17 Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding

You have taken good care of you while being pregnant, including having nutritious foods in addition to prenatal supplements and protein powder for pregnant women. However, it is as crucial to maintain these great habits even after delivering your baby.

Breastfeeding has been known to lessen the risk of having certain medical illnesses later in life, such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.

If you decide on breastfeeding, there are some things you may eat that will benefit both you and your baby by boosting energy and milk supply, whereas there are some dietary restrictions for nursing mothers because certain foods can affect breast milk supply.

Not knowing which foods to avoid while breastfeeding is completely normal, especially if you are a first-time mom. This page has a list of 17 foods to avoid while breastfeeding. Sit back and fill your baby knowledge centre!

Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding

While most foods are safe for eating while breastfeeding, especially if they are part of a well-balanced diet however, there are some beverages and foods to avoid during breastfeeding, including:

1. 1. Caffeine Intake while Breastfeeding : As delightful as a cup of tea or coffee can be, it has certain downsides. It contains caffeine, which might interfere with both your and your baby’s sleep. It may also make it more difficult for your body to utilise iron, which is required for energy.
   2. Alcohol Consumption and Breastfeeding : It is beneficial to the baby if you steer clear of alcohol completely. However, if you decide to drink, refrain from breastfeeding till the alcohol has entirely cleared your milk. Wait at least three hours before consuming 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of alcohol. Pumping does not speed things up.
   3. Mercury-Rich Fish to Avoid : While fish may seem like an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, some fish come under the list of foods to avoid when breastfeeding. These fish include swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel, as they contain high levels of mercury. Keep in mind that not all fish needs to be avoided while breastfeeding; you can safely opt for low-mercury fish options like tilapia, salmon, and trout but try to restrict the consumption to twice a week.
   4. Spicy Foods and Breastfeeding : Do you enjoy spices? Most babies can tolerate it and other spicy foods in your daily meals. However, if your child is gassy or colicky and gets diarrhoea each time you put spices in your food, try reducing the spice heat for a few days to see if it helps.
   5. Foods that Cause Gas in Babies : Certain foods are known to induce gas and bloating in both you and baby. These common foods include cabbage, beans, broccoli, onions, lentils, and carbonated beverages. Consider these foods under the list of foods to avoid while breastfeeding.
   6. Dairy Products Sensitivities : Dairy products, like cheese, milk, and yoghurt, are high in calcium and other nutrients. However, there may be dairy sensitivities in breastfed infants (some). For instance, some babies may be sensitive to milk proteins from cow’s milk, which might lead to colic or allergic reactions. If your baby shows signs such as diarrhoea or eczema, consider limiting dairy consumption.
   7. Allergenic Foods for Nursing Mothers : Peanuts, eggs, tree nuts, soy, dairy, and shellfish may pass allergies into breast milk. If you or someone in your family has a family history of allergies, check with your physician before including these into your diet.
   8. Herbs to Avoid During Lactation : Another group of foods to avoid during breastfeeding are certain herbs. When consumed in large amounts, these herbs may diminish breast milk production. For example, consuming a lot of parsley may reduce lactation. Too much peppermint and sage can decrease your milk production. Even peppermint-flavoured candies and toothpaste can cause issues for some breastfeeding mothers.
   9. Chocolate during Breastfeeding : Chocolate is high in theobromine and, when consumed, has a comparable effect to caffeine. Even if you enjoy chocolate, you should limit your intake while breastfeeding. If you see that your child is becoming increasingly irritable as a result of chocolate eating, you should put it on the list of foods to avoid during breastfeeding.
   10. Citrus fruits and Babies Digestive System : Citrus fruits are a great vitamin C source, but their acidic content may irritate the baby’s stomach. Since their digestive system is young, babies struggle to deal with these acids, which cause fussiness, nappy rashes, spitting up, and other symptoms. You don’t have to fully give up on citrus fruits from your dietary plan, just moderate their consumption.
   11. Garlic : Garlic can have an effect on the smell of mother’s milk. Some babies hate it, and some like it. Therefore, if your infant is uncomfortable when nursing, garlic could be the cause. When exposed to the strong odour of garlic, some newborns may grimace or fuss at the breast.
   12. Aerated/Preservative Beverages : Breastfeeding may cause more thirst than usual. If this is your situation, take a glass of water each time you breastfeed. However, no matter how thirsty you are, avoid regular sodas and fruit drinks, which are high in calories and sugar-laden but lack nutrition. It is one of the most important foods to avoid while breastfeeding.
   13. Processed foods to Avoid : Foods heavy in preservatives, artificial flavours, and trans fats can lower the nutritional value of your milk, negatively affecting your baby’s development. Choose whole, unprocessed meals instead.
   14. Sugary Foods and Breast Milk Quality : High-sugar foods have few nutrients such as fibre, vitamins, or minerals. This can affect the quality and production of breast milk. As a result, it is recommended that you consume as few sugary foods as possible and instead choose nutritious and healthy foods.
   15. Raw or Under processed Foods to Refrain : Yet another food to put in the bucket list of foods to avoid during breastfeeding is raw and undercooked foods. This is because these foods carry an elevated risk of contamination and poisoning from food, triggering a gastrointestinal infection in the mother. Although this will not harm the baby, food poisoning might cause dehydration in the mom, thereby reducing breastmilk production.
   16. Stay Away from Artificial sweeteners : Put artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin and aspartame, to the list of foods to avoid while breastfeeding even though they provide a calorie-free option to sweet treats. Often present in diet beverages, sugar-free candies, and other processed foods, they may not be ideal for breastfeeding mothers. Some research indicates that synthetic sweeteners can pass into breast milk and pose risks to your kid.
   17. Prunes and Cherries : Lastly, put prunes and cherries under the foods to avoid when breastfeeding as they may have laxative effects in both you as well as your baby. If you observe any variations in your kid’s bowel motions or extra gas after eating prunes or cherries, you should limit your consumption or switch to other fruits.

Nurture Your Baby with Prohance Mom!

Understanding which foods to avoid while breastfeeding is critical to your baby’s health and comfort. You can foster a happy breastfeeding experience by paying attention to dietary restrictions and introducing nutritionally-dense options. Remember, while avoiding these 17 foods, it’s also crucial to eat a balanced diet that involves high-quality nutritional products like Prohance Mom protein powder for pregnant women.

Your nutrition influences not only your health, but it also impacts the health of your child. Make informed decisions and enjoy the wonderful experience of nurturing your baby.