Foods to avoid while breastfeeding?
I’ve heard many breastfeeding mums ask which foods they should avoid while breastfeeding, to reduce the occurance or severity of wind or upset tummies in their newborns. Everyone seems to have a different opinion as to what should be on this list.. in fact I’m not even convinced that we should actively avoid anything in particular. Many breastfeeding mums can eat whatever they choose without any adverse reactions.
All our bodies are different, and so too are our baby’s bodies, and common sense tells me that some may be more sensitive than others to certain foods. There is some research to suggest that breast milk is flavoured by the food the mother eats. (Breastfed babies who are exposed to a wide variety of flavours are thought to become more adventurous easters.)
Whilst I don’t think that there should be food to automatically avoid while breastfeding, there are certain foods which can cause tummy sensitivity for some. Such as;
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Chilli
- Curry & other strong spices
- Garlic
- Onion
- Chocolate
If you have a baby who is experiencing problems with wind pain, and you notice a pattern with certain foods, then it may be wise to exclude that food from your diet completely. You can then reintroduce once and see if it has any effect. Food we eat tends to show in our breastmilk 2 to 6 hours later. Always speak to your doctor, Maternal Health Nurse or a dietician before omitting any particular food from your diet.
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