Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag? Insurance information? Check. Toiletries? Check. Camera? Check. An extra change of clothes? Check. Pineapple juice? Wait, what?
Add some pineapple to your diet!
You may have already heard that once you are at 40 weeks, it is safe to drink pineapple juice to help induce labor. It was noted on one blog site that a mother incorporated pineapple into her morning smoothie and delivered her baby only 48 hours later. If you are trying to get that little one out, think about adding a little bit of pineapple to your diet. Be careful about how much you eat, though, because too much citrus can be harmful.
Pineapple benefits for nursing moms
Now back to how pineapple juice can be useful for breastfeeding mommies. Below are some of the advantages that pineapple juice has to offer nursing mothers.
Engorged? Say no more. At some point during your breastfeeding experience, your milk ducts will probably become blocked. Pineapples are a natural anti-inflammatory that can aid in alleviating that. Take a swig of pineapple juice to help ease the pain.
Need more nutrients in your diet? Another benefit to drinking pineapple juice while nursing is the nutrients you and baby will receive from it. Like most fruits and vegetables, pineapples are loaded with Vitamin C and fiber.
Strangely enough, you will wait to steer clear of pineapple that has already been cut (it's more sanitary to cut it yourself). You can also opt for canned or frozen pineapple, as the sanitation processes involved with canning/freezing fruit should eliminate any harmful microbes. Also, be sure to select only pasteurized pineapple juice when buying it at the store.
Engorged? Say no more. At some point during your breastfeeding experience, your milk ducts will probably become blocked. Pineapples are a natural anti-inflammatory that can aid in alleviating that. Take a swig of pineapple juice to help ease the pain.
Need more nutrients in your diet? Another benefit to drinking pineapple juice while nursing is the nutrients you and baby will receive from it. Like most fruits and vegetables, pineapples are loaded with Vitamin C and fiber.
Strangely enough, you will wait to steer clear of pineapple that has already been cut (it's more sanitary to cut it yourself). You can also opt for canned or frozen pineapple, as the sanitation processes involved with canning/freezing fruit should eliminate any harmful microbes. Also, be sure to select only pasteurized pineapple juice when buying it at the store.
Don't forget a breast pump to build your milk supply
One of the most important items you will want to add to your hospital bag is your breast pump. Legislature under the Affordable Care Act allows for new and expecting mothers to be eligible for a free, personal-grade breast pump through most insurance plans. Aeroflow Breastpumps carries all of the major breast pump brands including Medela, Ameda, Hygeia, Spectra, Nuk, Lansinoh and Tomy.
To find out if you are eligible for a breast pump through insurance, just complete our Qualify Through Insurance form and let our dedicated team of Breastpump Specialists take care of the rest.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
Read more: 16 Breastfeeding Superfoods
