What not to take while breastfeeding?

What Not to Take While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial time for both mother and baby, and what a mother consumes can significantly impact her health and the well-being of her child. While many foods and beverages are safe, there are specific items that should be approached with caution or avoided altogether.
Medications and Supplements
One of the most critical considerations for breastfeeding mothers is the use of medications. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the baby. It is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider or a lactation consultant before taking any medication, including herbal supplements. Certain medications may not be safe during breastfeeding, and understanding which ones are acceptable is vital for the health of both mother and child.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is another substance that breastfeeding mothers should be cautious about. While occasional consumption may not pose a significant risk, it is generally recommended to limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can pass into breast milk and may affect the baby’s development and sleep patterns. If a mother chooses to drink, it is advisable to wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding to minimize the amount that enters the milk.
Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is commonly found in coffee, tea, and many soft drinks. While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, excessive intake can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Therefore, it is best for breastfeeding mothers to limit their caffeine consumption to about 300 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to two to three cups of coffee.
Certain Foods
While most foods are safe to eat while breastfeeding, some may cause issues for the baby. For instance, spicy foods, garlic, and certain types of fish high in mercury (like shark and swordfish) can lead to digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in some infants. Mothers should pay attention to their baby’s reactions after consuming these foods and consult with a healthcare provider if they notice any adverse effects.
Unpasteurized Products
Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid unpasteurized dairy products and juices, as these can harbor harmful bacteria that pose a risk to both the mother and the baby. Consuming pasteurized products ensures that harmful pathogens are eliminated, making them safer choices during this sensitive period.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers should be mindful of their dietary choices and the substances they consume. By avoiding certain medications, limiting alcohol and caffeine, being cautious with specific foods, and steering clear of unpasteurized products, mothers can help ensure a healthy breastfeeding experience for themselves and their babies. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice tailored to individual circumstances.

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 supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

• Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
• Aloe latex.
• Ashwagandha.
• Berberine/goldenseal.
• Bilberry.
• Black cohosh.
• Butterbur.
• Dong quai.

What medications dry up milk supply?

What medications do you think have been found to decrease milk supply? Choose 1 or more:

• Epinephrine.
• Labetolol.
• High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol)
• Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Testosterone.
• Estrogen.
• Methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

What medications should not be taken while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

What are unsafe drugs in breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

What negatively affects breast milk?

A woman’s lifestyle may affect her breast milk, and have an impact on the baby. During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk.

What to drink to increase breast milk?

Drinks to increase nutrients in breast milk

• Water. Plain water tops the list because not getting enough of it can directly reduce your milk supply.
• Cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is on the list because of its nutrient density.
• Herbal tea with fenugreek.
• Fruit smoothie with chia seeds.
• Coconut water.
• Juice.

Is there anything to avoid while breastfeeding?

Avoiding certain foods, such as garlic, onions or cabbage, might help. Remember, there’s no need to go on a special diet while you’re breastfeeding. Simply focus on making healthy choices — and you and your baby will reap the rewards.