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Postpartum Wellbeing

My family is restricting almost all my food postpartum (even fruit), saying it harms the baby. Is it true that eating fruit gives the baby a cold?

Moms firmly say food restrictions like 'fruit causes the baby a cold' are untrue - if your doctor has approved eating in moderation, you should eat what you need, stay hydrated, and not ask family for permission.

💡Quick Answer

  • •Eating fruit does not give the baby a cold - this is a myth
  • •If your doctor approved eating in moderation, follow the doctor, not family
  • •Don't ask permission to nourish yourself - eat thoughtfully
  • •Stay hydrated with water and fluids
  • •Get your husband on your side; refuse the non-negotiables

⚠️ Caution:Follow your own doctor's specific postpartum guidance (e.g. moderation, avoiding oily fried outside food). If you have a medical condition affecting diet, defer to your doctor over family beliefs.

🤔What Parents Worry About

Just days after a hard delivery, exhausted moms face family policing every bite - even forbidding fruit - on the belief it will harm the baby, leaving them depleted and second-guessing themselves. The community responds with firm reassurance that these restrictions are myths, that a doctor's approval to eat in moderation outranks family opinion, and that nourishing and hydrating themselves is the least they owe their own recovering bodies - urging them to enlist their husband and stop asking permission.

Community Answers from Moms(4)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

  1. 1

    It's absolutely untrue that fruit gives the baby a cold. Tell them the doctor has approved and eat what you want.

  2. 2

    It's infuriating when family thinks they know better than doctors - eat whatever you want, thoughtfully, and don't ask for permission. Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated.

  3. 3

    Some moms take a middle ground, agreeing to small things while flatly refusing the non-negotiables.

  4. 4

    Try to get your husband on your side and just eat what you want.

About These Answers

The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.

Last reviewed: June 17, 2026

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My family is restricting almost all my food postpartum (even fruit), saying it harms the baby. Is it true that eating fruit gives the baby a cold? | Real Mom Answers | Mom Insider