Can mothers with jaundiced babies not eat fruits?

Jul 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

The newborn has breast milk jaundice. May I ask, if a baby has jaundice, does it mean the mother cannot eat fruits?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Whether a mother can eat fruits when her baby has jaundice depends on the specific situation. 1. In the case of physiological jaundice, mothers generally can consume fruits. Eating fruits in moderation, such as apples and peaches, is beneficial to both the mother's and the baby's health. These fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help boost the mother's immunity and support the baby's healthy development. 2. If the jaundice is breast milk-related or pathological, the mother should be more cautious in choosing fruits. Mothers who are breastfeeding should avoid consuming excessive cold, spicy, high-calorie, or pickled foods, as these may affect the baby's health through breast milk and hinder the resolution of jaundice. Cold foods, such as watermelon and bitter melon, are believed in traditional Chinese medicine to potentially worsen cold-dampness in the baby's body, which is unfavorable for recovery from jaundice. When necessary, mothers can seek advice from a doctor or nutritionist.