What not to drink when you are breastfeeding?

What Not to Drink When Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and what a mother consumes can significantly impact her infant’s health. While many foods and drinks are safe, certain beverages should be approached with caution or avoided altogether.
Alcohol: A Major Concern
One of the most discussed substances in relation to breastfeeding is alcohol. The consensus among health professionals is clear: alcohol and breastfeeding don’t mix well. When a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, it enters her bloodstream and subsequently her breast milk. This can affect the baby, as infants metabolize alcohol much more slowly than adults do. The safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely while breastfeeding. If a mother chooses to drink, it is recommended to limit consumption to one standard drink and to wait at least two hours before breastfeeding again. This waiting period allows the body time to metabolize the alcohol, reducing the amount present in breast milk.
Caffeine: Moderation is Key
Another beverage to be cautious about is caffeine. While moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, excessive consumption can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Health experts suggest limiting caffeine to about 300 mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to two to three cups of coffee. Mothers should monitor their baby’s reactions to caffeine and adjust their intake accordingly.
Herbal Teas and Supplements: Proceed with Caution
Many mothers enjoy herbal teas, but not all herbal ingredients are safe for breastfeeding. Some herbs can affect milk supply or may not be suitable for infants. It’s essential to research specific herbs or consult with a healthcare provider before consuming herbal teas or supplements while breastfeeding.
Sugary and Carbonated Drinks: Health Considerations
While not directly harmful to breastfeeding, sugary and carbonated drinks should be consumed in moderation. High sugar intake can lead to weight gain and other health issues for the mother, which can indirectly affect her ability to care for her baby. Additionally, excessive carbonation may lead to discomfort or gas in both mother and baby.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers should be mindful of their beverage choices. Avoiding alcohol is paramount, while moderating caffeine and being cautious with herbal teas can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy. By making informed choices, mothers can support their breastfeeding journey and promote the well-being of their infants.

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.

What drinks affect 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 can’t you eat or 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. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

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 foods decrease breast milk?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• 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.)

Which fruit is not good for feeding a mother?

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

Which foods reduce breast?

The best diet to help reduce breast size is one that actually reduces overall body fat. This means a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and protein (fish and chicken are best). Carbohydrates should be minimized as much as possible, along with fried, fatty, or processed food.

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.

Which fruits should I avoid while breastfeeding?

You may have heard that it helps to avoid certain foods while breastfeeding – such as citrus fruits, orange juice, spices (cinnamon, curry, chili pepper), spicy food, and “gassy” veggies (cabbage, onion, broccoli, cauliflower) – but there’s no convincing scientific evidence to support that advice.