Sunflower seeds are considered one of the favorite delicacies in our country and neighboring countries. Disputes about the health benefits of seeds have been going on for a long time, but the question of whether seeds can be consumed while breastfeeding is even more pressing.
On the one hand, there should be nothing allergenic or dangerous in the seeds; the product is healthy and rich in oils, but you can often hear that seeds are strictly forbidden for a nursing mother. Why are there such disputes?
Sunflower seeds are a source of special vitamins, especially necessary for the mother after childbirth due to the body's expenses for the restoration and nutrition of the baby.
They are especially rich in fat-soluble vitamins E, A and D, the content of which exceeds many other foods. And these vitamins are responsible for strong bones, sharp vision, normal healthy skin and nails with hair and normal metabolism.
Eating sunflower seeds while breastfeeding will increase the fat content of milk and its quantity, and therefore, doctors say that sunflower seeds are completely safe for breastfeeding.
But you shouldn’t immediately rejoice and run for a bag of delicious grains; seeds are not always healthy.
This is a very fatty product that can cause constipation in a nursing mother and can also cause constipation in a child. Therefore, here you need to try it individually.
In addition, like any other product, seeds can become an allergen for a child, and you only need to start with a very small amount of seeds.
During the day you need to monitor the child’s reaction to them, although usually everything goes well.
And yet, it is worth remembering that seeds can cause poisoning, since they are not always pure and of the highest quality.
Their skins may contain dangerous microbes and spores of mold and other fungi; therefore, before eating, the seeds should be thoroughly washed, dried and lightly fried; it is better to use seeds prepared at home.
You should not eat sunflower seeds with salt while breastfeeding, as this puts an even greater burden on the body with fluid retention and swelling. In addition, excess salt also affects the taste of milk, which will lead to breastfeeding.
But how safe is it to eat pumpkin seeds while breastfeeding? Could it be useful? We'll figure it out together with pediatricians and breastfeeding experts.
White, or peeled, pumpkin seeds are deservedly popular, because they contain a large amount of biologically active substances:
The highest concentration of nutrients is not in the seeds themselves, but in a thin greenish film under the skin. But when fried they are destroyed.
Choosing between black (sunflower) and white (pumpkin) seeds is not just a matter of personal taste, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. Let’s compare their key beneficial properties, and each mother can draw her own conclusion:
Fatty acids in pumpkin seeds affect the active production of milk, so they can cause an increase in its quantity, and if abused, even hyperlactation if the mother is prone to it.
There is an opinion that when a nursing woman regularly eats various seeds and nuts, the fat content of milk increases. But experts say this is unlikely. The fat content of mother's milk is an individual parameter. And for every mother, it adapts to the needs of her baby.
The influence of diet on lactation, according to researchers, lies in adjusting the quality of products. In other words, the beneficial and harmful properties of food are transferred to breast milk. But it is impossible to qualitatively change its composition by adjusting nutrition.
Lactation consultants advocate the position: “Every child is different, and they need different things.” This means that pumpkin seeds, like any other food, can be beneficial for one child, but cause significant harm to another. Therefore, it is recommended to watch the child’s reaction to the introduction of pumpkin seeds into the mother’s diet and only then make a decision.
Pediatricians and gastroenterologists note that white seeds in rare cases can cause allergies. As for their effect on the gastrointestinal tract, the fastening properties of the product deserve attention. But no one is in a hurry to ban pumpkin seeds for breastfeeding women.
The risks of eating pumpkin seeds, oddly enough, are associated with their pleasant taste, high nutritional value and the absence of strict contraindications. Thanks to this, the mother can eat more than she should and harm her health and/or the health of the baby. Why is this seemingly harmless product dangerous?
For a baby:
For a nursing mother:
Proper consumption of seeds during breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of negative consequences.
When this is not possible, you will have to be content with the store or market assortment. Our recommendations will help you avoid making mistakes when choosing.
