A New Mom’s Checklist: What Should You Avoid Eating While Breastfeeding?

After carrying your baby for 9 long months, it is natural to want to enjoy your favorite foods again once you have given birth. But breastfeeding means continuing to pay close attention to your newborn’s needs, and not every food is suitable for a breastfeeding mother. This article brings together a checklist of foods to avoid or watch while breastfeeding. Let’s take a look.

Why Is Your Diet After Childbirth Important?

Paying attention to what you eat while breastfeeding is extremely important. Your diet affects the quality of the breast milk your baby receives, because all the nutrients you consume are passed on to your baby through your milk. Eating a balanced diet with essential nutrients is therefore especially important during this time.

What Should New Moms Avoid Eating While Breastfeeding?

1. Seafood

Most fish and seafood are good sources of protein and omega-3s for breastfeeding mothers, so there is no need to avoid them altogether. The concern is mercury that accumulates in certain large ocean fish, such as shark, swordfish, marlin and bigeye tuna. Mercury can pass through breast milk and may affect a baby’s developing nervous system.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)recommends that breastfeeding mothers eat low-mercury fish and seafood, such as salmon, short mackerel, tilapia and shrimp, about 2–3 times a week, and choose seafood that is thoroughly cooked and hygienically prepared.

2. Alcoholic Drinks

Alcohol can pass into breast milk and may disrupt a baby’s sleep and development. The safest choice is not to drink while breastfeeding. If you need to drink occasionally, keep the amount small and wait at least about 2 hours per standard drink before the next feed (the more you drink, the longer you need to wait). Pumping and discarding breast milk does not make alcohol leave your body faster. For more information, seeNHSand never share a bed with your baby after drinking alcohol.

3. Spicy Foods

Most breastfeeding mothers can eat spicy foods as usual. A little of the food’s flavor may pass into breast milk. Some babies may be sensitive to certain foods, becoming fussier or having more trouble sleeping than usual. The best approach is to eat in moderation and watch your baby’s reactions afterward. If your baby repeatedly becomes fussy after you eat a particular food, try reducing it and consult a doctor.

4. Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeine can pass into breast milk. If you drink too much, your baby may become restless, fussy and have trouble sleeping.NHSThe recommendation is to limit caffeine to about 200 milligrams a day or less, roughly 2 cups of coffee. Remember to count caffeine from tea, cocoa, chocolate, soft drinks and energy drinks too. To reduce your intake, switch to caffeine-free drinks.

5. Sour Fruits

Sour fruits such as oranges, limes and pineapples are good sources of vitamin C. Breastfeeding mothers can eat them as usual. There is no clear evidence that they cause rashes in babies, although some babies may be sensitive to particular foods. If you notice that your baby repeatedly develops a rash, becomes fussy or has an upset tummy after you eat a certain food, keep a record and consult a doctor. Do not cut out all fruit on your own.

Did You Know? The Benefits of Lactoferrin in Colostrum

The first milk a mother produces is deep yellow and plays an important role during the first 1-3 days after birth. This “colostrum” has properties that help support a baby’s immune system. One important substance found in milk at this stage is lactoferrin. For first-time mothers who would like to learn breastfeeding techniques, you can findmore information hereand readHow to Breastfeed CorrectlyorFoods to Increase Breast Milk Supplyalongside it. By now, you should have a clearer idea of what to eat and what to avoid while breastfeeding. The period after childbirth is especially important, as your baby needs nutrients from you. Before choosing what to eat, consider your baby’s needs to support their health. Sources:https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/mother-and-baby-care/what-to-eat-what-not-to-eat-while-breastfeeding https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/ss/slideshow-breastfeeding-foods https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/breastfeeding-foods-to-avoid#1.-Fish-high-in-mercury

https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish

https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-and-lifestyle/diet/

https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-and-lifestyle/alcohol/