Breastfeeding mothers may need to add a fiber supplement to their daily diets, particularly if it is difficult to obtain recommended daily amounts through food. Fiber supplements generally have no effect on a nursing baby, as fiber does not find its way into breast milk. Some fiber supplements may contain added vitamins; thus, it is advisable to consult a physician before adding a fiber supplement to your diet.
Dextrins are a food ingredient made from starchy plant foods such as potato, corn and wheat. Wheat dextrin is fiber extracted from wheat starch and it is frequently found in fiber supplements -- typically those that are meant to be mixed with water, juice or other beverages. Many of the popular over-the-counter fiber supplements found at drug stores contain wheat dextrin.
Mothers who breastfeed require fiber in their diets. However, the amount of daily fiber intake needed for breastfeeding mothers depends on a variety of factors. Although each breastfeeding mother's daily fiber intake needs differ -- depending on activity level, the mother's age, weight and height -- the generally recommended intake amount for a breastfeeding mother is roughly 29 grams per day.
Many foods are rich in fiber and also provide other essential nutrients for a breastfeeding mother and her nursing baby. However, it is sometimes difficult for breastfeeding mothers to meet their daily fiber needs without a fiber supplement. For women who must follow restricted diets for health reasons, a fiber supplement may be essential. Fiber supplements are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, it is always a good idea to speak to a physician before adding a fiber supplement while breastfeeding.
According to registered nurse Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, fiber does not necessarily provide benefit to a nursing baby. This is because a breastfeeding mother makes breast milk after she has digested food. In other words, a wheat dextrin-based supplement will not impart fiber to breast milk. Because nursing babies have a natural tendency to produce loose stools, mothers who breastfeed need not be worried about their nursing baby's fiber intake.
Article reviewed by J. Betherman Last updated on: Feb 21, 2012
Dextrins are a food ingredient made from starchy plant foods such as potato, corn and wheat. Wheat dextrin is fiber extracted from wheat starch and it is frequently found in fiber supplements -- typically those that are meant to be mixed with water, juice or other beverages. Many of the popular over-the-counter fiber supplements found at drug stores contain wheat dextrin.
Mothers who breastfeed require fiber in their diets. However, the amount of daily fiber intake needed for breastfeeding mothers depends on a variety of factors. Although each breastfeeding mother's daily fiber intake needs differ -- depending on activity level, the mother's age, weight and height -- the generally recommended intake amount for a breastfeeding mother is roughly 29 grams per day.
Many foods are rich in fiber and also provide other essential nutrients for a breastfeeding mother and her nursing baby. However, it is sometimes difficult for breastfeeding mothers to meet their daily fiber needs without a fiber supplement. For women who must follow restricted diets for health reasons, a fiber supplement may be essential. Fiber supplements are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, it is always a good idea to speak to a physician before adding a fiber supplement while breastfeeding.
According to registered nurse Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, fiber does not necessarily provide benefit to a nursing baby. This is because a breastfeeding mother makes breast milk after she has digested food. In other words, a wheat dextrin-based supplement will not impart fiber to breast milk. Because nursing babies have a natural tendency to produce loose stools, mothers who breastfeed need not be worried about their nursing baby's fiber intake.
Article reviewed by J. Betherman Last updated on: Feb 21, 2012