Whether or not to eat pumpkin seeds during breastfeeding is up to each woman to decide for herself. But the decisive argument in this matter remains with the child, or more precisely, with his reaction to his mother’s diet.
Sunflower seeds are a favorite folk product. They contain a large number of useful microelements that are so necessary for a nursing woman. They contain a lot of calcium, vitamins A, K, C, and almost all B vitamins. This product is also rich in proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
The most popular variety is sunflower seeds, followed by pumpkin seeds. Sunflower seeds contain a high content of carbohydrates and calcium, and a lot of vegetable fats. Pumpkin contains less fat, has more protein and is lower in calories. The mineral composition also varies; sunflower seeds include a daily dose of phosphorus and selenium. Almost completely covers the daily need for copper, potassium and magnesium. Pumpkin seeds have a less rich mineral composition, but contain more protein and zinc, and the latter is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Can a nursing mother have seeds? Experts disagree; some consider them a dangerous allergen that clogs the body, while others see them as a great benefit for the body of a young mother.
According to experts, this natural product, being rich in vegetable fats, increases the fat content of breast milk. Makes it thicker and more nutritious. In order not to harm yourself and your child, you should carefully approach their choice. Currently, there are many manufacturers of seeds, and not all of them are equally useful. Before purchasing and subsequently consuming seeds, you should consider the following important points:
The use of seeds during lactation is an individual matter; first you need to see how the baby’s body will react to them. If he sucks the breast with pleasure, then you can continue to gnaw on them. The use of this product will have to be stopped if such unpleasant symptoms appear as:
In general, they are a useful product for nursing mothers and calm the nervous system well. For women who quit smoking, seeds will be a good alternative to cigarettes.
But the use of this product also carries a number of negative aspects that must be taken into account:
It is also better not to eat salted seeds, as this can cause swelling and fluid stagnation in the young mother’s body. Eating a salty product will give breast milk an unpleasant taste and cause the baby to eat poorly.
Sometimes it happens that purchased seeds taste bitter. The question is whether it is possible to eat these, since they will not bring any benefit. A bitter taste indicates improper storage and spoilage of the product. Eating such seeds can cause mother's milk to taste bitter. The baby will have trouble breastfeeding and cry from tummy pain.
Formula-fed children often suffer from digestive tract disorders. If breast milk is not enough and formula is used, then there is no need to eat the seeds. The child’s body has a weakened immune system, and high-fat mother’s milk will be poorly absorbed by the intestines.
During lactation, the body of a young nursing mother experiences severe stress. To restore strength and energy, you need high-quality and balanced nutrition. Seeds can be a great help in this matter. They contain a whole range of essential microelements that significantly improve the quality of milk and its nutritional value.
Seeds during breastfeeding are a good remedy for preventing heart and vascular disease. When consumed, the amount of cholesterol in the blood decreases, digestion and skin condition improve. The condition of the latter during lactation significantly worsens, age spots and various rashes appear. It will be especially useful to eat pumpkin seeds, which contain a lot of zinc, which regulates metabolic processes in the upper layers of the skin.
Sunflower seed slows down the aging process and helps fight stretch marks on the body during the postpartum period. This product improves the condition of hair and nails, regulates the functioning of the liver and gall bladder. The question of whether seeds can be consumed while breastfeeding can be answered in the affirmative.
Today, seeds can be called one of the most favorite products among most young mothers. After all, during long walks with the baby, mothers do not know what to do with themselves while their child is sleeping, and pass the time by husking sunflower or pumpkin kernels. But not all nursing mothers think about the safety of eating seeds during breastfeeding. And even on the contrary, many new parents are confident that pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds have the best effect on the production and quality of breast milk, since they contain a lot of useful microelements. Is this really true? Is it possible for a nursing mother to eat pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for nursing mothers, and what is the opinion of medical workers?
