Which foods should be avoided during breastfeeding?

A healthy, well-balanced diet with as few restrictions as possible is what mothers and their nursing babies need. With the exception of alcohol, there are no other foods that need to be avoided during breastfeeding.



Alcohol can be passed on to a baby through breast milk, in a concentration similar to that in the mother’s blood. Because the baby is at a developmental stage in which alcohol could cause problems, it’s best to abstain while breastfeeding. Alcohol may also interfere with a mother’s ability to nurse by impairing milk release.

Caffeine also passes into breast milk. Excess caffeine may make an infant irritable and wakeful. However, one or two servings of caffeinated soda, coffee or tea each day should not cause a problem.

In families with a history of allergy to cow’s milk, a mother’s consumption of cow’s milk may cause colic in a nursing baby. In such cases, the mother may wish to drink fortified soy or rice milk instead.

Occasionally, babies may seem sensitive to something in their mother’s diet. Many foods — such as onions, broccoli, garlic, beans and asparagus — may alter the taste and odor of breast milk. However, it’s unlikely that you need to eliminate these foods from your diet. Babies can act cranky or fussy at times. Sometimes you may suspect a food reaction when in fact your baby is just acting fussy that day. If you suspect a food is causing a difference in your baby’s disposition or stool patterns, discuss it with your child’s doctor.

Labels: Back in shape, Breastfeeding, Weight gain