Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to support your baby's health and development, especially during the first six months of life. Since breast milk offers so many benefits for your baby’s growth, it’s only natural to want to ensure that your baby gets the best nutrition possible through your milk.

For that reason, it’s important to be mindful of the foods and drinks you consume daily. So, which foods should breastfeeding mothers avoid? Here's a detailed look at what to keep in mind.

Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Certain foods and drinks can negatively impact the quality and production of breast milk, so it’s best for breastfeeding mothers to limit or avoid them. Here are the key foods and drinks to watch out for:

Caffeine

It’s wise to limit or avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, black tea, chocolate, soda, and some types of energy drinks. Caffeine can pass into breast milk and affect your baby.

Excessive caffeine intake can cause restlessness, trouble sleeping, and digestive issues in babies. To keep your baby comfortable, try to keep caffeine consumption below 200–300 mg per day and observe your baby for any changes after breastfeeding.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages should be avoided while breastfeeding. The alcohol content can enter breast milk and disrupt your baby’s central nervous system development.

Alcohol also reduces the production of prolactin and oxytocin—two hormones essential for milk production and effective breastfeeding. To ensure your baby’s health and safety, it's best to steer clear of alcohol altogether while nursing.

Processed Foods

Processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats can harm the mother’s health and decrease the quality of breast milk. A poor diet can also affect the baby’s immune system and overall growth.

For better milk quality, prioritize fresh foods with balanced nutrition and minimal preservatives. Focus on eating more vegetables, fruits, sources of both animal and plant-based proteins, and complex carbohydrates to support both your health and your baby’s development.

Foods High in Mercury

Certain fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, contain high levels of mercury, which can negatively impact your baby’s brain development. Mercury, a toxic metal, can accumulate in the body and transfer to the baby through breast milk.

To still enjoy the benefits of fish, choose low-mercury options like salmon, catfish, or tilapia. Aim for about 2-3 servings of fish per week to ensure both you and your baby remain safe.

Herbal Supplements or Herbal Teas

Spices like cumin, pepper, and coriander are safe when used in moderate amounts as part of cooking during breastfeeding. They add flavor and may also offer some health benefits.

However, caution is needed when using herbal supplements or drinking herbal teas, as there’s limited scientific evidence on their safety for breastfeeding mothers. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before using any herbal products during this time.

Breastfeeding mothers can still enjoy a wide variety of foods, but it’s important to make thoughtful choices to ensure that what you consume is safe and supports both your health and your baby’s well-being.

If you encounter any issues while breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor or lactation consultant. You can also take advantage of the health consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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