Breastfeeding is essential for the baby’s growth and development. As a breastfeeding mother, you need to pay attention to your diet and avoid foods that trigger discomfort to the baby or cause allergies.

Some foods may cause gassiness, colic, and other digestive issues in the baby, which can be unpleasant. Here are 30 foods to avoid while breastfeeding:.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol gets into your breast milk, and it can affect the baby’s development and behavior. It can also cause drowsiness and reduce milk production. If you want to consume alcohol, ensure that you wait for at least two hours before breastfeeding.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine can cause irritability, restlessness, and sleeping problems in babies. It is advisable to limit coffee intake to one or two cups a day. You can opt for decaf or herbal tea instead.

3. Spicy foods

Spices like chili peppers, garlic, curry, and hot peppers may cause digestive issues in babies. They can cause gas, indigestion, or discomfort in the baby. It is advisable to avoid spicy foods or consume them in moderate amounts.

4. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits can cause acidity or rashes in babies. They contain high levels of vitamin C, which may cause allergic reactions. You can opt for other fruits like apples, bananas, and pears.

5. Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine, which can cause irritability, fussiness, and sleep problems in babies. It also contains theobromine, which may affect the baby’s behavior. It is advisable to avoid chocolate or consume it in moderate amounts.

6. Peanuts

Peanuts are a common allergen that may cause allergic reactions in babies. If you have a family history of nut allergies, it is advisable to avoid peanuts or consult your doctor before consuming them.

7. Shellfish

Shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster may cause allergic reactions in some babies. If you notice any allergic symptoms like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, consult your doctor immediately.

8. Soy

Soy contains phytoestrogens, which may interfere with the baby’s hormonal balance. It can also cause allergic reactions in some babies. If you notice any symptoms like colic, diarrhea, or skin rashes, avoid soy or consult your doctor.

9. Wheat

Wheat contains gluten, which may cause digestive issues in babies with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you suspect any gluten intolerance, avoid wheat or consult your doctor.

10. Eggs

Eggs are a common allergen that may cause allergic reactions in babies. If you notice any symptoms like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, avoid eggs or consult your doctor.

11. Dairy products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt may cause lactose intolerance or allergic reactions in some babies. If you suspect any dairy intolerance, avoid dairy products or consult your doctor.

12. Processed foods

Processed foods like chips, cookies, and soda contain high levels of salt, sugar, and additives, which may affect the baby’s health. They can also cause colic, indigestion, and obesity.

It is advisable to avoid processed foods or consume them in moderate amounts.

13. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin may affect the baby’s brain development and behavior. They can also cause allergic reactions or digestive issues. It is advisable to avoid artificial sweeteners or consume them in moderate amounts.

14. High-mercury fish

High-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel may affect the baby’s nervous system and cause developmental issues. It is advisable to avoid high-mercury fish or consume them in limited quantities.

15. Raw meat and fish

Raw meat and fish may contain harmful bacteria like E.coli and salmonella, which may cause food poisoning in babies. It is advisable to cook meat and fish well and avoid sushi or rare meat.

16. Herbal supplements

Herbal supplements like ginseng, chamomile, and St John’s wort may interfere with the baby’s health and development. They can also cause allergic reactions or digestive issues.

It is advisable to avoid herbal supplements or consult your doctor.

17. Allergenic foods

Allergenic foods like strawberries, kiwi, and mango may cause allergic reactions in some babies. If you notice any allergic symptoms like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, avoid allergenic foods or consult your doctor.

18. Cabbage family vegetables

Cabbage family vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage may cause gas and indigestion in babies. It is advisable to avoid these vegetables or consume them in moderate amounts.

19. Corn syrup

Corn syrup contains high levels of sugar, which may affect the baby’s health and development. It can also cause colic, fussiness, and sleep problems. It is advisable to avoid corn syrup or consume it in moderate amounts.

20. Saturated fats

Saturated fats like butter, cheese, and red meat may affect the baby’s health and increase the risk of obesity and heart disease. It is advisable to avoid saturated fats or consume them in moderate amounts.

21. Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks like soda and sports drinks may contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and additives, which may affect the baby’s health and behavior. It is advisable to avoid carbonated drinks or consume them in moderate amounts.

22. Sage

Sage contains high levels of thujone, which may decrease milk production and cause irritability in babies. It is advisable to avoid sage or consume it in moderate amounts.

23. Parsley

Parsley contains high levels of apiole, which may decrease milk production and cause digestive issues in babies. It is advisable to avoid parsley or consume it in moderate amounts.

24. Fennel

Fennel contains high levels of anethole, which may decrease milk production and cause allergic reactions in babies. It is advisable to avoid fennel or consume it in moderate amounts.

25. Garlic

Garlic may cause digestive issues or an unpleasant taste in breast milk. If you notice any symptoms, avoid garlic or consume it in moderate amounts.

26. Onions

Onions may cause an unpleasant taste in breast milk and colic in babies. If you notice any symptoms, avoid onions or consume them in moderate amounts.

27. Tomato products

Tomato products like tomato sauce and ketchup may cause acidity or rashes in babies. They contain high levels of citric acid, which may cause allergic reactions. You can opt for other condiments or sauces.

28. Berries with seeds

Berries with seeds like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries may cause choking or digestive issues in babies. It is advisable to cut the berries into small pieces or avoid them.

29. Large amounts of mint

Large amounts of mint may decrease milk production and cause discomfort in babies. It is advisable to consume mint in moderate amounts or avoid it.

30. Large amounts of chamomile

Large amounts of chamomile may cause drowsiness in babies and interfere with their development. It is advisable to consume chamomile in moderate amounts or avoid it.