14 foods to avoid while breastfeeding

Diet during lactation affects maternal health and milk quality. Check out 14 foods to avoid while breastfeeding!

Nutrition during lactation not only affects the mother's health, but also affects the quality of milk. Here are 14 foods to avoid while breastfeeding .

1. Coffee

Why is coffee at the top of the list of foods that moms should avoid? The reason is that the caffeine content of the coffee will accumulate in breast milk. The same goes for tea, soda, energy drinks and some caffeine-containing drugs.

Unlike adults, infants cannot effectively excrete caffeine. Therefore, caffeine accumulates in the baby's body causing irritability, insomnia and irritability. High levels of caffeine can decrease the amount of iron in breast milk and lower hemoglobin levels in your baby. Hence the best solution is to cut down on coffee.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate is rich in theobromine, which has the same effect as caffeine. The only way to know if you are drinking too much caffeine is by observing your baby's behavior.

If a mother consumes more than 750 mg of caffeine or theobromine per day, her baby may exhibit erratic and fussy behaviors, in addition to sleep problems. So, stop eating this dish now!

3. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C, but their acidic ingredients can upset a baby's tummy. Your child's immature digestive tract will not be able to absorb these components, leading to diaper rash, irritability , and vomiting .

If you decide to feed your baby citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemons and oranges, replace them with other vitamin C-rich foods like papaya, pineapple , strawberries or mango.

4. Broccoli

If you eat broccoli the day before, your baby will show gas the next day. Other gas-causing foods to avoid while breastfeeding are onions, cauliflower, cabbage and cucumbers .

5. Fish has a high mercury content

Mercury appears in milk if you eat fish and other foods high in mercury. High levels of mercury in breast milk can affect your baby's nerve development. Breastfeeding women should avoid swordfish, shark, mackerel and sea fish because they contain a lot of mercury. Therefore, you should only eat fish (including canned tuna) in moderation and no more than 2 servings per week.

6. Alcohol

Alcohol can pass into breast milk and affect your baby's neurodevelopment. If you drink it once or twice a week, it won't harm your baby. However, at a higher level it would be very dangerous.

7. Peanuts

If you have a peanut allergy, avoid peanuts until your baby weaned. The allergenic proteins in peanuts can pass into breast milk and then affect the baby during breastfeeding. Your baby may experience a rash, wheezing or allergies. Even a small amount of peanuts can lead to allergens passing through breast milk for 1–6 hours.

Research shows that the lifetime risk of peanut allergy for children exposed to peanuts from an early age increases. However, there is no evidence to prove that avoiding peanuts while breastfeeding can prevent a peanut allergy in infants.

8. Parsley and mint

Parsley and mint are two herbs that, if eaten in large amounts, can reduce breast milk production . Whenever you eat these herbs, keep an eye on your nursing baby's milk supply to make sure your baby is getting enough.

Some mothers often drink peppermint tea when trying to stop lactation after weaning their babies. Another herb, sage, also reduces breast milk production.

9. Milk and dairy products

When moms eat dairy products or drink milk, allergens can get into breast milk and cause irritation to the baby. If you observe symptoms such as vomiting and colic after you have consumed the dairy products, then stop taking these products for a while. Other symptoms include eczema , skin problems and sleep.

Children with dairy allergies often also show signs of a soy allergy. Replace with high-fat, organic dairy foods; Meat and poultry have no antibiotics, no growth hormones, chemicals or pesticides.

10. Garlic

The smell of garlic can affect the smell of breast milk. Some babies will like and some will not. If you find your baby uncomfortable while you are suckling, check to see if garlic is the reason. Children may grimace or cry if they feel the pungent smell of garlic.

11. Spicy food

Spicy foods can be irritating in some babies. A little pepper can hurt your baby. Therefore, mothers should reduce the spices in food if the baby is not comfortable with it.

12. Wheat

Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) is a common problem that leads to bloody, sensitive stomach. It is best to eliminate wheat from your diet. If your baby's symptoms still do not improve, try excluding other suspicious foods one by one to find out the cause.

13. Corn popcorn

Corn allergy is very common in babies  and toddlers. They cause discomfort and rashes for babies. If you observe that your child is allergic to corn, eliminate it from your family diet .

14. Eggs or shellfish

If a family member is allergic to eggs and shellfish such as shellfish, shrimp, crabs, and snails, avoid these foods while you're breastfeeding. Allergy to eggs, mainly to egg whites, is common.

Above are the foods to avoid because they can cause allergies that nursing mothers should pay attention to better protect their baby.

Hope this article has provided you with lots of useful information. Hope you pay attention to the above foods to avoid to protect the health of you and your baby!