9 Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms

Congrats and welcome to the best phase of your life when you get (and secretly enjoy) all the attention from the loved ones around you. There is no better feeling than the movement of life inside you. Whether you are running errands or simply talking on the phone, you are pleasantly reminded that you are not at all alone. 

However, pregnancy comes with its own set of challenges. From morning sickness to the growing tummy, from itchy skin to hormonal changes, there is a lot that a pregnant woman has to deal with.  

And finally, after what seems like a long wait, the little bundle of joy is in your arms. You love to spend time bonding with the little one, be it through the ‘Kangaroo Hug’ or breastfeeding. 

While you love to bond with your little one during breastfeeding, you also need a solution that can make the pain of chapped nipples and heavy breasts a little bearable.  One thing that can make your breastfeeding journey a lot smoother is coconut oil. 

That's right! The same old coconut oil that helped you deal with itchy growing belly during pregnancy. 

Next time you make a grocery run, ditch the fancy stuff and opt for the good old coconut oil. Make sure you pick-up only virgin, organic coconut oil and stay away from the refined options. Read on to find some amazing uses of coconut oil for pregnant and breastfeeding moms – 

• Lauric Acid Enhances Immunity in  Expectant Mothers and Newborn 

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a powerful anti-microbial fatty acid. The fatty acid protects the immune system of the expectant mother as well as the newborn baby.

Just add 2-3 tablespoon of coconut oil to your favourite smoothie or to the bowl of ‘dal-chawal’. To make it better, it even enhances the taste of the food. 

• Helps Fight with Stretch Marks 

Stretch marks are probably the most visible side-effects of a pregnancy (bye to those tank tops. Sigh!). However, the regular application of coconut oil during the last trimester prevents their appearance to a great extent. And continued usage after birth will help lighten whatever little stretch marks you have left. 

• Provides Relief From Sore and Chapped Nipples 
  

Constant sucking during breastfeeding can sometimes make your nipples sore. Applying coconut oil on the nipples makes it soft, moisturizes it and helps repair cracked nipples. Good thing is that coconut oil is all-natural and there is no need to wipe it before feeding the baby.   

• Promotes Healthy Heart Development in Fetuses 

Coconut oil has a high content of Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids which are considered good for the heart. When consumed by a pregnant woman, especially during the first trimester, it can help in healthy fetal development 

• Makes Breast Milk Healthier  

Human breast milk has a unique composition that includes fatty acids, lauric acid, and capric acid. These fatty acids have antimicrobial properties that prevent babies from many deadly bacteria and viruses. 

Studies show that lactating mothers who use coconut oil as a staple in their diet have increased amounts of protective antimicrobials, lauric acid and capric acid in their breast milk. The milk also increased levels of rich fats like MCFAs and MCT that is vital for the continued growth and development of infants. 

• Helps Control the Post-delivery Hair Fall 

Lots of women face heavy hair fall after delivery. Regular massage of warm coconut oil on scalp and hair shafts can tame that dry and falling out stage of hair. It also conditions and moisturizes your hair and restores its glory to the pre-pregnancy days. 

• Makes Sleepless Nights Bearable  

Newborn and peaceful sleep are like opposite poles. You just can’t have them together. Thankfully, the rich fatty acids in coconut oil ‘wakes up’ your brain and provides you with instant energy when you need it. So, if you are tired after an array of sleepless nights, pick a spoonful for a boost of natural energy. It is even better than caffeine.  

• Controls Blood Sugar in Pregnant Women 

Many women, especially those with a family history of diabetes suffer from high blood pressure during pregnancy. Daily consumption of virgin coconut oil will control diabetes, balance blood sugar, and help combat morning sickness in expectant moms.   

• Perfect for Healing Stitch Marks after C-Section Delivery 

A lot of new mothers complain of itchiness and irritation once the stitches are removed after a C-section. Regular application of organic coconut oil on the stitches and surrounding area will keep the skin moisturized and help in faster healing. 

Coconut oil is like a magic potion that works on a number of prenatal and postnatal ailments. Virgin coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat and is super healthy both for the expectant mother and the baby. Its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties help in boosting immunity and keep allergies and infections at bay. 

The key is to stick to virgin coconut oil that is extracted from the kernel of organic coconuts using the cold-pressed method, just like the one we make at “The Coconut People”. The oil made my #thecoconutpeople is packed in a glass jar for extra shelf-life. 

Do you know of any other uses of coconut oil for pregnant or breastfeeding moms? Let us know in the comments section.