What dairy products should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Understanding Dairy Products While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and nutrition plays a significant role in ensuring the health and well-being of both. While many foods are safe to consume during this period, certain dairy products may need to be approached with caution. Here’s a detailed look at which dairy items to avoid or limit while breastfeeding.
Dairy Sensitivities and Allergies
One of the primary concerns with dairy consumption during breastfeeding is the potential for allergic reactions in infants. Some babies may be sensitive to proteins found in cow’s milk, which can lead to symptoms such as rashes, gastrointestinal distress, or respiratory issues. If a breastfeeding mother consumes dairy and notices any adverse reactions in her baby, it may be wise to eliminate cow’s milk and other dairy products from her diet. This includes common items like cheese, yogurt, and butter.
High-Fat Dairy Products
While low-fat dairy options can be beneficial, high-fat dairy products should be consumed in moderation. Foods such as full-fat cheese and cream can contribute to excessive calorie intake and may not provide the best nutritional value for breastfeeding mothers. Instead, opting for low-fat or fat-free dairy products can help maintain a balanced diet while still providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
Processed Dairy Products
Processed dairy items, such as certain flavored yogurts or cheese spreads, often contain added sugars and preservatives that may not be ideal for a breastfeeding diet. These additives can potentially affect the quality of breast milk and may lead to digestive issues for the baby. Therefore, it is advisable to choose natural, unprocessed dairy products whenever possible.
Lactose Intolerance
For mothers who are lactose intolerant, consuming dairy can lead to discomfort and digestive issues, which may indirectly affect breastfeeding. Symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea can make it challenging for a mother to maintain her energy levels and overall health. In such cases, it may be beneficial to explore lactose-free dairy alternatives or plant-based options like almond or soy milk.
Conclusion
In summary, while dairy can be a valuable part of a breastfeeding mother’s diet, certain products should be approached with caution. Mothers should be mindful of potential allergies in their infants, limit high-fat and processed dairy items, and consider lactose intolerance. By making informed choices about dairy consumption, breastfeeding mothers can help ensure both their own health and that of their babies. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to individual dietary needs and concerns.

What dairy to cut out from breastfeeding?

You will need to avoid cow’s milk, soya milk and any products that contain these such as dairy and soya cheese/yogurts/custards/deserts (see Table below).

What foods dry up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

• Alcohol.
• Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
• Chasteberry.
• Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

Is dairy affecting my breastfed baby?

It’s possible for your breastfed baby to have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to something you eat or drink. Foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or some dairy products can cause fussiness, gassiness, or colicky behavior in some babies.

What foods are not good for breast milk?

Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc. Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)

Why can’t you eat chocolate while breastfeeding?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless.

What foods make breastfed babies gassy?

Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

How do I know if dairy is affecting my baby?

Children also can have: an intolerance to milk in which symptoms — such as loose stools, blood in the stool, refusal to eat, or irritability or colic — appear hours to days later. lactose intolerance, which is when the body has trouble digesting milk.

Which fruit is not good for feeding a mother?

Strawberries. Kiwifruit. Pineapple. The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers.

What does lactose intolerant baby poop look like?

Loose poop
Your baby may experience frequent watery, foul-smelling loose poops if they have a cow’s milk protein allergy. You may also notice mucus in the stool, and your little one may be gassy and colicky. Babies with diarrhea may quickly become dehydrated, so calling your doctor is recommended.