5 Foods to Skip When You’re a Breastfeeding Mum


5 Foods to Skip When You’re a Breastfeeding Mum

Hello, fabulous mums!

Stepping into motherhood is such an exciting journey! Between the midnight cuddles and sweet lullabies, there’s one essential component that becomes a key player: breastfeeding. While it’s a natural way to nourish your newborn, there are a few things we need to avoid while breastfeeding, especially certain foods. We want the best for our little munchkins, after all. Here’s a nifty guide on what to put on the ‘maybe later’ shelf!

1. Caffeine Overload  

We all love our cuppa in the morning. However, too much caffeine might make your baby a wee bit restless. If you’re noticing that your newborn is unusually fussy or not sleeping well, it might be worth cutting back on the coffee or tea. Remember, it’s not forever – just a little break for the bub.

2. Spicy Adventures  

While a spicy curry might seem like the perfect pick-me-up after a long day, those spices can pass through your breast milk. Some babies might get a bit upset, gassy or colicky. Not all little ones react this way, but if you’re wondering why they’re a tad more irritable after your spicy feast, this could be why. Save the spicy treats for a date night out!

3. Certain Seafood  

Fish is fantastic for its omega-3 fatty acids. However, some fish like swordfish, shark, and king mackerel have high levels of mercury which you’d want to avoid while breastfeeding. Stick to safer options like salmon or light canned tuna.

4. Dairy Dilemmas  

While it’s rare, some babies are allergic or intolerant to cow’s milk proteins. If your baby seems excessively fussy, has a rash, or shows signs of digestive discomfort after you’ve had dairy, you might want to have a chat with your pediatrician. It’s just another thing to possibly avoid while breastfeeding.

5. Alcohol in Excess  

An occasional glass of wine is okay, but regular or heavy alcohol consumption isn’t advisable when nursing. Alcohol can pass into breast milk, affecting the baby’s development and sleep patterns. If you fancy a drink, consider having it after nursing and allow a few hours before the next feed.

Navigating motherhood is a mixture of joy, challenges, and a whole lot of love. It’s not always about restrictions but more about making wise choices for our little ones. So, as you continue on this wonderful journey, remember, every food choice is temporary. Soon enough, your little one will be munching on chips beside you, asking if they can have a bite of that spicy curry!