When you’re breastfeeding, it’s essential that your baby gets all the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and strong. However, certain foods can pass into your breast milk and cause various problems for your baby.

It’s important to know which dietary choices to avoid while breastfeeding to ensure that your baby receives only the best nutrition.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol can pass into your breast milk, and even small amounts can affect your baby’s development. It’s recommended that you avoid alcohol altogether while breastfeeding.

If you do decide to drink, wait at least two hours per drink before nursing your baby.

2. Caffeine

Consuming too much caffeine can make your baby restless and irritable. It’s best to limit your caffeine intake to less than 300mg per day, which is about two cups of coffee.

3. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate your baby’s digestive system and cause discomfort. Avoid foods with a lot of spices or hot peppers to prevent your baby from developing colic or diarrhea.

4. Highly Allergenic Foods

If you have a family history of allergies, certain foods can trigger an allergic reaction in your baby. Common allergenic foods include dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Avoid introducing these foods into your diet until your baby is at least six months old.

5. Fish High in Mercury

Mercury can pass into your breast milk and cause developmental issues in your baby’s nervous system. Fish like shark, swordfish, and tuna are high in mercury and should be avoided or consumed in limited amounts.

6. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin can pass into your breast milk and affect your baby’s development. It’s best to avoid foods and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners while breastfeeding.

7. Smoking

Smoking can lead to a decrease in breast milk production and affect your baby’s lung development. If you smoke, it’s recommended that you quit while breastfeeding.

8. Processed Foods

Processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These foods can affect your breast milk quality and increase your baby’s risk of developing health problems.

It’s best to stick to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while breastfeeding.

9. Medications

Some medications can pass into your breast milk and affect your baby’s health. Always read the label of any medication you’re taking, and check with your doctor before taking any new medication while breastfeeding.

10. Certain Herbs

Certain herbs like sage, peppermint, and parsley can decrease milk supply and affect your baby’s digestive system. It’s best to avoid these herbs or consume them in limited amounts while breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Being mindful of what you eat while breastfeeding is crucial to ensuring your baby receives the best nutrition.

Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, highly allergenic foods, fish high in mercury, artificial sweeteners, smoking, processed foods, certain medications, and certain herbs can help keep your baby healthy and happy.