Breastfeeding provides benefits to both mom and baby such as protection from illnesses for the baby, reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer for the mother, reduced cost of feeding the baby and a lower risk for childhood obesity, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The American Dietetic Association encourages a mother to breastfeed her baby exclusively for the first six months of life and optimally for at least the first year. Certain foods should be avoided to help ensure the mother's milk supply is safe for the baby to drink.
High-Mercury Fish
Although consuming fish in moderation is encouraged during breastfeeding due to the presence of omega-3-fatty acids, eating fish high in mercury is not recommended since mercury is a neurotoxin and can be found in small amounts in breast milk. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, shark, swordfish, golden bass and king mackerel should be avoided while breastfeeding. Tilefish is also high in mercury and should be avoided. Low-mercury types of fish can be consumed in moderation; these include canned light tuna, shrimp and salmon, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Caffeine
Medical experts agree that some caffeine consumed while breastfeeding is probably OK. However drinking too much caffeine can negatively affect the baby's sleeping patterns or mood. According to the Nemours Foundation, consuming the amount of caffeine found in one or two cups of coffee per day while breastfeeding is likely a safe amount.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not safe to consume when breastfeeding since a small amount can be found in breast milk after alcohol consumption. According to the Nemours Foundation, options for nursing women who choose to drink alcohol include waiting two to three hours for each drink consumed before nursing the baby or disposing of the milk after alcohol consumption.
Spicy Foods
Certain foods eaten by a nursing mother can affect the flavor of her breast milk. Although consuming spicy foods while breastfeeding shouldn't hurt the baby, some women find that their baby doesn't like the taste of breast milk after eating a spicy meal.
Artificial Sweeteners
Little is known about the long-term effects of consuming artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or saccharine. Therefore it's best to limit or eliminate them from the diet of nursing mothers. However according to Heidi Murkoff in her book "What to Expect the First Year," it's OK to consume sucralose, or Splenda, since it's made from sugar and considered a safe calorie-free food for nursing mothers.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources Office on Women's Health: An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding
- American Dietetic Association: Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Eating Fish: Health Benefits and Risks
- Nemours Foundation: Breastfeeding FAQs: Your Eating and Drinking Habits
- "What to Expect the First Year"; Heidi Murkoff; 2003
