You’ve always believed that there’s nothing that smells quite as good as the garlic you use to cook up your family’s favourite meal. It’s that unmistakable, irresistible aroma that sizzles on the pan, drifts up throughout the house, and perks up your little one’s nose, getting them excited for supper time.

But as you’ve recently had a new baby, you wonder if you can still eat garlic while breastfeeding.

Parents, it’s completely normal to overthink everything you eat and drink when breastfeeding. After all, we know you want your little one to enjoy and gain health benefits from your breastmilk. So, let’s talk about the effect of one of the most common herbs, and its effect on your breast milk.

First, let’s ascertain whether it’s safe to eat garlic when you’re breastfeeding.

Is it safe to eat garlic while breastfeeding?

Yes, it is completely safe to eat garlic during the time that you are breastfeeding. This is as long as both you and your baby are able to tolerate the garlic. In fact, garlic can actually be very beneficial to the health of you both, and it can contribute to a healthy milk supply.

So, now that we know it’s safe to eat garlic while breastfeeding, let’s explore some of the benefits it can have for both you and your baby.

What benefits can garlic have on both mother and baby?

Garlic increases milk supply. Garlic is a well-known treatment for stimulating breast milk production.

Garlic promotes lactation. It has often been said that babies who like the taste of garlic will find it easier to latch onto a mother who has garlic in her breast milk.

Garlic has antifungal properties. Garlic is wonderful for giving the immune system a boost after a course of antibiotics, and also for fighting off infections such as thrush, which can be a side effect of antibiotics.

Garlic improves heart health. As garlic naturally dilates the blood vessels, it helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and therefore lessens the risk of heart attacks.

Garlic acts as an anti-infective. Garlic has also been used to treat bacterial and viral infections in both children and adults.

Are there any reasons why my baby might not react well to the garlic in my breast milk?

Although garlic has many benefits, it’s important to note that it can change the smell and taste of your breastmilk, so be aware of this if you think your baby might be particularly sensitive to taste and smell. It can also contribute to causing colic in some babies, so this might be something to note if you’re raising a baby with colic.

Can I eat garlic whilst breastfeeding?

Yes! It may even be a way to introduce your baby to the family's diet. Unii explains.