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What to Eat and What Not to Eat When Breastfeeding
There are no magic foods that will help to increase a mother’s milk supply and there is little evidence surrounding the idea that foods eaten by the mother can affect the baby.
This leaves mothers asking many questions, and worrying that they are not doing the best they can for their new born.
Relax, if you are attempting to breastfeed, then you are doing a good job.
Here are some helpful hints that might put your mind at ease.
1) Avoid alcohol – studies have shown that babies who are breastfed after their mother has been drinking alcohol are often drowsy and weak. They have also shown that alcohol can decrease the mother’s milk supply and inhibit the let down reflex. It has also been shown to alter the smell of breast milk.
2) Caffeine – the amount of caffeine found in breast milk after consumption by the mother varies from person to person due to the individuals ability to absorb and eliminate it. Mothers who drink large amounts of coffee when breastfeeding report babies to be jittery, colicky, constipated and unsettled. Caffeine is also associated with poor milk supply and the reoccurrence of mastitis. One study showed that women drinking more than 3 cups of coffee per day had one third less iron in their breast milk. Limit to maximum of three cups per day when breastfeeding.
3) Spicy Foods – it is unlikely they will effect the baby, however many mothers report their baby suffer colicky symptoms if the mother eats spicy foods whilst breastfeeding. Learn by experience. If you suffer after a spicy meal, or notice changes in your baby, choose milder foods until the baby is older and the gut is more developed. Two studies showed that garlic was actually beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, as babies tend to feed for longer, which may indicate they like the flavour change in the breast milk.
4) Windy Vegetables – some mothers find eating cauliflower, cabbage and onions whilst breastfeeding can cause their babies to become upset. If this upsets your baby, then restrict it.
5) Known Allergies – if you or a close family member has a known allergy, it is wise to eliminate this food from your diet when breastfeeding. Babies with a family history of allergies on both sides of the family are 60-80% more likely to develop an allergy themselves, and those with allergies on one side of the family are 30-50% more likely to develop an allergy. Cow’s milk and eggs are the most common allergies in babies. Allergy symptoms can vary from mild diarrhea to life threatening anaphylaxis. If you think your baby may be allergic to something you are eating, but unsure what, speak to your doctor and or dietitian. It is a good idea to keep a food and symptom diary with the foods you eat, and the baby’s symptoms.
6) Peanuts – peanut allergies can be life threatening, especially for children. If your husband or close relative suffers from a peanut allergy, it is wise to eliminate peanuts from your diet whilst breastfeeding. If not, feel free to enjoy them!
7) So what can you eat? – making sure you have a healthy and varied diet is the most important thing when breastfeeding. Your baby can only get from you what you get from your diet, so make sure you eat an appropriate number of serves from all the food groups. See our article ‘Breast Brew for Baby’ for more information on a healthy diet for breastfeeding.
Added to site on : Monday, 24 January 2011