3 Foods to Avoid When Breastfeeding
At Breastfeeding Perspectives, one common question that we hear women ask is “What should I not eat when breastfeeding?” We know that what you eat can directly impact your baby’s health and well-being, so it’s essential to listen to your body and observe how your baby reacts to different substances that you consume while breastfeeding. Every baby is unique, and what works for one may not be good for another. While many foods are safe to consume while breastfeeding, some should be avoided due to potential effects that they may have on your baby. Here are 3 foods to avoid when breastfeeding.
1. Alcoholic Products
According to the CDC, exposure to alcohol above moderate levels through breast milk could be damaging to an infant’s development, growth, and sleep patterns. This emphasizes that consuming alcohol while breastfeeding can impair your baby’s development and motor skills. Alcohol passes easily into breast milk, and even small amounts can affect your baby’s overall health. The safest option is to avoid alcohol entirely but If you choose to drink alcohol, it’s best to do so in moderation(1 drink a day) and wait at least two hours per drink before breastfeeding.
2. Fish High in Mercury
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Breastfeeding mothers should minimize exposure to mercury in their diets, at home, and at work.” This is because exposure to mercury can have a negative effect on the infants brain and nervous system. Certain types of fish, such as swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, are high in mercury, which can be harmful. So although fish is an excellent source of vital vitamins and minerals, we recommend that you opt for low-mercury fish like salmon, and canned light tuna instead.
3. Too much Caffeine
According to La Leche League USA, “A baby who is showing signs of caffeine intake may be usually irritable, fussy, or wakeful. They may also have a harder time staying asleep.” We know that chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can both pass into breast milk and affect your baby’s sleep and behavior. While a small amount of chocolate is usually fine, consuming large quantities may lead to irritability and restlessness in your baby. Caffeine can also be found in Coffee and energy drinks which should also be avoided.
Final Thoughts
If your family has a history of allergies to certain products then these products should be avoided as well because your baby may still develop these allergies although it rarely happens. One example is soy products. Soy is another common allergen that can cause allergic reactions in some breastfed babies. If you suspect a soy allergy in your baby, then consider eliminating soy products like tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce from your diet.
We hope you found this article to be very helpful. You may also be interested in a previous post on 8 best foods for breastfeeding moms. Lastly, If you suspect that a particular food is causing problems for your baby then we recommend eliminating or reducing these substances in your diet for a period of time to see if there’s any change in symptoms. Consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider today for more valuable guidance and support in navigating your breastfeeding journey. Remember, a healthy and balanced diet is key to providing the best possible nutrition for your little one while breastfeeding.
Sources
www.lllusa.org/caffeine-and-breastfeeding/
www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/vaccinations-medications-drugs/alcohol.html
www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/environmental-exposures/mercury.html
