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Babies can easily absorb breast milk. It is regarded as a laxative, so constipation is uncommon in newborns, but it still happens. After giving birth, most moms get postpartum constipation during the first 40 days due to stress or changes in diet and sleep habits.
Some people assume that taking supplements or medications while nursing is impossible, but that is not always the case. So, can you take Benefiber while breastfeeding? The short answer is yes!
Although it’s safe for your baby, you should consult lactation consultants before adding it to your daily diet. If you want to learn more about this fiber supplement, let’s dive into this post to discover it in detail!
Is Benefiber Safe While Breastfeeding?
Benefiber is entirely safe for breastfeeding women and their newborns. Its ingredients do not cause harm to your breastmilk.
While moms can take fiber supplements, some women worry that their ingredients may transfer into breastmilk. Fortunately, breast milk does not absorb fiber supplements. It means moms may take them without fear of harming newborns while nursing.
Benefiber Original Supplement Facts
| Amount Per Serving | Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|---|
| For Ages | 6 – 11 yrs | 12 yrs and above |
| Serving size | 1 tsp (2 g) | 2 tsp (4 g) |
| Calories | 10 | 15 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2 g | 4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 3 g |
| Soluble Fiber | 2 g | 3 g |
| Total Sugars | 0 g | 0 g |
The main ingredient of the fiber supplement is a fibrous substance that may be dissolved with water called wheat dextrin. It’s a prebiotic fiber derived from plants that feed the beneficial bacteria in your stomach.
It means it will pass through your body without a digestion process. Thus, it won’t affect your breastfeeding or your newborn’s digestion in any way. Some lactation consultants advocate taking a daily supplement such as Benefiber to aid with constipation during nursing.
If you use fiber pills, you should take 2 – 5 pills per day. For Benefiber powder, doctors advise you to use two teaspoons three times every day. If necessary, you might need to up your dosage. The essential thing to remember while taking fiber supplements, including Benefiber, is to keep hydrated.
Fiber Supplement Benefits
Fiber has several health advantages for women who are nursing or expecting a child. It is essential for the quality of breastfeeding, blood sugar control, and the prevention of heart disease and digestive disorders.
Remember to take fiber supplements in moderation. Excessive fiber might cause more damage than benefit to your digestive system.
Also, use caution when taking fiber treatment. It would be best to drink plenty of water since dehydration can harm your esophagus, intestines, and colon.
Try to drink 8 cups of water and other beverages per day. These fluids will aid in the prevention of constipation and ensure that the digestive system is in good operating order.
Many nursing mothers use Benefiber after consulting with their obstetrician. Before consuming anything, nevertheless, you should consult a doctor.
Each pregnancy or postpartum experience is unique. Only your doctor knows what is best for your health. After taking Benefiber, if you’re still having problems with constipation, go to your doctors or a healthcare expert for professional diagnosis and treatment.
High Fiber Foods for Constipation
You can also include natural high-fiber meals including fruits, whole grains, leafy greens, beans, and vegetables in your daily diet in addition to Benefiber.
Whole grains are additional options, such as rice, oats, bread, and pasta. Salmon, meat, eggs, and sardines are also high in nutrients.
These nutrients can assist in relaxing your digestive muscles, bulk up your bowels, and make things easier to travel through your digestive system.
The following list is the best high-fiber and postpartum foods recommended by US National Nutrient Database:
Vegetables
| Amount Per 100 g | Dietary Fiber (g) | Energy (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Green peas | 5.7 | 81 |
| Artichokes | 5.4 | 47 |
| Collard greens | 4.1 | 32 |
| Brussels sprouts | 3.8 | 43 |
| Savoy cabbage | 3.1 | 27 |
| Endive | 3.1 | 17 |
| Sweet potatoes | 3.1 | 86 |
| Carrots | 2.8 | 41 |
| Beets | 2.8 | 43 |
| Broccoli | 2.6 | 32 |
Nuts and Beans
| Amount Per 100 g | Dietary Fiber (g) | Energy (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Split peas | 26.2 | 341 |
| Black beans | 15.5 | 341 |
| Pinto beans | 15.5 | 347 |
| Kidney beans | 15.2 | 337 |
| Almonds | 12.5 | 579 |
| Lentils | 10.7 | 352 |
| Pistachio nuts | 10.6 | 560 |
| Pecans | 9.6 | 691 |
Fruits
| Amount Per 100 g | Dietary Fiber (g) | Energy (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Passion Fruit | 10.4 | 97 |
| Avocados | 6.7 | 160 |
| Raspberries | 6.5 | 52 |
| Blackberries | 5.3 | 43 |
| Pears | 3.1 | 57 |
| Kiwi | 3.1 | 61 |
| Bananas | 2.6 | 89 |
| Apples | 2.4 | 52 |
| Oranges | 2.4 | 47 |
| Strawberries | 2.1 | 32 |
Other Foods
| Amount Per 100 g | Dietary Fiber (g) | Energy (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat bran | 42.8 | 216 |
| Chia seeds | 34.4 | 486 |
| Oats | 10.1 | 379 |
| Sunflower seeds | 8.6 | 584 |
| Whole-wheat bread | 7.4 | 265 |
| Dried Apricots | 7.1 | 241 |
FAQs
1. Can Breastfeeding Cause Me To Be Constipated?
Breastfeeding does not induce constipation in and of itself, but other factors may play a role. If you’re experiencing constipation more frequently when nursing, it’s better to check your daily diet.
Breastfeeding may cause you to consume differently, which might cause constipation. Some nursing women, for instance, avoid coffee while lactating. It might cause your bowel motions to become more irregular.
Additionally, if you don’t eat enough vegetables or drink plenty of water, you may constipation. There are related reasons causing constipation in breastfeeding moms, including stress, sleep habit changes, or dehydration.
Some tips to prevent constipation while breastfeeding include:
- Drink enough water
- Eat high-fiber foods
- Add fiber supplements and vitamins to your daily diet
- Move around more
- Bathe in a soothing warm water
- Contact your healthcare provider
2. Does Fiber Increase Breast Milk?
The short answer is yes! Foods that contain fiber will aid in breastmilk production. Fiber has several health advantages for nursing mothers and pregnant women.
It is essential for the quality of breastfeeding, blood sugar control, metabolism, and the prevention of digestive disorders or heart disease.
It also assists you to feel fuller for longer, which is beneficial if you’re attempting to lose weight after childbirth or throughout the postpartum.
3. Does Fiber Get Passed Through Breast Milk?
No. Supplements containing fiber do not transfer into your breast milk. As shared above, most fiber supplements contain wheat dextrin. It is a prebiotic fiber derived from plants that will be dissolved in water. For this reason, it will flow through the body without being processed. As a result, it will have no negative impact on your nursing or your baby’s digestion.
In A Nutshell
To sum up, Benefiber is safe to take during breastfeeding. It contains a plant-derived ingredient known as wheat dextrin.
Apart from Benefiber, you can add natural high fiber foods to your diet, such as vegetables, nuts, beans, and fruits. Remember to drink plenty of water when taking any supplements.
Hopefully, this article will be helpful for you. If you have any further questions, you can leave a comment below.
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