When you’re breastfeeding, you should keep eating healthy. This is because the food you eat can alter the supply and composition of your breast milk and aid your recovery after birth. It is considered healthy to consume flaxseed while breastfeeding. Flaxseed is also known as linseed and is high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and bioactive plant components. This post discusses the safety of flaxseed during breastfeeding, its health advantages, and incorporating it into your diet.
Is Flaxseed Safe For Breastfeeding Mothers?
Consumption of flaxseed is well-tolerated in adults. Its safety and efficacy during lactation are not well researched (1), but it is considered safe to have them in small quantities. Consult a healthcare provider to know the amount of flaxseed you can consume. Medical consultation is important if you are considering dietary supplements or herbal supplements containing flaxseed oil.
Can Flaxseed Increase Breast Milk Supply?
There is an anecdotal belief that omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens found in flaxseed can increase breast milk supply. Though lactating mothers use flaxseed as lactogenic food, there is no clinical indication of its use to regulate (increase or decrease) breast milk supply. However, their intake in moderate amounts, with a well-balanced diet, can provide some health benefits.
Possible Health Benefits Of Flaxseed When Breastfeeding
Here are some benefits of consuming flaxseeds. Besides these benefits, flaxseeds may help in treating health issues, such as bladder inflammation, vaginitis, and gastritis (12).
Precautions To Take While Consuming Flaxseed
Flaxseed should be consumed in moderation and with plenty of water as it could worsen constipation. Follow these precautions to avoid any possible side effects of the dietary intake of flaxseed (12).
Flaxseed is not a common allergenic food, yet some allergic reactions to flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been documented. Check for possible reactions if you are planning to include it in any form for the first time.
Avoid flaxseed if you have a gastrointestinal stricture or acute inflammation of the intestine, stomach, or stomach entrance.
Avoid using flaxseed immediately after taking medicine, as it can delay the absorption time for certain medications.
Breastfeeding mothers with any bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners should avoid flaxseed as it might slow blood clotting.
Flaxseed contains phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that may reduce the absorption of micronutrients such as zinc and iron (13) (14). Therefore, excess intake of flaxseed must be avoided.
Lactating mothers on medications for diabetes and blood pressure (high or low) should consult a doctor before starting the consumption of flaxseeds as they are known to have anti-diabetic and hypotensive effects.
Avoid consuming partially defatted flaxseed meal as it might increase triglyceride levels in individuals suffering from high triglyceride levels.
Those with a history of thyroid problems must consult a doctor before ingesting ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and supplements (15).
Ways To Include Flaxseed In Your Breastfeeding Diet
Once your doctor permits you to consume flaxseed, you can explore various flaxseed products. Flaxseed makes for a great egg replacement when baking. Follow the ratio of one tablespoon of flaxseed to three tablespoons of water for each egg you wish to replace. You can also prepare a customized seed and nut trail mix with flaxseeds. Do consult a lactation expert to know the safe intake amount of the various nuts used.
