Breastfeeding is a time when you need to be mindful of the foods you eat. Certain foods can pass through your breast milk and affect your baby’s health and well-being. Today, we’ll discuss what foods you should avoid while breastfeeding and why.
Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
- Alcohol
Alcohol can pass through breast milk to your baby and affect their development, behavior, and sleep patterns. It can also reduce your milk production and interfere with your let-down reflex. The safest approach is to avoid alcohol altogether while breastfeeding. If you choose to drink, wait at least two hours after a drink before breastfeeding to allow time for the alcohol to clear from your system. Alternatively, you can pump and store milk before drinking and feed your baby the stored milk until the alcohol clears from your system.
- Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect your baby’s sleep and cause irritability, fussiness, or jitteriness. It is found in coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate. While moderate caffeine intake is safe for most breastfeeding mothers, excessive caffeine can lead to decreased milk production, dehydration, and overstimulation of your baby’s nervous system. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding mothers limit their caffeine intake to no more than 300 milligrams per day, which is about two cups of coffee.
- Fish with High Mercury Content
Fish is a healthy source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients, but certain types of fish can contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to your baby’s developing nervous system. Fish to avoid while breastfeeding include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. You can safely consume up to 12 ounces per week of low-mercury fish, such as salmon, shrimp, catfish, and canned light tuna.
- Certain Medications
Certain foods can cause allergies or sensitivities in some babies, and the proteins can pass through breast milk. Common allergenic foods to avoid while breastfeeding include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish. If your baby has a family history of allergies or if you suspect an allergic reaction, you may want to eliminate these foods from your diet for a few weeks and then reintroduce them one by one to determine the culprit.
- Allergenic Foods
Certain foods can cause allergies or sensitivities in some babies, and the proteins can pass through breast milk. Common allergenic foods to avoid while breastfeeding include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish. If your baby has a family history of allergies or if you suspect an allergic reaction, you may want to eliminate these foods from your diet for a few weeks and then reintroduce them one by one to determine the culprit.
- Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can cause digestive issues in both the mother and the baby. The strong flavors and spices can cause discomfort, gas, and bloating in the baby, which can lead to fussiness and crying. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid spicy foods, or consume them in moderation.
- Gas-Producing Foods
Certain foods, such as beans, broccoli, and cabbage, can produce gas in your baby’s digestive system. If you notice that your baby is gassy or fussy after you eat these foods, try reducing your intake or avoiding them altogether.
- Sugary or Fatty Foods
While it’s okay to indulge in moderation, sugary and fatty foods should be consumed in limited quantities while breastfeeding. These foods can contribute to weight gain and may negatively affect your overall health.
Why Should You Avoid These Foods?
Avoiding these foods while breastfeeding can help ensure that your baby receives the healthiest breast milk possible. Consuming alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications can negatively affect your baby’s growth and development, while high-mercury fish can harm their developing nervous system. Allergenic, spicy, and gas-producing foods can also cause digestive upset in some babies.
In addition, consuming sugary or fatty foods in excess can contribute to weight gain and may negatively affect your overall health. While it’s okay to indulge in moderation, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet while breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a time when you need to be mindful of the foods you eat. Certain foods can pass through your breast milk and affect your baby’s health and well-being. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, high-mercury fish, certain medications, allergenic foods, spicy foods, gas-producing foods, and sugary or fatty foods can help ensure that your baby receives the healthiest breast milk possible. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet while breastfeeding.
