When you breastfeed your baby, it is important to eat a balanced, nutritious diet that is high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. This is because the nutrients that enter your body will go into the breast milk as well. This makes it just as important to avoid certain foods while you breastfeed that can be harmful to your baby.
Caffeinated Drinks
Caffeine is a stimulant that is found in a wide array of foods and beverages, including chocolate, coffee, certain teas and energy bars. While many people use caffeinated products moderately throughout the day with no ill effects, women who are breastfeeding should avoid caffeine because the caffeine will enter into the breast milk and be consumed by the nursing baby. Replace caffeinated foods and beverages with caffeine-free alternatives, such as decaf coffee, herbal teas and white chocolate.
Alcoholic Foods and Beverages
Alcohol is a substance that can cause mental impairment when consumed at even moderate levels, making it an extremely dangerous substance to consume when you are breastfeeding. Avoid alcoholic drinks and any foods that contain alcohol, such as rum cake. Replace alcoholic foods and beverages with non-alcoholic alternatives, such as virgin drinks or desserts created sans alcohol.
Nut Butters
Peanut allergies can be extremely dangerous and typically begin in early childhood. The University of Hawaii suggests that by eliminating food allergens while you are breastfeeding, such as peanut or tree nut butters, you can reduce the chance that your child will develop an allergy to the questionable food in the future. Avoid eating all nuts, peanuts, nut or peanut butters, and packaged foods that contain nuts.
Deep Sea Fish
Certain deep sea fish contain levels of methylmercury that are too high to be considered safe for regular human consumption. When you eat fish high in methylmercury, heavy metals can build up in your body and can lead to health problems. This toxicity can be multiplied when you eat fish high in methylmercury while breastfeeding. Avoid oily deep sea fish that are high on the food chain, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel and swordfish.
References
- University of South Alabama: What Should a Breastfeeding Mother Eat?
- University of California at Berkeley; What to Eat When You are Breastfeeding; Kim-Phuc Nguyen; 2010
- University of Hawaii; Food Allergies; Akaluck Thatayatikom; April 2003
- Unversity of Maryland Medcial Center: Methylmercury Poisoning - Overview
