What drinks should you stay away from while breastfeeding?

Understanding What Drinks to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and what a mother consumes can significantly impact her milk and, consequently, her infant’s health. While many foods and drinks are safe, there are specific beverages that breastfeeding mothers should approach with caution or avoid altogether.
Alcohol: A Major Concern
Alcohol is one of the primary substances to avoid while breastfeeding. When a mother consumes alcohol, it enters her bloodstream and can subsequently be transferred to her breast milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the safest option for breastfeeding mothers is to abstain from alcohol entirely. Although some studies suggest that having a single drink may not pose significant risks if the mother waits at least two hours before nursing, the consensus remains that alcohol can affect the baby’s development and behavior.
Caffeine: Moderation is Key
Caffeine is another substance that requires careful consideration. While moderate caffeine intake—up to 300 mg per day, roughly equivalent to two to three cups of coffee—is generally considered safe, excessive consumption can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Additionally, caffeine can hinder the absorption of iron, which is vital for both the mother’s and baby’s health. Therefore, mothers should monitor their caffeine intake and consider how it might affect their baby.
Sugary and Energy Drinks: A Double Whammy
Sugary drinks and energy beverages should also be avoided. These drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can lead to energy spikes and crashes, not only for the mother but potentially for the baby as well. Energy drinks, in particular, may contain additional stimulants and herbs that could be harmful during breastfeeding. The high sugar content can also contribute to poor dietary habits, which are not ideal during this critical time.
Herbal Teas and Other Infusions
Herbal teas and infusions can be tricky. While some herbal teas are safe, others may contain ingredients that could be harmful to breastfeeding infants. It’s essential for mothers to research specific herbs and consult healthcare providers to ensure that any herbal beverages consumed are safe.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers should be mindful of their beverage choices. Avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine intake are crucial steps in ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Additionally, steering clear of sugary and energy drinks, as well as being cautious with herbal teas, can help create a healthier breastfeeding experience. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice tailored to individual circumstances.

What can pass into breast milk?

Serious Illnesses and Breastfeeding

• COVID-19. A parent who tests positive for COVID-19 can breastfeed their infant.
• HIV.
• Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C.
• Tuberculosis.
• Other infections.
• Cancer.
• More information.

What drinks increase breast milk supply?

Herbal Teas (e.g., fenugreek, nettle, fennel)
Research Evidence: Adding fenugreek to your diet (either as a tea or supplement) has been shown to increase milk production, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Recommendation: Enjoy a cup of herbal tea (fenugreek, nettle, or fennel) daily.

What drinks increase milk supply?

Plain water, cow’s milk, herbal tea, smoothies, coconut water, and juice are good drink options during lactation. If you’re worried about your milk supply, speak with your obstetrician. You could also consider working with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Is there anything to avoid while breastfeeding?

But there are certain foods to avoid during breastfeeding, including: Foods with artificial sweeteners. There’s some concern that artificial sweeteners may increase your child’s risk of obesity, but more research is needed. Fish with high levels of mercury like shark, mackerel and swordfish.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

Which food decreases breast milk?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

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 drinks should I avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

What drinks dry up breast milk?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

• Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days.
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

What teas should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Some types of tea can affect breastmilk production and cause side effects in the baby. Teas that should be avoided include lemongrass, oregano, parsley, peppermint, ginseng, kava andillicium verum. They should be avoided whenever possible, or consumed only under the supervision of a doctor.