Spotlight on: Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are a staple of traditional postpartum diets.

In ‘Golden Month, Caring for the World’s Mothers After Childbirth’, Jenny Allison writes: 

‘Fermented foods deserve a mention for their importance in supporting digestion. Fermented foods have always been an important part of traditional dietary practices around the world because of their ability to populate the intestines with healthy bacteria which support the immune, nervous, and digestive systems.”

Fermented foods contain probiotics, which are live bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. In turn, this benefits digestion and immunity, and reduces inflammation. 

Probiotic benefits in pregnancy

Constipation is common in pregnancy, partly due to high progesterone levels, and maintaining a healthy gut can help alleviate this. The health of a mother’s gut and that of her baby is tightly linked and may influence the development of the baby’s gut-brain axis.

Probiotic benefits in postpartum

Gut bacteria is a component of breastmilk, and the healthier a breastfeeding mother’s gut, the more beneficial bacteria will be passed on to her baby. This beneficial bacteria may also help prevent mastitis.

Fermented foods include sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, miso, and yogurt. Fermented foods vary in the type and amount of probiotics they contain, but are generally considered safe in pregnancy. You should consult a medical professional before taking a probiotic supplement in pregnancy.

You’ll find fermented ingredients in our Mother Nourish Packs.