Having Ginger During Breastfeeding – Is it Safe?

Ginger is a naturally occurring ingredient used as an herb or a spice in traditional Indian cooking. It is also used in various other cuisines for its distinct flavor and multiple health benefits. Ginger teas are a favorite for tea drinkers, especially during cold weather or when they are feeling dull.

Ginger has a strong taste and smell. It can be a little hard on some digestive systems, resulting in mild gastrointestinal issues. If you experience anything negative after consuming ginger, you should cut back on the quantity or try consuming it again after a few days, your body might need some more time to digest something so strong.

Similarly, different bodies react differently to ginger. If your baby does not like the taste of your breastmilk or has digestive issues after you consume ginger, you may want to reduce your ginger consumption or try again after a few days.

Does Ginger Increase Breastmilk Supply?

In many parts of the world, new mothers consume forms of ginger right after childbirth. Many believe ginger helps in the easy healing of the womb as well as stimulates breastmilk production. Ginger is a galactagogue – a category of food that helps increase breast milk supply. Galactagogues work differently for different women. So, the results will vary from one to another.

According to some studies conducted in Japan, regular consumption of a herbal mixture including ginger powder, increased the breastmilk supply in many women. Many Indian households include ginger in the breastfeeding mother’s diet, to increase her milk supply.

Ginger may increase the milk supply for some women and may not have any effect on the milk supply for others. Remember, each body is unique and your body may react differently to ginger than how others react to it.

Does Ginger Affect The Flavor Of Breastmilk?

Did you know that the flavor of the foods you eat can impact the flavor of your breast milk? So, if you eat too much garlic one day, it can change the taste of your breast milk. Research also shows that babies will easily adapt to the food flavors they have exposure to, through breast milk. When they start their solids, they tend to accept these flavors readily since it is not completely new to them.

Not all babies are ready to accept the changes in breast milk. Just like all other humans, babies can also like or dislike certain flavors. So, if your baby seems to dislike the garlic flavor, you may want to consider cutting back on your garlic consumption.

Top 6 Benefits Of Ginger For Nursing Mothers

According to many studies and age-old beliefs, ginger can benefit nursing mothers in the following ways.

1. Improves Nausea

Many new mothers may feel nauseous even after delivery. A tiny piece of ginger candy or including ginger in their diet can help reduce this feeling. Some women find smelling essential oils can help reduce the nauseous feeling.

2. Betters Digestion

Ginger can help reduce bloating, constipation, and flatulence. It can also help relieve intestinal cramps.

3. Improves Overall Health

Consuming ginger in limited quantities can help reduce oxidative stress and improve overall health and well-being. Ginger has antioxidant properties, that can help maintain health in the long run.

4. Improve Immunity

Antioxidants in ginger can help improve your immunity and keep those colds and sniffles at bay. A new mother’s immunity is still weak and adding a little ginger to her diet can help her immune system fight infections.

5. Reduces Pain

Consuming ginger soon after childbirth can help heal wounds and the womb. Ginger has pain-alleviating properties that can help reduce chronic pains in some women.

6. Helps With Allergies

New mothers are prone to various allergies due to a weak immune system. A new mother’s general weakness can make her sensitive to many elements in the environment. Ginger has long been in use for treating allergies. Adding ginger to a nursing mother’s diet can help alleviate some allergy symptoms.

Side Effects Of Ginger When Breastfeeding

There is not sufficient research on this topic. Many consider ginger to be an all-natural and healthy ingredient that can increase breast milk supply. However, there are no reported cases of any harmful or unwanted side effects of consuming ginger during breastfeeding. Some studies show ginger has a positive effect on milk supply and no negative effect in the early postpartum period.

Some possible side effects of consuming ginger are

• Gastrointestinal issues like bloating or flatulence
• Change in taste or smell of breastmilk
• May interfere with certain medications
• May increase bile flow and affect women already suffering from gallstones or gallbladder issues.

How To Consume Ginger When Breastfeeding?

Ginger is very versatile and you can add it to various dishes. Many households consume ginger in a raw or crushed state. If you are breastfeeding and worry about ginger impacting the taste of your breast milk, you can consume it in the following ways.

a. Ginger Tea

Use freshly cut ginger slices or pieces to make some aromatic warm ginger tea. This drink can hydrate and refresh you during those initial never-ending days of motherhood.

b. Ginger Powder

You can sun dry some fresh ginger, powder it, and store it for later use. You can use this powder in various dishes and drinks. You can even add it to your soup or salads.

c. Ginger Root

You can use fresh ginger root to flavor a variety of dishes. You can powder or crush the root and use it in your daily cooking to enjoy the benefits without a strong flavor.

d. Ginger Ale

You can pair fresh ginger with some natural sweeteners for some homemade ginger ale or use the store bough mix, but ensure you check the list of ingredients first.

Ginger is a natural ingredient with multiple benefits for both breastfeeding mothers and others. Scientifically and medically, ginger does not have any negative effects on the mother or the baby’s health. The key here is to listen to your body and consume ginger in ways and quantities that suit or benefit your body.

FAQ’s

1. Can a Breastfeeding Mom Take Ginger And Lemon Water?

Yes, she can consume them as long as she does not have any negative gastrointestinal effects. As long as she consumes this water in moderation, it won’t cause any harm. She can consume a maximum of 75 ml a day.

2. Is Ginger And Turmeric Good For Breastfeeding?

Yes, ginger and turmeric are galactagogues with antioxidant properties. They can help increase breastmilk supply and improve the nursing mother’s immunity.