What should a lactating mother not eat?

Understanding Dietary Restrictions for Lactating Mothers
For lactating mothers, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial not only for their health but also for the well-being of their breastfeeding infants. While there are no absolute prohibitions on specific foods, certain items should be approached with caution or limited in consumption to ensure both mother and baby thrive.
Foods to Avoid or Limit
1. High-Mercury Fish: Certain fish are known to contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to a developing infant. Mothers should avoid fish such as tilefish, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. Instead, opting for safer choices like salmon or trout can provide essential nutrients without the associated risks.
2. Caffeine: While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, excessive intake can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. It is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to limit their caffeine intake to about 300 mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to two to three cups of coffee.
3. Alcohol: Alcohol can pass into breast milk, and its effects on a breastfeeding baby can vary. While occasional consumption may be acceptable, it is recommended that mothers wait at least two hours after drinking before breastfeeding to minimize any potential impact on the infant.
4. Spicy Foods: Some mothers may find that consuming spicy foods can lead to digestive discomfort for their babies, resulting in fussiness or gas. While not universally problematic, it may be wise to monitor the baby’s reaction to spicy meals.
5. Allergenic Foods: If there is a family history of allergies, mothers may want to limit foods that are common allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and eggs, especially if they notice any adverse reactions in their infants after consuming these foods.
Nutritional Considerations
In addition to avoiding certain foods, lactating mothers should focus on a well-rounded diet rich in essential nutrients. This includes:
– Iodine and Choline: The need for these nutrients increases during lactation. Foods rich in iodine, such as dairy products and seafood, and choline sources like eggs and meat, should be included in the diet.
– Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is vital for milk production. Mothers should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to enjoy a varied diet, being mindful of certain foods can help ensure a healthy breastfeeding experience. By avoiding high-mercury fish, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and being cautious with spicy and allergenic foods, mothers can support their health and that of their infants. Ultimately, a balanced approach to nutrition will benefit both mother and child during this critical period.

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 negatively affects breast milk?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

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)

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 foods should be avoided while breastfeeding?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

• 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
• 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
• 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
• 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
• 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

What food decreases breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

Which fruit is not good for feeding a mother?

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

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.

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.