too much added sugar or syrup. If you’re bored with the taste of plain yogurt, you can add fruit or honey and enjoy a new flavor.

It is not recommended for nursing mothers to eat sour cream, since the high fat content of this product is combined with less benefit. Therefore, you should give preference to other dairy products.

Can a nursing mother eat butter? Yes, you can eat butter during pregnancy. There is no harm in it. But make sure you avoid overeating.

Butter is generally not the best choice during breastfeeding due to its high fat content, but it can be used occasionally. In such a case, choose organic butter that does not contain hormones or additives whenever possible. Butter contains vitamin A, which is an important nutrient for the proper development of the baby. It also contains short and medium chain fatty acids, which help maintain the mother’s cholesterol levels. The saturated fat found in butter helps in building the baby’s muscles. Butter is rich in vitamin E, which helps in the proper development of the fetal brain. Vitamins D, E, and K present in butter help in the absorption of other minerals such as calcium, selenium, magnesium, and iodine, which in turn provide energy.

But despite all the benefits, if you decide to use butter, do so in moderation, as part of a balanced nutritious diet that includes at least two cups of fruit a day and then five grams of butter.

Dairy products in the mother's diet when she feeds her child are very important. They are an abundance of protein, amino acids, calcium, minerals. Therefore, even if you do not like certain dairy products, you can eat cheese, yogurt, kefir, which are also very useful.

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