Sunflower seeds are a unique product, and not at all because they help pass the time when you have to walk for a long time with a sleeping baby in the fresh air. This is a really good snack. And taking into account the fact that it is not always possible for a mother with an infant to have a full breakfast or lunch, it would be useful to remember about the benefits of seeds:
The seeds have the ability to increase lactation. Like nuts, they promote milk production. This is especially important before the baby is 6 months old, when complementary foods have not yet been introduced.
The seeds have very high beneficial and nutritional values. Fatty acids help reduce cholesterol in the body. And dietary fiber helps the digestive system.
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds contain many components that are important for a woman’s recovery after pregnancy, as well as for the full development of the baby.
After the birth of a baby, many women complain of lack of appetite. And eating well is extremely important for establishing lactation. Moderate consumption of seeds improves appetite. In addition, sunflower and pumpkin kernels are excellent for restoring strength due to their high calorie content. 
But it is very important in what quantity and how you will enrich your menu with seeds. It is worth considering the following points:
If you did not eat seeds during pregnancy, it is better to put them aside for at least the first three months after birth: there is a high probability that the baby’s immature digestive system will not cope with the foreign protein and will give an allergic reaction. If this is a snack you are used to, then you can try to gradually reintroduce it from the first month of your baby’s life.
Now every maternity hospital and children's clinic has a breastfeeding consultant. You can contact him with any question about your diet. In addition, you can consult your pediatrician and visiting nurse.
Start with the minimum amount and increase it gradually. The first portion should not exceed 10 g. It is worth eating it in the morning after breakfast, so that during the day you can easily monitor your baby’s reaction.
It is believed that, in addition to allergies, seeds can cause intestinal colic in a baby. 
Ideal if you keep a food diary. Repeat the “experimental” use of seeds with an interval of 2-3 days and write down the result so that you can then compare the child’s well-being on these days. Still, seeds are serious potential allergens, and if an allergy does manifest itself, it will be very important to determine whether they or some other product was the cause.
The seeds contain a lot of fat, and if you eat them on an empty stomach, you may experience intestinal problems, both for the child and for you.
If your baby suffers from colic or increased gas production, you should not eat seeds until these unpleasant symptoms go away completely. Sometimes it takes 3 and sometimes 6 months.
The main thing is to monitor the condition of the baby: a portion of seeds can affect him within 24 hours. If there are no allergies, the baby and mother feel great, you can slightly increase the daily amount every day. It is considered normal for a nursing woman to consume 40 g of sunflower and pumpkin seeds per day. This is about half a faceted glass.
Research shows that sunflower seeds promote the production of endorphins (feeling hormones). It is no coincidence that even 20 g of grains can have a beneficial effect on the mood of a young mother. 
The first and most important property of seeds is that they are a powerful natural antidepressant. And many young mothers really need this, especially since it is better to refrain from taking medications during breastfeeding. And the baby, along with mother’s milk, is also given vitamins that have a positive effect on the baby’s nervous system.
Seeds during breastfeeding will give strength to nails and hair. They will also take care of the skin; after a while after regular use, it will become smooth and elastic. This product seems to have been created to help beauty!
One of the best things about the seeds is that they help those trying to quit smoking. And for a nursing mother this is a matter of paramount importance. If you eat seeds when you feel the desire to smoke, then gradually the craving for this addiction will disappear. You just need to remember about their calorie content, which is quite high.
Sunflower kernels contain vitamin D, which guarantees the normal development of the baby, both physical and mental. It is also a good prevention of bone formation disorders in children.
For a woman who has recently given birth, the substances contained in the seeds are extremely necessary for the first time. Especially iron and calcium, which she gave to her baby during pregnancy.
Sunflower kernels help with difficulties with lactation, as they have the property of stimulating it.
Seeds during breastfeeding will be especially useful in case of malfunctions of the cardiovascular system. 
Often, seeds during breastfeeding provoke rashes in children. Having seen a rash on the baby’s body, they (the seeds) must be excluded from the diet.
