After 9 months of restricting your favorite foods, you would be craving to eat all of those after your delivery. Unfortunately, you still need to be in the “restriction mode” as you now have gracefully transformed into a breastfeeding mom. You should have a clear understanding of the foods to avoid when breastfeeding and you have to restrict certain foods during breastfeeding. While you are breastfeeding, the foods, which you consume, have a direct effect on your little one.
It does not mean that you have to avoid those foods, but moderation is the key. Not all babies react to the same foods, but it is good if you can keep a check on the following foods that may create a problem for newborn infants.
High Mercury Fish
You should not avoid fish entirely from your diet because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your baby’s brain development. The newborn baby gets the Omega-3 fatty acid through your breast milk. However, there are some fish, which have high mercury content and if you consume it, indeed, the high mercury content will possibly enter into the body of the baby through your breast milk. You need to figure out fish containing high mercury content and avoid them. Include fishes, which have a high level of proteins, vitamins, and low saturated fats.
Tea/coffee
It is absolutely safe to have caffeine while you are breastfeeding if the intake is limited. The amount of caffeine passed on to your baby’s body through milk will always be very less. Nevertheless, it is not good to take tea/coffee more than 3 cups a day.
Alcohol
It is best to avoid alcohol while you are breastfeeding as it can only benefit you and your baby. But drinking up to 2 units of alcohol will not harm your baby. Alcohol does pass to your baby via breast milk, so you need to monitor the intake.
Citrus Fruits
Nursing moms must eat citrus fruits as they are loaded up with a lot of vitamin C which is good for the body. In normal cases, babies do not have much effect if you include citrus fruits in your diet. But the chance of your child being an exception cannot be neglected. So if your baby shows any signs of uneasiness after you eat citrus fruits, try avoiding it.
Peanuts
Peanuts are a rich source of proteins which is good to include in your diet while you are breastfeeding. But you need to be aware of the fact that peanuts are one of the high allergen foods. If you live in a country where peanuts are a regular staple, and you do not have any family history of peanut allergies, you can include them in your diet. Otherwise, it is always good to avoid it or have it with caution.
Gas-inducing Foods
It is possible that particular gas inducing foods you take can affect your baby through breast milk. If you eat anything gaseous, it can take more than 2 days for that to expel completely from your body. So it is best to have foods like dairy, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, peaches, plums, pears and potatoes in limited portions.
Spicy Food
It is okay to spicy food while you are breastfeeding but a tiny fraction of your diet get passed on to your baby also. Keep yourself away from very spicy foods while you are feeding your baby. Sometimes when you eat a spicy food containing garlic or other spices, your child might feed for long as he likes it. But if your child gets upset after food, then eat a limited portion of spicy food.
Peppermint
Including a significant amount of peppermint in your diet can decrease your milk supply. Including a small amount of peppermint in your cooking doesn’t do much harm. But consuming peppermint as a home remedy must be avoided while you breastfeed.
Conclusion
Now you had some idea about the foods to avoid when breastfeeding. However, let me make it clear that there is no need to avoid some foods entirely. But some babies can be sensitive to some foods, so you have to be on guards. It is important to watch your child's reaction whenever you eat something so that you can find out whether they are allergic to some foods. You will clearly know when your baby is sensitive to some foods because, after feedings, your child will sleep less, cry often and be fussy. Each child is unique and, so is your little bundle of joy!
Food to avoid while breastfeeding infographic
