The Acai Berry Diet & Breastfeeding

The acai berry has been getting a lot of attention as a miracle weight loss food. It is advertised in supplements so widely that finding accurate information is difficult since a majority of websites and blogs claiming to answer questions about it are actually selling it. Breastfeeding mothers are anxious to lose their baby weight and wonder if they can safely be on an acai berry diet while nursing. The truth, and health of your baby, depends on more than an affirmative answer from someone who is selling the product.

Identification

The acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) grows in Brazil and is extremely perishable, meaning you can't find it fresh unless you live in Brazil. You can only get it frozen or in juice and supplements. Many of these supplements also contain other ingredients.

Nourishment

A breastfeeding mother's primary concern is usually her baby's nourishment. According to a licensed lactation consultant, your body provides for milk production first. She recommends eating 1800 calories of nutritious foods per day. (reference 2) Your body is working hard to provide nutrition to your baby first, but you need to keep your energy up too.

Baby's Health

Most of what you eat or drink as a breastfeeding mother gets into your milk supply. While the amount of what gets in varies, even small amounts of certain things, such as caffeine, effect your baby because he cannot digest or process it as well as you do. Various herbs and herbal remedies can also be toxic to baby through your breast milk. For example, feverfew is often used to treat migraines, but can cause an increased heart rate in a breastfeeding infant. Many supplements, including many that have acai berry extract, use added ingredients that may not be safe for your baby.

Considerations

Dr. Thomas Hale, Ph.D. says that since there is very little research done on the Acai Berry Diet and it's effect on infants through their mothers' milk, it is not safe to take the supplements or drink the juice in large amounts. There are many warnings about fake berries and deceiving messages on the internet (see reference 3). If you drink the juice, check the ingredients. Always check with your child's doctor about what you should eat and drink while nursing.

Alternatives

After pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers want to feel like themselves again. Getting back to pre-pregnancy weight is naturally high on the list of priorities. The good news is that you can lose weight while breastfeeding by following a sensible nutritious diet and exercising (reference 2).