A balanced diet will definitely help breastfeeding moms not only stay healthy but also ensure optimum milk production. So it’s essential for them to focus on healthy foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high-quality protein and calcium-rich foods.
However, there are some foods that will be not good for your baby and following are worst foods that you should avoid eating while breastfeeding.
1. Caffeine and alcohol
When you drink caffeinated beverages, the caffeine is passed onto your baby through the milk supply. Because a baby’s immature digestive system does not allow him to excrete caffeine as quickly or efficiently as adults, too much caffeine can make him lose sleep. Caffeine can also lead to nervousness and irritability for the baby.
Similarly, when you consume alcoholic beverages, alcohol will be excreted into your breast milk in small amounts. This not only makes it harder for your body to produce breast milk but also harms or bothers your baby. An occasional glass of wine should pose no problem for your infant, but if you drink more frequently than the occasional glass of wine, possible side effects may occur, including drowsiness, deep sleep, weakness, and abnormal weight gain in the baby.
2. Spicy foods
Eating spicy foods may change the taste and aroma of your breast milk. Your baby may be fussy or cry or appears to be uncomfortable for hours after nursing. That is because some spices and foods such as onions, chili, peppers, curry and cinnamon may upset your little one’s stomach. Therefore, it’s important for you to eat them in limited amounts or eliminate them while preparing your meals.
3. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are acidic and high in vitamin C, which may irritate an immature Gastrointestinal system, leading to fussiness, spitting up, and even diaper rash in some infants. Therefore, to protect your baby’s stomach from being upset, you should avoid pineapple, oranges, lemons and grapefruits.
4. Fish
Some types of fish are high in mercury that could be harmful to your baby. It can alter the normal growth of the brain and nervous system, which will affect cognitive thinking, memory, attention, fine motor skills, language and some visual skills. Mercury is passed onto your little one through breast milk, so you should limit fish intake, eating up to 12 ounces of fish a week. Besides, you need to avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, solid white and albacore tuna.
5. Avocados
Avocados are an excellent nutritional fruit but they react with other ingredients in the breast milk and cause problems with upset stomachs in babies.
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Diet for Breastfeeding – Foods to Eat and Avoid During Breastfeeding