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Hannah is a pregnancy and pediatric dietitian with seven years of experience. She specializes in milk allergy and vegan pregnancy. She has been working with women and children for nearly 20 years, the last seven years as a registered dietitian. She manages her private practice bump2baby in the UK but has clients globally. Hannah did her bachelors and PG diploma in nutrition and dietetics. After graduating, she worked full time for the NHS as a pediatric dietitian. These years of experience gave her a foundation of knowledge. With experience during her own pregnancy and being a new mother, Hannah knew there was still a gap in the support offered to women going through what she had been through, and she aims to fill this gap for her clients.
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Soymilk or soya milk is a great plant-based milk option for [simple_tooltip text="lactose-intolerant" tooltip="It refers to a person who cannot digest lactose due to enzyme lactase deficiency. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating." ] individuals. However, soy milk for babies may not be as suitable for adults. Although it is prepared from soybeans, which are rich sources of vital minerals and nutrients and considered a good alternative for a milk-based formula in infants, most parents are concerned about the allergies it may trigger in babies. Keep reading to learn about the safety aspects, some common myths, and other details on giving soy milk to babies. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Give Soymilk To Babies? [caption id="attachment_888764" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The American Academy of Pediatrics states that soy-based formulas are completely safe for infants, and also they provide nutrition equivalent to the usual cow milk-based formula powders (1). However, soy formula for infants is different from soymilk for adults....
It may be the best time for the introduction of peaches for babies when they start consuming solid foods. However, it is not recommended to give fresh peaches since their immature digestive system may struggle in the digestion of fresh fruits. Instead, you may make a ripe peach puree, and this luscious, sweet fruit puree can be palatable for your little one. Peaches are also packed with beta carotene and potassium. You may also store and add peach puree with other vegetable or grain purees to make it more palatable. Read on to know more about the benefits of peaches, how to choose and process them, and some interesting peach baby food recipes. [mj-toc] When Can Babies Eat Peaches? Babies can have peaches from six months when you introduce solid food (1) as they are laden with nutrients. Peaches and nectarines: Nectarine is a type of peach that has no fuzz on its skin but has the same taste, smell,...
Sour cream in pregnancy may be safe, provided it is prepared by pasteurizing, homogenizing, and ripening a light cream. The ripening process uses a culture of lactic acid bacteria and other flavoring substances to give the sour cream a mild and pleasant acidic taste (1). Sour cream is often used as a condiment to enhance flavor in various savory meals, such as potatoes, salads, smoked salmon, and in baked goods, such as bread, cakes, and cookies (1) (2). Keep reading to learn about the benefits of sour cream, their safety for expecting mothers, and the precautions to take before consuming sour cream. [mj-toc] Is Sour Cream Safe During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_1050921" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Sour cream and some dairy products are safe during pregnancy, provided they are pasteurized and come from a trustworthy supplier. The pasteurization procedure uses heat to destroy disease-causing microorganisms, thereby preventing food poisoning (3). However, avoid consuming homemade sour cream, as it may not be as safe as...
Most doctors advise against consuming additives during pregnancy and recommend sticking to basic and homemade meals and organic foods. One food additive that your doctor may recommend that you be wary of is monosodium glutamate or MSG during pregnancy. Whatever you eat or consume daily throughout your pregnancy can significantly impact you and your baby. MSG has no unique flavor of its own, but it is used to enhance the inherent savory flavor of various meals. While MSG is generally safe to consume, you may want to consider whether it is safe during pregnancy. Read this post to know more about MSG and its effects on pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Is MSG? [caption id="attachment_889963" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Monosodium glutamate is a food additive and flavoring substance used primarily in various cuisines. MSG is also a common component in many packaged, especially ready-to-eat canned foods, and is used to add flavor and taste. The Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) allows...
Probiotics have gained a lot of popularity in recent times owing to the vast benefits they offer. With rising awareness, it is evident that most expecting mothers will want to know if consuming probiotics during pregnancy is beneficial. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the WHO define probiotics as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (1). While several supplements in the market boast various health benefits, probiotics are interesting as they are also found naturally in different food items. Read further to know how probiotics can benefit a pregnant woman. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/benefits-of-perineal-massage_00361165/" title="How To Do Perineal Massage And What Are The Benefits"] [mj-toc] How Do Probiotics Work During Pregnancy? Different probiotics contain different microorganisms and may cause varying effects. Probiotics help modulate and maintain a natural balance of bacterial flora in the body, especially in the intestines. They stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the...
