Breastfeeding is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its share of dietary restrictions. Certain foods can pass through breast milk and affect your baby’s health and well-being. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive list of 17 foods to avoid while breastfeeding, along with a brief explanation for each item. Understanding these dietary restrictions is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of your little one.
Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. It’s always best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance and support on breastfeeding and dietary changes.
17 Foods to Steer Clear of While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a magical time, but it also comes with its fair share of dos and don’ts. One of the most important things to watch out for is what you eat. Certain foods can pass through your breast milk and affect your baby, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
- Alcohol: Alcohol can pass through your breast milk and make your baby sleepy, irritable, and have trouble feeding.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can also pass through your breast milk and make your baby jittery and irritable.
- Fish high in mercury: Mercury is a neurotoxin that can damage your baby’s developing brain and nervous system.
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood: These foods can contain bacteria that can make you and your baby sick.
- Unpasteurized milk and cheese: Unpasteurized milk and cheese can contain bacteria that can make you and your baby sick.
- Raw eggs: Raw eggs can contain salmonella, which can make you and your baby sick.
- Certain fruits and vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and onions, can cause gas and colic in babies.
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods can make your breast milk taste spicy, which your baby may not like.
- Gas-producing foods: Gas-producing foods, such as beans, broccoli, and cabbage, can cause gas and colic in babies.
- Allergenic foods: If you have a family history of food allergies, it’s best to avoid eating those foods while breastfeeding.
- Foods that you’re allergic to: If you’re allergic to a certain food, it’s best to avoid eating it while breastfeeding.
- Foods that make you gassy or bloated: If certain foods make you gassy or bloated, it’s best to avoid eating them while breastfeeding.
- Foods that make your baby gassy or bloated: If certain foods make your baby gassy or bloated, it’s best to avoid eating them while breastfeeding.
- Foods that make your baby fussy or irritable: If certain foods make your baby fussy or irritable, it’s best to avoid eating them while breastfeeding.
- Foods that make your baby sleepy: If certain foods make your baby sleepy, it’s best to avoid eating them while breastfeeding.
- Foods that make your baby have diarrhea: If certain foods make your baby have diarrhea, it’s best to avoid eating them while breastfeeding.
- Foods that make your baby constipated: If certain foods make your baby constipated, it’s best to avoid eating them while breastfeeding.
FAQ
Can I drink alcohol while breastfeeding?
Alcohol passes through breast milk and can affect your baby’s sleep, breathing, and development. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether while breastfeeding.
What about caffeine?
Caffeine can also pass through breast milk and may cause irritability, difficulty sleeping, and other issues in your baby. Limit your caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day.
Are there any foods I should completely avoid while breastfeeding?
Yes, certain foods like raw or undercooked meat, fish, eggs, and unpasteurized milk and cheese should be avoided due to the risk of foodborne illnesses.