While breastfeeding, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, but there are certain foods you may want to avoid or limit:
- Caffeine: High caffeine intake can affect your baby’s sleep and irritability. Limit coffee, tea, and sodas to about 300 mg per day (about 2-3 cups of coffee).
- Alcohol: Alcohol can pass into breast milk and affect your baby. It’s best to avoid drinking or limit to occasional use, ensuring you wait at least 2-3 hours after drinking before breastfeeding.
- Spicy Foods: Some babies may be sensitive to spicy foods, leading to fussiness or upset stomach. If you notice this reaction, consider reducing spicy meals.
- Allergenic Foods: Common allergens such as peanuts, shellfish, and eggs may affect some breastfed babies. If there’s a family history of allergies, consult your pediatrician about introducing these foods into your diet.
- Certain Fish: Avoid fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. Opt for lower-mercury fish like salmon and sardines for their healthy omega-3 fatty acids.