Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrients. It provides the vast majority of your baby's nutritional requirements for the first six months.
Researchers have found a correlation between breast milk composition and what you eat, even though the body regulates the composition of your breast milk.
In general, there are no foods that are forbidden. Instead, it is suggested that women consume a diet that is both well-balanced and diverse. In any case, there are a few items that you may want to keep in check while nursing.
While breastfeeding, it's best to avoid the foods listed below.
While breastfeeding, it's best to avoid the foods listed below.
However, it's essential to know that caffeine can be found in your breast milk, even if you consume only a tiny amount. It's best to wait until your baby has gone to sleep before you have a cup of coffee, as their bodies aren't equipped to process caffeine as quickly as an adult's.
Fish
It is unnecessary to abstain from fish completely, but you should exercise caution when choosing the seafood, you eat. Mercury, present in some fish but not all, can get into your breast milk if you consume them. If you follow the same guidelines for fish consumption as you did while pregnant, you should be fine.
Chocolate
Caffeine can be found in chocolate, so while you don't need to give it up completely, you should limit your intake. Some nursing mothers have also found that eating chocolate has a laxative effect on their babies and themselves. If your baby becomes fussy or has runny poop after eating chocolate, it's time to reduce or eliminate it from your diet. Watch your baby's behavior and diapers.
Peppermint or Parsley
Peppermint makes a great tea, and parsley makes a nice garnish, but both of these herbs have the potential to deplete your supply. As long as the amount is kept low, they should not pose a problem, but keep an eye out for any dips in your baby's energy levels following a meal.
Alcohol
This one should go without saying, but we thought we'd bring it up for discussion. Alcohol does make its way into breast milk and has the potential to harm a nursing baby. Even though it's best not to drink, the alcohol will take 1-2 hours to leave your system if you have a drink or two. If you've been drinking, you can resume breastfeeding as soon as you feel completely sober. Alcohol does not stay in breast milk any longer than blood does.
After a few drinks, many moms are advised to "pump and dump," but this isn't always necessary. It's okay to nurse if you're feeling fine.
Garlic
Isn't it interesting that garlic can taint your milk? If your baby is refusing to nurse or pulling away to make faces while nursing, see if it coincides with the last time you ate something with garlic. Babies' taste buds aren't yet developed enough to appreciate garlic, which most of us believe makes everything better.
Conclusion
Symptoms such as eczema and bloody stools in your baby may be caused by something you eat. Before making any drastic changes to your child's diet, you should consult your paediatrician.
