Eating Jackfruit During Breastfeeding – Is It Safe?

Jackfruit is the newest superfood on the block. It is loved dearly by many for its sweetness and unique texture, but it is also unpopular with other people for its intense fruity smell. Jackfruit is a tropical fruit bursting with vitamin B6 and potassium and is also rich in antioxidants. But should it be consumed during the breastfeeding period? Is it safe for the breastfeeding mother and the baby? The foods that you consume during lactation do reach your baby through the breast milk in tiny quantities. Jackfruit produces a lot of heat in the body, so it is advisable to consume it in moderate amounts during lactation. To learn more about the consumption of jackfruit during breastfeeding, scroll down.

Should You Consume Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?

Jackfruit is a common tropical food that is known for its unique texture and flavour. Many newbie moms care to tread lightly with anything edible available during breastfeeding so it doesn’t hamper their baby, and we totally agree with the dilemmas and doubts. The good news is that consuming jackfruit in breastfeeding is safe. Breastfeeding mothers can eat jackfruit safely as it does not impact the baby. However, it may enter the breastmilk and change its flavour slightly.

To date, there are not many scientific studies claiming to establish an allergic reaction to jackfruit in breastfeeding babies. So, if you notice any change in your little one after your consumption of jackfruit, we suggest you stop eating it.

The benefits of jackfruit for breastfeeding moms are aplenty. Here are some of the commonly known:

• Jackfruit is an excellent source of carbohydrates and fibre.
• The flesh of this wonderful fruit contains simple sugars, i.e., fructose and sucrose, which aid in replenishing and revitalising the body quickly.
• This helps in providing energy to lactating mothers.
• Being low in sodium content, jackfruit during breastfeeding can be an easy snack option.
• The most wonderful benefit of jackfruit for breastfeeding mothers is that it helps the body lose excess water weight.

Are There Any Side Effects of Eating Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?

While jackfruit is one of the best fruits you can consider eating during breastfeeding, there are some side effects of consuming it as well.

• People suffering from blood disorders find their condition aggravated by consuming jackfruit, as eating it may result in coagulation.
• Your child can taste whatever you eat when you’re breastfeeding. Consuming jackfruit can alter the flavour of the milk, which your little one may not like.
• It can cause gastric discomfort in babies who are breastfed.
• It can cause discomfort in breastfeeding moms who are allergic to birch pollen.

How You Can Consume Jackfruit During Breastfeeding?

Jackfruit is a versatile fruit, offering enjoyment both in its natural state and as an ingredient in various dishes. You can either eat it ripe or make flavourful savoury dishes out of it from its raw form. You can make fresh puddings and ice creams using the flesh and roast its seeds for a delicious and light-snacking option.

Precautions to Take While Eating Jackfruit During Lactation

Jackfruit is not known to cause any major side effects when consumed. However, it would be wise to eat it in moderate portions when you are lactating. If you consume jackfruit while you are breastfeeding, your baby will get to taste it as well, and it may give her painful colic or gas. Restrict the consumption of jackfruit if your baby shows any sign of irritation after you have consumed jackfruit and breastfed her.

FAQs

1. Does jackfruit affect my breastmilk?

Jackfruit only affects breast milk by changing its taste slightly.

2. Can consuming jackfruit while breastfeeding cause my baby to vomit?

No, there is no such research that claims vomiting in babies after the maternal consumption of jackfruit. Although eating jackfruit while breastfeeding can bring a slight change in the breast milk taste, making the child spit or refuse the milk, the chances of vomiting are not documented yet.

3. Can eating jackfruit increase breast milk supply?

It is a common taboo in parts of West Bengal that jackfruit helps increase milk secretion (1).

Though jackfruit is one of the best foods that can provide you with the needed nutrition, remember to increase your water intake to offset any side effects that it might have. Let your body reap the benefits of this super-fruit by eating it in moderation. If you are concerned about your or your baby’s health, you should discuss your concerns with a dietician, lactation consultant, or paediatrician before adding jackfruit to your diet.

References/Resources:

1. Chakrabarti. S, Chakrabarti. A; Food taboos in pregnancy and early lactation among women living in a rural area of West Bengal; J Family Med Prim Care.; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6396620/; January 2019

Also Read: 

Pomegranate in Breastfeeding
Pineapple during Breastfeeding Safe?
Why You Should Eat Papaya when Breastfeeding
Is it Safe to Eat Bananas while Breastfeeding?