Oats: a traditional cereal and a delicious ally for breastfeeding and the post-partum period

Its grain contains an impressive combination of nutrients: beta-glucans, soluble fibres with a well-documented effect on cholesterol at more than 3 g per day, plant proteins containing essential amino acids, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, B vitamins, and antioxidant compounds. This nutritional density makes it a valuable cereal for supporting daily vitality, during pregnancy, post-partum, and breastfeeding — periods when energy and mineral requirements may increase. Wholegrain, gluten-free, and organic forms best preserve its properties and micronutrients.

In its natural form, oats are everywhere: oat flakes for porridge or breakfast bowls, oat bran as a topping, granolas and muesli, biscuits, breads and flatbreads, as well as savoury recipes and plant-based drinks such as oat milk. Its cereal cousins — spelt, barley, rye, and wheat — share some of its nutritional benefits, but oats stand out for their exceptionally high beta-glucan content:

Grain

Beta-glucan content (per 100 g)

Oats (flakes)

3 to 5 g

Barley

3 to 4 g

Rye

1 to 2 g

Wheat

less than 1 g

To make the most of its properties and limit the risk of discomfort, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and combine oats with fruit and nuts. This type of breakfast contributes to digestive comfort and enjoyment of everyday recipes. Fibre and antioxidant intake varies depending on the quantity consumed, the type of product chosen, and the quality of cultivation.

As a food supplement and as a functional snack, oats can be found in: pre-cooked flakes, bran concentrated in beta-glucans, cereal bars, biscuits, and home-made preparations. A daily serving of organic, wholegrain, and certified gluten-free oats where needed is a good alternative to refined cereals for an optimal nutritional profile. This is the choice made by Jolly Mama in its snacks designed for maternity with Vanifique and Croquantissime, two bars containing 23% gluten-free oats, and Jolly Bread, a Nordic bread mix containing 42% gluten-free oat flakes in addition to seeds. Milk Cookies also celebrates oats as the cereal base of an indulgent breastfeeding snack. For the morning routine, the Jolly Mama granolas and porridges also offer some. The key quality criteria to look for are organic origin, grain traceability, and ideally the absence of gluten.