Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing that can bring mother and baby closer together. However, what a mom eats while breastfeeding can have an effect on her little one. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of which foods you should avoid while breastfeeding your baby.
Foods to avoid while breastfeeding :
Alcohol
It’s best practice to abstain from drinking alcohol altogether when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Alcohol quickly enters a mother’s bloodstream and can stay in her body for up to 24 hours after ingestion. It also passes into the breastmilk and causes drowsiness, poor feeding, and even developmental issues in babies. So, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether while nursing your little one.
Caffeine
While some caffeine is OK while breastfeeding (in moderation), it’s still important to be mindful of how much you consume.
Too much caffeine can disrupt your newborn’s sleep cycle as well as make them fussy and irritable – not exactly conducive to a good night’s sleep! Additionally, too much caffeine can lead to dehydration, so try to limit how much coffee or tea you drink throughout the day.
Fish
Fish contains essential fatty acids that are beneficial for both mommy and baby – but there are certain types that should be avoided during breastfeeding due to their high mercury levels.
These include mackerel, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and shark – so it’s best to stick with low-mercury fish like salmon or canned light tuna instead.
Lastly, track your diet while breastfeeding for successful nursing sessions with knowledge of safe foods for both mother and baby.
By avoiding certain items such as alcohol, caffeine-rich drinks and high-mercury fish -you will be able to keep yourself healthy while providing nutritious milk for your little bundle of joy!
