What Foods Should A Woman Avoid While Breast Feeding?

Many women find that they can eat whatever they may like during breast feeding. And a nursing mother indeed needs to eat.

Even though it is true that some strongly favored foods can change the taste of a nursing mother’s milk, many babies seem to enjoy the varieties of breast milk flavors. 

But occasionally, a baby may get cranky at the breast after the mother eats certain foods. For the breast feeding mother, once you notice this happening, simply avoid that particular food.

The most common irritants that trouble babies during breast feeding include chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, garlic, chili, lime, gassy vegetables, and fruits with laxative type effects, such as prunes and cherries.

Note that though the nursing mother can have a cup or two of coffee a day, too much caffeine can interfere with your baby's sleep and even make him or her touchy and irritated.  Remember, caffeine is found in many soda's, tea, and even over the counter type medicine as well.

Some people argue that it is okay to have an alcoholic beverage occasionally; but this can increase your blood alcohol level, especially having more than one drink, and can put the alcohol into your breast milk. 

If you are planning to have more than one drink at a time, it is best to wait two hours or more per drink before you resume any type of nursing or breast feeding.  There is no need to pump and dump unless your breasts are full and its time to feed your baby.  While breast feeding, any type of heavy drinking should be completely avoided.

Before you actually omit any foods from your diet, you should talk to your doctor.  If you avoid certain foods and it causes a nutritional imbalance, you may need to see a nutritionist for advice on taking other foods or getting nutritional supplements.

So ma’am, keep that baby happy!