Avoid consuming certain herbal supplements and fish high in mercury while breast- or chest-feeding. Moderate alcohol consumption is acceptable with good timing but avoid processed foods and caffeine.
Breast milk contains a lot of nutrients, providing most of the essential elements needed for a baby’s first six months of life. While the body strictly regulates the nutrient content of breast milk, research suggests that maternal diet can have some influence on it. It is recommended that women maintain a varied and balanced diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for themselves and their babies.
During the breastfeeding period, there are certain foods and beverages that you may want to avoid supporting your baby’s health and well-being. If you have any questions or concerns about your diet while nursing, it’s essential to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. If you need any assistance or information regarding breastfeeding, nutrition, or your baby’s health, don’t hesitate to visit the best children’s hospital in Hyderabad, a trusted institution known for its exceptional maternal and child healthcare services.
Remember, the food you consume during breastfeeding can directly impact your baby’s growth and development. Making informed choices and seeking professional advice can play a vital role in ensuring a healthy and happy start for your little one.
Top foods to avoid while breastfeeding:
- Fish:
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), two forms of omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for newborn brain development but can be difficult to get in other foods, are found in abundance in fish.
However, some fish and seafood may also contain high levels of mercury, a poisonous metal especially dangerous for young children and newborns who are more susceptible to mercury poisoning.
Your infant’s central nervous system may be irreversibly harmed by acute exposure to excessive mercury levels. As a result, they could experience delays or limitations in
- cognition
- small-motor abilities
- evolution of language and speech
- spatial awareness of image
Fish with a high mercury content should therefore be avoided during nursing. Examples comprise:
- Orange roughie
- Sharks
- Bigeye tuna
- King mackerel
- Marlin
- Swordfish
- Tilefish
- Alcohol:
Alcohol abstinence during nursing is the most secure course of action, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, as long as you’re careful about the amount and timing, the occasional drink is probably okay. The quantity and timing of your alcohol consumption will determine how much alcohol your infant will receive through breast milk. According to research, 30 to 60 minutes after your last drink, the level of alcohol in breast milk reaches its peak. Alcohol can also stay in the body for two to three hours. This is only for one drink; the longer it may take for alcohol to leave your system, the more you consume.
- Caffeine:
Caffeine is commonly found in beverages like coffee, soda, tea, and chocolate. Some of that caffeine may enter your body through consumption and end up in the milk you produce. This could be an issue because newborns have trouble metabolizing and eliminating caffeine. As a result, your baby’s body can gradually absorb a lot of caffeine, which could make them irritable and make it difficult for them to fall asleep.
It is advised that breastfeeding mothers limit their daily caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg or around two or three cups of coffee. Nursing women should avoid energy drinks unless instructed otherwise by a reliable healthcare professional because they frequently contain extra vitamins and herbs and high doses of caffeine.
- Spicy foods:
Love spicy food? It and other spicy foods in your diet are generally safe for babies. However, if your child experiences diarrhea or gassiness every time you top your pizza with red pepper flakes, try cutting back on the heat for a few weeks to see if that helps.
Best foods to eat while breastfeeding:
- Whole grains:
Because they are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, carbs, protein, and good unsaturated fats, foods like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta should be included in a regular diet. Eating whole grains will help you feel fuller for longer, support healthy digestion, and help you avoid having hangry days. Whole grains will keep the sugar levels in your blood in more of a steady state.
- Eggs:
Eggs include protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate, making them a fantastic choice for non-vegan breastfeeding mothers. The most significant component in eggs is choline, which is essential for the growth of the neurological system and cell structure formation. Lentils, dried fruit, leafy greens, and fortified cereal are excellent alternatives for vegans seeking the nutritional benefits of eggs.
- Sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, which benefits vision. It also aids in forming and maintaining organs, including your heart, lungs, and kidneys. It enhances cell communication. One medium sweet potato with skin provides the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of potassium.
- Nuts:
To increase calcium intake, snack on almonds and walnuts or add chia and hemp seeds to your smoothies. Most nuts are low in saturated fats, high in protein, and cholesterol-free. Sesame seeds, which are rich in calcium and copper, aid in the production of red blood cells and the immune system. Avoid eating them whole since doing so will prevent you from reaping their advantages as they move through your digestive system. The best possibilities are husked and crushed. Look for tahini, a delicious sesame seed paste that may be used to make hummus and other foods.
Final words:
Your developing baby receives vital nutrients from breastfeeding. Most foods that were forbidden during pregnancy are now permitted. However, some may not be tolerated or adversely affect your unborn child. While it is advised to entirely avoid fish that is rich in mercury and some herbal supplements, it is still possible to eat alcohol, caffeine, and highly processed meals in moderation. Your food may cause your baby’s symptoms, such as eczema or bloody feces. Before implementing any sweeping dietary changes, discussing your worries with your child’s pediatrician is critical.
