What are the benefits of buffalo milk for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Buffalo milk is a dairy milk that is generally richer in fat and protein than cow's milk, so it is more filling and calorie-dense. If you drink it while pregnant or breastfeeding, it must be pasteurized: the NHS says to avoid unpasteurised milk in pregnancy because of listeria. No health body names buffalo milk as better than other pasteurized milk, so ask your midwife or doctor.
Free download
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
Is buffalo milk good during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
It can be part of a normal diet if it is pasteurized and you tolerate dairy. It is a dairy milk, so it provides protein, fat and some minerals like other milks. We found no official guidance that singles out buffalo milk as better or worse than cow’s milk for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so treat claims of special benefits with caution.
How does buffalo milk differ from cow’s milk?
- Richer: a published review of buffalo milk composition reports more fat and protein than in cow’s milk, so it is thicker and more calorie-dense. Exact figures vary by breed, feed and stage of lactation, so check the label of any product.
- Taste and texture: creamier and slightly sweeter. Buffalo milk is widely used for yogurt, paneer, ghee and mozzarella.
- Still contains lactose and milk proteins, so it is not suitable for lactose intolerance or milk allergy.
Safety first: pasteurized only
The NHS advises avoiding unpasteurised milk, cream, yoghurt, butter and ice cream during pregnancy, whichever animal it comes from, because it can carry listeria, which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. The US FDA says pregnant women are among the groups most at risk from raw milk. Buy a clearly labeled pasteurized product, and ask your midwife or doctor before using any raw or home-boiled milk.
Calories and weight
Because buffalo milk is richer, a glass has more calories than the same glass of cow’s milk. If you are watching weight gain in pregnancy, ask your midwife whether a lower-fat milk fits you better. For breastfeeding, the NHS suggests choosing low-fat varieties of milk and dairy when possible.
Practical tips
- Choose pasteurized milk with a clear label.
- Introduce it gradually if you are not used to it; the richness can upset a sensitive stomach.
- Do not give buffalo or cow’s milk to babies as a drink under 12 months; breast milk or infant formula is the main drink.
- Ask a midwife, doctor or dietitian about iron, calcium and vitamin D needs.
People also ask
Is buffalo milk safe in pregnancy?
Yes if it is pasteurized. The NHS advises avoiding unpasteurised milk in pregnancy because of listeria.
Is buffalo milk better than cow's milk when breastfeeding?
We found no official guidance saying so. It is richer in fat and protein, but your overall diet matters more. Ask your midwife or doctor.
Can babies drink buffalo milk?
Not as a main drink before 12 months. Breast milk or infant formula is recommended, so ask a health professional.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
