What is bad to eat and drink while breastfeeding?

Understanding Dietary Restrictions While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial period 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 beneficial, certain items should be approached with caution or avoided altogether.
Caffeine: A Double-Edged Sword
Caffeine is a common concern for breastfeeding mothers. Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some soft drinks, caffeine can pass into breast milk. While moderate consumption is generally considered safe, excessive caffeine intake can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Experts recommend limiting caffeine to about 300 mg per day, roughly equivalent to two to three cups of coffee.
Alcohol: Moderation is Key
Alcohol consumption during breastfeeding is another contentious topic. While occasional moderate drinking is deemed acceptable, it’s crucial to time alcohol intake wisely. Alcohol can affect milk production and may alter the taste of breast milk, potentially leading to feeding issues. If a mother chooses to drink, waiting at least two hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding can help minimize its effects on the baby.
Mercury-Rich Fish: A Risky Choice
Certain types of fish are known to contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to a developing baby. Fish such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel should be avoided. Instead, mothers can opt for low-mercury fish like salmon or sardines, which provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids without the associated risks.
Herbal Supplements and Certain Foods
Some herbal supplements can have adverse effects on breastfeeding. For instance, herbs like sage and parsley may reduce milk supply, while others could introduce unwanted compounds into breast milk. Additionally, highly processed foods, which often contain additives and preservatives, should be limited as they may not provide the necessary nutrients for both mother and baby.
Spicy Foods and Gas-Inducing Vegetables
While not universally harmful, some mothers find that spicy foods or gas-inducing vegetables like broccoli and beans can lead to discomfort in their babies. If a mother notices her baby becoming fussy after she consumes these foods, it may be wise to limit them.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
In summary, while breastfeeding, mothers should be mindful of their dietary choices. Limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding high-mercury fish, and being cautious with certain herbs and processed foods can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy. Ultimately, a balanced diet rich in nutrients will support the breastfeeding journey, fostering a positive experience for both.

What food and drink should I 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 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 spoil breast milk?

Here are 5 foods to limit or avoid while breastfeeding, as well as tips for how to tell if your diet is affecting your baby.

• Fish high in mercury.
• Some herbal supplements.
• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Highly processed foods.

What can you not drink while breastfeeding?

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.

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 can stop breastmilk?

Peppermint, Parsley, and Sage
For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

What foods dry up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

Which fruit decreases breast milk?

Chasteberry. Chasteberry has been shown to act directly on the pituitary gland, inhibiting the secretion of prolactin. 11 When prolactin levels are reduced in a lactating person, milk supply typically reduces with it. As a result, breastfeeding parents may want to avoid chasteberry supplements.

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.

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.