Can breastfeeding mothers eat durian?
This question must be asked by breastfeeding mothers, especially durian lovers.
Around us, there are certainly many myths circulating that mention the prohibition of pregnant women from eating durian, because they are afraid of having a miscarriage at a certain age of pregnancy.
However, after giving birth, does the prohibition still apply? Are breastfeeding mothers allowed to eat durian?
Can breastfeeding mothers eat durian?

Breastfeeding mothers are still allowed to consume durian as long as it does not cause side effects.
Breast milk (ASI) is the best food for baby growth and development.
Breast milk is sterile, so there are no germs or food toxins in it, so there is actually no effect if the mother eats durian fruit.
Because in principle what comes out of breast milk is the best thing for the child, and the quality of breast milk is very dependent on the amount and quality of food consumed by the mother.
According to Dr. Caecilia Haryu Aryapti, eating durian for breastfeeding mothers is allowed as long as it does not cause reactions, such as allergies in the mother or the baby being breastfed.
Durian does not cause allergies if not consumed in excess.
Not only for breastfeeding mothers, if consumed excessively, durian will cause digestive disorders such as nausea, bloating , headaches and other complaints.
Durian Nutritional Content
There are various nutritional contents in durian fruit that you should know about.
In 100 grams of durian, there are various nutrients including:
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Total fat: 5.33 grams
- Protein: 1.47 grams
- Dietary fiber: 3.8 grams
- Vitamin C: 19.7 mg
- Vitamin A: 44 IU
- Folic Acid: 36 mcg
- Calcium: 6 mg
- Iron: 0.43 mg
- Phosphorus: 39 mg
- Magnesium: 30 mg
- Potassium: 436 mg
Does Durian Affect the Taste and Aroma of Breast Milk?

Some people believe that durian can increase breast milk flow and produce thicker, creamier milk .
Meanwhile, based on the pageThe Leche League, strong-smelling foods that can pass into breast milk and may change its taste.
Babies who are sensitive to these changes may show irritability, fussiness, and reluctance to breastfeed.
In fact, a breastfeeding mother whose baby finds a food particularly offensive should consult her pediatrician or lactation consultant and discuss eliminating the food from her daily diet.
Side Effects of Eating Durian While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers can eat durian in moderation. Durian is very high in energy and rich in minerals such as calcium, iron and manganese which are beneficial because they improve the quality of breast milk.
However, breastfeeding mothers should not eat too much durian because it can cause heat in the body which can then cause constipation .
Research fromUniversity of Technology Malaysiaexplains, because of its high sugar content, durian can worsen diabetes and cause obesity in mothers and babies if consumed excessively.
Additionally, because durian has a warming effect, overeating it can cause sore throat, phlegmy cough, constipation, and even fever.
Meanwhile, because durian is a strong aroma that can enter breast milk. If the baby is sensitive to aromatic or gassy foods, they tend to show certain signs and symptoms, such as:.
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bloating, gas, or colic behavior
- Extreme fussiness and irritability
- Crying continuously
- Refusing to breastfeed
Ideal Portion for Breastfeeding Mothers Eating Durian
In 1 small durian fruit contains about 885 calories. Meanwhile, breastfeeding mothers can burn up to 500 calories every day.
For this reason, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers do not consume 1 small durian.
Just eat 2 to 3 medium-sized durians or 1 to 2 large-sized durians.
Benefits of Durian for Breastfeeding Mothers
Mom, here are the various benefits of durian for breastfeeding mothers.
But don’t worry, Mom, because there are actually several benefits of durian fruit for breastfeeding mothers, namely:
1. Antioxidants
Durian contains substances that can protect the body from free radical attacks from dangerous diseases.
2. Fiber
The fiber contained in durian fruit helps the human digestive process, apart from improving digestion it also maintains cholesterol levels and heart health.
It can act as a natural laxative and prevent the worry of constipation which is a common occurrence while breastfeeding.
In addition, the fiber content in durian will help keep mucous membranes protected because it reduces the time of exposure to toxins.
This will also help bind and then remove any chemicals from the gut that may have a chance of causing cancer.
3. Potassium
Durian contains potassium which helps the metabolic process which maintains muscle and bone density and can reduce high blood pressure.
4. Vitamin
Durian contains many vitamins and proteins which are important for breastfeeding mothers after giving birth.
Vitamins and folic acid can prevent anemia when breastfeeding after giving birth.
Eating durian after giving birth can reduce the stress that breastfeeding mothers often experience.
5. Phosphorus
Phosphorus plays a very important role in maintaining oral and dental health, while durian itself contains phosphorus to maintain body health.
6. Energy
Durian is high in energy, as well as minerals and vitamins. Durian is made of soft flesh that is easy to digest.
It contains simple sugars, such as fructose and sucrose which will provide energy and make breastfeeding mothers feel energetic.
Based on the vitamin content in durian, it can be concluded that durian is not harmful for breastfeeding mothers, as long as they do not consume it excessively.
Furthermore, as explained by Dr. Eunike Kiki M. Sitompul, there is actually no specific prohibition that does not allow breastfeeding mothers to eat durian.
But of course this applies if durian is not consumed excessively.
Because even in adults who are not breastfeeding, if durian is consumed excessively, it can cause excessive stomach gas, a feeling of tightness, and other digestive disorders.
In certain areas, durian is believed to be a lactation booster, which functions to increase the amount of breast milk produced by the body.
Durian itself contains many important vitamins and minerals that the body needs, if consumed wisely.
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Well, breastfeeding mothers can eat durian and don’t hesitate to eat this favorite fruit, as long as it is within reasonable limits, Mom!
Hopefully the information above is useful.
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia