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What dairy to avoid while breastfeeding?

Understanding Dairy Consumption While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial period 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, certain dairy products may need to be approached with caution.
Dairy and Allergies
One of the primary concerns regarding dairy consumption during breastfeeding is the potential for cow’s milk protein allergy in infants. Approximately 1% of breastfed infants may develop an allergy to proteins found in cow’s milk, which can manifest as symptoms such as rashes, eczema, diarrhea, and colic. If a breastfeeding mother consumes dairy and notices these symptoms in her baby, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare professional about temporarily eliminating dairy from her diet.
Gassiness and Fussiness
Certain dairy products can also contribute to gassiness and fussiness in some babies. Foods like cheese and whole milk may lead to discomfort for infants, particularly if they are sensitive to lactose or other components in dairy. Mothers should be observant of their baby’s reactions after consuming dairy and consider moderating their intake if issues arise.
Choosing Low-Fat Options
While some dairy products can be problematic, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet. Opting for low-fat dairy products can be beneficial, as they provide necessary nutrients without excessive calories. This approach helps breastfeeding mothers manage their weight while still ensuring they receive adequate calcium and vitamin D, which are vital for both maternal and infant health.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
In addition to dairy, breastfeeding mothers are often advised to limit or avoid certain foods that may negatively affect their babies. These include high-mercury fish, excessive caffeine, and alcohol. While dairy can be part of a healthy diet, being mindful of the type and quantity consumed is crucial.
Conclusion
In summary, while dairy can be a nutritious part of a breastfeeding mother’s diet, it is essential to be aware of potential allergies and sensitivities in infants. Monitoring the baby’s reactions and opting for low-fat dairy options can help ensure a balanced diet that supports both mother and child. If any concerns arise, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a prudent step.

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.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

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.

What dairy products should you avoid while 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).

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)

Should I cut out dairy while breastfeeding?

If your baby is showing signs of a dairy allergy or a milk protein intolerance, your doctor may recommend that you follow a dairy-free diet as you continue breastfeeding. As you remove dairy products from your diet, remember that it can take 10 to 20 days to eliminate cow’s milk protein from your system.

Which dairy products increase breast milk?

Paneer: Cheese and paneer help to increase breast milk. For Vegetarians, consumption of a minimum of 100 grams of cottage cheese or paneer is advised. Both are rich sources of protein and are beneficial for a nursing mother.

What foods cause low milk supply?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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