Everything has been said above about the characteristics of sunflower seeds. What about pumpkin ones? After all, although they are not so loved and popular, they are a true storehouse of useful elements. 
A lot of valuable substances have accumulated in them. Only one element such as zinc provides help and benefits for vision, hair and skin, and for other systems and organs. It also strengthens the immune system.
Pumpkin seeds can perfectly help lactation. You just need to prepare this milk infusion:
Mix peeled pumpkin seeds and walnuts (chopped) in equal quantities. Boil the milk and pour it over the nut mixture when it has cooled slightly. The composition must be left for 12 hours. Use 5 ml during meals.
During breastfeeding, seeds should be introduced into the diet in small doses. When breastfeeding, any product should be added to your menu gradually. 20 grams per day will be quite enough at first. If allergy manifestations do not occur, then the amount can be increased, but you still do not need to eat more than 80–100 grams per day. 
As for pumpkin seeds, mom can try them for the first time no earlier than three months after giving birth, first 7-10 seeds (it’s better if they are fried). And then, if everything is normal, then the volume may be larger.
So what's the result? Is it possible for nursing mothers to crack the seeds at their leisure? Only the mothers themselves can decide. You need to carefully weigh all the pros and cons. If there are no direct contraindications to their use, you should not deny yourself this little joy. The main thing is not to forget about a sense of proportion. She is needed in everything. But if the disadvantages outweigh the disadvantages, then it’s better to do without seeds!
Seeds are not only a delicacy, but also entertainment. They distract you from routine and household chores and allow you to relax for a while. However, young mothers are concerned about the question: is it possible to eat seeds while breastfeeding? After all, all the substances that the mother consumes enter the newborn’s body through milk and can harm the baby’s health.
Experts advise not to exclude your favorite foods from your diet. But remember that you shouldn’t overeat either. Whether a nursing mother can consume the seeds and in what doses depends on its type.
In addition, pumpkin (white) seeds do not irritate the mucous membranes and do not clog the intestines. They will not cause an allergic reaction and will not harm the child.
They have properties that are beneficial for both mother and child. Dietary sesame will not lead to excess weight, will reduce cholesterol levels and cleanse blood vessels.
Sesame grains will protect the mother’s and newborn’s bodies from diseases and harmful bacteria and increase immunity. And the high calcium content in the product promotes the growth and strengthening of bones and teeth, hair and nails;
The most popular type. There are many hypotheses that talk about the dangers of sunflower seeds. However, many of them are just myths.
The composition of the product includes about 30 useful vitamins, microelements and acids. In addition, it contains antidepressants that will help you cope with the stress of lactation.
Nursing mothers are wondering whether roasted seeds can be consumed. Of course, the raw product will bring more benefits. When frying, some vitamins are lost, fat content and calorie content increases.
However, if you really want to, you can roast the grains at home. Use a little sunflower oil, but it's better to do without it altogether. Be careful not to burn the grains!
Often young mothers ask the question of what amount is acceptable to consume during lactation. As mentioned earlier, introduce seeds into your diet in small doses. At first, 20 grams of grains per day will be enough.
After feeding, observe the baby's reaction. If there is no allergy, then gradually increase the amount. In the future, to get the necessary beneficial elements from your favorite dish, eat 80-100 grams per day.
Don't forget the sesame seeds! Sesame seeds during breastfeeding will not only not cause harm, but will also have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of the child. They will speed up the recovery of the mother’s body. The daily intake of sesame is one teaspoon.
There are often cases when sunflower seeds are highly addictive. This is the main danger posed by this product.
Frequent consumption of such food and consumption in large quantities lead to obesity of the mother, disrupting the functioning of the heart, liver, kidneys, esophagus and other internal organs of the newborn.
What to do if you have an addiction? Experts offer a number of tips on how to break this habit:
Remember that doctors do not include seeds on the list of prohibited foods for a nursing mother. Moreover, in small quantities they are beneficial for the baby and for the mother. The main thing is to observe moderation!
