What food and drink should I avoid when breastfeeding?

Understanding What to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and what a mother consumes can significantly impact her milk quality and her baby’s health. While many foods are safe and beneficial, there are certain items that should be approached with caution or avoided altogether.
Alcohol: A Delicate Balance
Alcohol consumption is one of the most debated topics among breastfeeding mothers. While it is generally recommended to limit alcohol intake to one drink or less per day, timing is essential. Mothers should wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding to minimize the amount that passes into breast milk. For those who plan to drink more than a couple of drinks, it’s advisable to establish breastfeeding for about a month first and consider “pumping and dumping” to manage milk supply.
Caffeine: Moderation is Key
Caffeine is another substance that can affect breastfeeding. It does pass into breast milk, and while small amounts—up to three cups of coffee or equivalent caffeine sources per day—are generally considered safe, excessive consumption can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Therefore, mothers should monitor their caffeine intake and consider how it affects both them and their baby.
Sugary Drinks: Empty Calories
When it comes to hydration, breastfeeding mothers often feel thirstier than usual. However, it’s crucial to avoid sugary drinks like regular sodas and fruit juices, which provide empty calories without nutritional benefits. Instead, opting for water or other low-calorie beverages is a healthier choice that supports both hydration and overall nutrition.
Potential Allergens and Spicy Foods
While there is little evidence that specific foods cause significant issues for most babies, some mothers may choose to limit potential allergens such as dairy, peanuts, and shellfish, especially if there is a family history of allergies. Additionally, spicy foods can sometimes lead to discomfort in babies, so mothers might want to observe their baby’s reactions after consuming such meals.
Highly Processed Foods: Nutritional Value Matters
Highly processed foods, which often contain additives and preservatives, should also be limited. These foods can lack essential nutrients that are vital for both the mother’s health and the quality of breast milk. Focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—will provide the necessary nutrients for both mother and baby.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
In summary, while breastfeeding, mothers should be mindful of their diet, particularly regarding alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods. By making informed choices and observing their baby’s reactions, mothers can ensure a healthy breastfeeding experience that supports their child’s growth and development.

What foods decrease breast milk supply?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

What you Cannot drink 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.

Do and don’ts of breastfeeding?

Make sure you do not eat anything that causes gas or constipation in your baby’s stomach as what you eat may affect your baby’s digestion. Make sure you include all sorts of proteins and vitamins in your diet. Make a habit of drinking milk regularly. Your breast milk may slightly have the taste of the food you eat.

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.

What food and drink to avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods to stay away from when breastfeeding include:

• Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep.
• Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods.
• Fish.
• Chocolate.
• Garlic.
• Peppermint, sage, and parsley.

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.

What foods dry up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

What are the top foods that bother breastfed babies?

Now, in certain uncommon situations, babies can have a reaction to something in the breastfeeding parent’s diet. The top three culprits are dairy, soy, and wheat. But we don’t see too many babies reacting to foods like broccoli, cabbage, etc.

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 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.