Recent studies suggest that breastfeeding women should include extra virgin olive oil in their diet.
New mothers who follow the Mediterranean diet actually produce milk with a healthier fatty acid profile!
Key nutrients found in olive oil have also been found to pass into breast milk.
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet for breastfeeding mothers
A study published in Frontiers of Nutrition in June 2022 investigated the role of the Mediterranean diet in influencing the fatty acid content of human breast milk.
Participants were measured for their adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and their breast milk was analyzed. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet among breastfeeding mothers was associated with higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in their milk.
Clinical studies have shown that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, helps support certain learning outcomes, visual acuity, and overall brain development in children.
Polyphenols for breastfed babies
A study published in July 2022 in Food Chemistry found evidence that polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil , which are believed to be responsible for many of the potential health benefits associated with extra virgin olive oil, can be passed into breast milk. The animal study compared the consumption of extra virgin olive oil with olive oil and water and found that some of the polyphenols in consumed olive oil were also found in breast milk.
Additionally, polyphenols were detected in the offspring, indicating that the nutrients were bioavailable and absorbed.
Olive oil for breast health
Unfortunately, breastfeeding women often suffer from painful cracked nipples, but olive oil can help with this problem.
A 2015 study found that olive oil was highly effective in treating and preventing chapped nipples with no adverse effects.
Researchers suggest 3 drops on each nipple after each feeding.
Moms might also want to check out the latest research on how extra virgin olive oil can protect against breast cancer: a February 2022 study found that women who consistently used at least two tablespoons a day of extra virgin olive oil for dressing, cooking, and frying had a 28% lower risk of breast cancer than women who didn't consistently follow this practice!
The use of extra virgin olive oil during weaning
Italian doctors recommend introducing babies to olive oil during weaning, starting around 6 months of age.
It can be introduced into the newborn's diet by mixing it into baby food or creams, or by cooking foods with extra virgin olive oil.
Olive oil allergies are very rare, but we recommend consulting your pediatrician with any concerns.
Extra virgin olive oil is a very delicate product and for this reason it is used in cosmetics, beauty care products and even for the sensitive skin of newborns .
In fact, oil is an excellent helper for keeping the skin soft and hydrated, it protects the skin and hair from unwanted dryness and since it is a natural substance, there is no fear of chemical reactions.
Extra virgin olive oil is derived from olives and is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and natural compounds like squalene and oleocanthal, which can help repair skin damage. Furthermore, extra virgin olive oil is non-toxic to children , kills harmful microbes, and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, making it a good choice for even the delicate skin of newborns.
Olive oil is an ingredient in many hair and skin products , but extra virgin olive oil is the safest to put directly on the skin.
Olive oil can help moisturize itchy or dry skin . It can also relieve the symptoms of skin conditions like eczema, cradle cap, and diaper rash.
You can use it in place of a diaper rash ointment or cream, or if baby wipes irritate your baby's skin, for example, you can try replacing them by using olive oil on a wet wipe.
Also, if any oil comes into contact with children's hands and they put their hands in their mouths, it will be safe for them to swallow.
Here are our tips for using extra virgin olive oil for newborns .
Soothe a baby's bottom
Extra virgin olive oil is beneficial for chapped and irritated skin and is particularly soothing for frequent diaper rashes in babies.
One of the old family remedies that grandmothers used to prepare is a truly magical and very easy to prepare ointment:
- mix 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon of water
- Whisk the water and oil together to create an emulsion
- Spread it on your baby's bottom after bathing or before putting on a clean diaper.
Relieve cradle cap
Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis (a type of dandruff) often seen in infants.
Your child may have just a mild case of this dry, scaly skin, or it may be a more severe case characterized by thick, oily yellow patches.
Over the centuries, mothers have found many ways to treat this condition, but one of the best-known home remedies for relieving cradle cap in babies is using olive oil.
Gently massage your baby's scalp with extra virgin olive oil (using your fingers or a soft baby brush).
Leave it on for at least 10 minutes, then wash and rinse the baby's head gently with warm water .
Extra virgin olive oil: the king of massages
If you've never given your baby a massage, you've missed a truly fantastic surprise.
Human touch has been shown to not only help a child bond with a parent, but can also build trust between mother, father, and child.
Both you and your baby will benefit from the time spent on this wonderful research.
How do you use extra virgin olive oil for massage?
- Rub extra virgin olive oil on your hands to reduce friction on your baby's skin.
- make sure the room is warm
- use sliding strokes or circular motions and always press gently
- Don't forget your baby's fingers and toes, and be especially careful if you massage your baby's head.
Benefits of infant massage
Massaging your baby encourages your bond, especially when:
- make eye contact
- smile
- speak in a reassuring voice
- use loving touches
Massage improves the flow of oxygen and the use of nutrients in the baby's bloodstream.
They can increase the release of hormones, including growth hormones that help your baby gain healthy weight and develop his or her brain.
Massages also allow you to gain awareness of your body.
The use of extra virgin olive oil in infants' diets
Could we forget about the food component ?
As we have already explained in other in-depth articles , extra virgin olive oil is the "good fat" for children, as well as for adults.
So convinced of the oil's numerous health benefits, for centuries the inhabitants of the Mediterranean area have often used a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil starting at about five months, as a growth supplement.
Extra virgin olive oil contains vitamin A and, together with its high percentage of oleic acid, stimulates bone growth and promotes the absorption of calcium and minerals.
It also helps with gastritis, a problem for many infants and young children. To the rescue—nature's natural remedy—extra virgin olive oil.
It works to coat the delicate lining of the baby's or child's stomach and aids in the digestive process.
Of course, always consult your pediatrician for questions or advice about your child's health.