Quinoa is a nutritious grain rich in several nutrients that can promote health. If your baby is already eating solids like infant cereal, fruit and/or vegetable mash or puree, you might want to try different quinoa recipes for babies. Experts suggest that giving babies healthy foods like quinoa and millet from an early age exposes them to varying tastes and textures. Besides, it can help them develop long-lasting and healthy eating habits. But what is the right age to feed quinoa to babies? Knowing this is vital to introduce quinoa to babies in age-appropriate ways to help babies reap this whole grain's benefits to the fullest. Keep reading as we tell you more about the right age when babies can eat quinoa, its possible health benefits, and some tasty quinoa recipes you can try for your little one. [mj-toc] When To Introduce Quinoa To Babies? You may introduce quinoa between eight and ten months. Babies can tolerate it even before...
Rooibos tea may have several benefits for expecting women. However, if you want to consider rooibos tea for pregnancy, knowing its safety for you and your baby is imperative. Indigenous to the mountains of South Africa, rooibos tea is a shrubby legume that has captured the hearts of many tea enthusiasts with its fruity, sweet taste. Not only does this caffeine-free and low-tannin tea quench your thirst, but it can also provide several antioxidants. Studies suggest that the antioxidants in rooibos may guard against free radical damage and promote health (1). Keep reading as we share rooibos tea's safety, benefits, and possible side effects for expecting women. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Consume Rooibos Tea During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_1050106" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Rooibos tea is generally considered safe for consumption, as it is a rich source of antioxidants and does not contain caffeine (2). However, its safety and efficacy for pregnant women are not fully known (3). Hence, it...
Vitamin D, also known as calciferol or the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ helps calcium absorption in the intestine and regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Severe vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to poor bone development in babies. Besides, it may be responsible for certain pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia. Most pregnant women can meet their daily vitamin D needs by consuming vitamin D-rich foods, sufficient sun exposure, and taking prenatal vitamins. Yet, some women may develop vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in some cases. Keep reading to learn more about the role of vitamin D in pregnancy and ways to improve its intake (1) (2). [mj-toc] Why Is Vitamin D Important During Pregnancy? Vitamin D has two types – vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). While you can get vitamin D2 from edible mushrooms and supplements, vitamin D3 can be obtained from sun exposure, animal-origin foods, and supplements. However, both these vitamins need to convert into active...
Can you drink kombucha when pregnant? If you are an expecting mom looking for an answer, reading the following post will help. Consumption of kombucha during pregnancy has been a semi-controversial topic. The increasing interest in kombucha has made it an ideal specimen for extensive research. Kombucha is a fermented beverage with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. It is widely available in the market under various brand names and also can be made at home. Through fermentation, it acquires a cocktail of good bacteria and yeast, which is reported to aid overall good health (1). Read further and learn more about its benefits and safety during pregnancy. [mj-toc] Can You Drink Kombucha When Pregnant? [caption id="attachment_1050667" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Using kombucha during pregnancy is generally not recommended as it contains alcohol and caffeine, which may affect you adversely. Also, kombucha prepared in unclean surroundings may be a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms, such as Aspergillus (2). Alcohol consumption during...
Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium during pregnancy and can aid your baby's bone development (1). Therefore, goat cheese while pregnant could also be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet. However, take it with caution since there are restrictions on specific cheese. As with any cheese, be aware of its potential risks and follow some guidelines to ensure the safe consumption of goat cheese during pregnancy. Scroll through to learn about the safe and unsafe goat cheeses for pregnancy, the benefits, and tips to include in your diet. [mj-toc] Can Pregnant Women Eat Goat Cheese? Pregnant women may consume goat cheese as long as it is made from pasteurized milk and does not have a white coating or rind on the outside (2). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/cheese-during-pregnancy_00397847/" title="Cheese During Pregnancy: What To Eat, What To Avoid"] Which Goat Cheese Is Safe During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_1050610" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You may add a few types of goat...