Should breastfeeding mothers eat banh chung and pickled onions?

I am breastfeeding. Is it okay to eat sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng), pork sausage (giò chả), candied fruits (bánh mứt), fermented pork rolls (nem chua), and pickled vegetables like pickled shallots and pickled cucumbers during Tet (Lunar New Year)? (Ha An, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

The Lunar New Year holidays are an important time for families to gather together, enjoying many traditional dishes. Eating properly during these days will help breastfeeding mothers maintain their health and the quality of their milk.

Banh chung and banh tet, with their main ingredients being glutinous rice, mung beans, and a mixture of lean and fatty meat, are often high in calories and can cause weight gain and indigestion. You should eat them in moderation, along with plenty of green vegetables to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals.

Mothers who are breastfeeding should eat sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng), pickled vegetables (dưa món), and pork sausage (giò chả) in moderation and ensure they are hygienic. Photo: Bui Thuy

Foods like pickled onions, pickled cucumbers, pork sausage, and fermented pork rolls can still be eaten in moderation by breastfeeding mothers. The most important thing is to choose food sources that are safe and hygienic, from reputable producers. However, cakes, candies, and melon seeds are often high in sugar and fat, so their consumption should be limited to maintain a healthy weight.

Most foods during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) are high in carbohydrates and fats, so it's important to supplement with plenty of green vegetables and fruits to balance nutrition. Remember to drink enough water, frequently, as this is crucial for having sufficient milk.

Choose safe foods to avoid the risk of digestive disorders, which can cause fatigue, dehydration, and reduced milk production in the mother. Even with digestive problems, mothers can still breastfeed because the illness is not transmitted through breast milk but through hand contact (due to poor hygiene).

Remember that increased physical activity helps boost immunity and prevents weight gain during the Lunar New Year holidays.

Doctor Le Ngoc Anh Thy
International Breastfeeding Consultants IBCLC

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