Not too many women are aware of the kinds of foods to avoid while breastfeeding, probably because of their quests for varieties of sumptuous meals that good chefs present to us during this phase of motherhood.
It is important to note that every pregnancy differs, which is similar for babies who might have some allergies or reactions to certain foods.
Nursing mothers who observe such in their babies are advised to slightly or totally change their kind of foods for some period while breastfeeding before they switch to their normal diet schedule.
Another important point to note is the healthy part of the baby. Mothers should ensure that the baby takes insufficient and essential nutrients for immune-boosting and growth.
I have had my own share of this phase, but I can tell you of a truth that is worth the sacrifice. It is the joy of motherhood.
Give me an affirmative smile!
Thank you, dear mother.
So, let us go straight to those foods we have been warned about to stay off – I mean the foods to avoid while breastfeeding. Here they are:
1. Caffeine or Coffee
I used to be a coffee lover because of its soft taste, but I had to stop while breastfeeding due to the high amount of caffeine contained in the beverage. Caffeine always gets its way into breast milk which makes it difficult for your baby to digest as a result of its oxidants.
More so, caffeine can make your baby develop insomnia, irritation, or feel cranky. It also reduces iron in breast milk and lowers the amounts of hemoglobin in the baby.
2. Fish
Undoubtedly, fish is one of the good sources of protein. You may begin to wonder how then is it among the foods to avoid while breastfeeding? O, yes, it is! Surprised? Do not be. Not all fish are healthy for you and your baby while breastfeeding such as mercury and other contaminants.
Fish that fall under this category include shark, king mackerel, tilefish, and the likes. It is preferable to eat fish that are low in mercury such as tilapia, salmon, and its likes.
3. Spices
One of the foods to avoid while breastfeeding is adding excess spices to your meal, especially when it is hot sauce.
You need to put your baby into consideration to avoid gas development or diarrhea, while some babies react to the hot sauce which may likely make them fuss for a long period. The best deal is to reduce your spice intake.
4. Corn
We are in the season of corn or maize as you may prefer. As delighted as this food may be on the taste bud, it is one of the foods to avoid while breastfeeding.
Studies reveal that some babies and toddlers are allergic to corn which most likely results in rashes. A slight adjustment in your diet during this stage can help your baby’s skin growth and smoothness.
5. Wheat
I know how this might sound to your hearing but the truth, according to research states that babies with gluten intolerance are prone to develop sensitive stomachs, passing out bloody stools, and acting fussy. One of such foods is wheat.
Nursing mothers who observe this allergy with their babies should avoid eating wheat during this phase.
6. Diaries
My mom once told me how much I was allergic to cow milk despite my love for it at a tender age. Amazingly, I still love it but I have learned to reduce my intake. Likewise, we have some babies who could be lactose intolerant such as cow milk.
It works in a way whereby the residue of the cow milk which the mother takes enters the breast milk and irritates the baby.
When you notice that your baby starts to vomit or develop skin irritations, eczema, and mostly sleeping disorders, then kindly stop your milk consumption. If you must take milk substance, you can choose non-diary.
Let us talk more about other foods to avoid while breastfeeding in addition to the ones mentioned.
Winks!
7. Chocolate
Don’t squeeze your beautiful face, please. I love chocolates too especially with some toppings, but what would you have me do when my baby feels not too well because of my cravings? Is that your thought at the moment?
Never worry. This phase too will pass just as you avoided some foods during pregnancy days. A bar of chocolate may not be totally eliminated from your food, although it also contains some amount of caffeine – this is where the challenge lies.
Some babies react to chocolate and result in runny poop after you had consumed it.
8. Alcohol
Sincerely, this should not be among my list of foods to avoid while breastfeeding, but I needed to mention include it because I have seen nursing mothers who involved themselves in alcohol and the result was quite huge on the baby’s neurological development through the breast milk.
According to a study revealed by The American Academy of Pediatrics, it states that “consumption of alcohol should be limited to an occasional intake of not more than 0.5 g alcohol per kg body weight of the nursing mother.”
I would advise that nursing mothers should endeavor to avoid alcohol intake during this period. Before you know it, it is over.
Do I have a nod to this? Yaas!
9. Peanuts
Another allergic food is peanuts. I have met a few women who reacted terribly after chewing some piles of whole peanuts, much fewer babies.
More particularly, if you have a history of peanut allergy in your family, it might be better to avoid eating peanuts while nursing your baby. The reactions associated with peanuts allergy may include wheezing, rashes, and related health issues.
10. Gaseous Foods
Foods that fall under this category are beans, cabbage, broccoli, and the likes even though bloating, passing out and burping are normal reactions of human beings. However, you may need to observe your baby’s allergies to such foods.
Breastfeeding has been known to be the most essential source of all nutrients that can be given to your growing infant.
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