While breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid or limit certain foods and drinks that can affect the baby or milk supply. These include:
- Caffeine: Can pass through breast milk and make the baby fussy or affect sleep. Limit intake to 2-3 cups a day, including coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and soft drinks.
- Alcohol: No safe level in breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding for at least two hours after one alcoholic drink.
- Certain fish: Avoid fish high in mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and marlin. Choose fish with lower mercury levels like tilapia, trout, salmon, and eat no more than 2-3 portions per week.
- Gas-inducing vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and similar foods can cause gassiness and fussiness in some babies.
- Dairy: Cow’s milk proteins can cause fussiness or allergic reactions in some babies.
- Soy, wheat, and corn: May cause allergies or fussiness in sensitive babies.
- Spicy foods: Garlic, curry, chili pepper, cinnamon, and other strong spices can upset the baby’s stomach or flavor breast milk, leading to fussiness or refusal to nurse.
- Chocolate: Contains caffeine and can have a laxative effect on babies, so it's best consumed in small quantities.
- Citrus fruits: May cause discomfort or irritation in newborns' digestive tracts, so limit intake initially.
- Herbs like peppermint, sage, and parsley: May negatively impact milk supply.
It is important to observe the baby’s reaction and adjust the diet accordingly, maintaining a balanced and varied diet for the mother's nutrition while breastfeeding.
