When you have a newborn, you go through a mixed feeling of happiness as well as tension too, whether you are doing it right or are you able to fulfill your newborn’s needs etc. However when you are breastfeeding you get so many advise about what to do and what not to, it makes you more confused and nervous too.
The following discussion will help you to get an idea about your diet, specially during breastfeeding.
Peppermint, Parsley, and Sage (herbs):
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Though these are loaded with flavors, Sometimes they can affect the production of breast milk. Having excessive peppermint or even sage can reduce the milk supply or consuming excess amounts of parsley can restrain the lactation. Even for some breastfeeding mothers, peppermint flavored candy or toothpaste can instigate the problem.
Carbonated Foods:
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Some of the usual problematic food options are cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and beans. Though passing gas or bloating or even burping is quite common, however if your baby turns gassy and starts experiencing stomach aches, then think of some alternatives. Try to stay away from these types of foods for a couple of weeks if you are experiencing bloating, passing gas, burping.
Spicy Food Options:
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You might love spicy foods, but during breast feeding your consumption of spicy foods will depend on your newborn’s ability to handle spicy food. Most of the time, babies are ok with you consuming spicy food, but if you notice that they are having stomach problems like diarrhea etc. each time you add something spicy (like hot sauce or chili or chili flakes etc.) in your food, then you need to take a few weeks break from spicy food to see what happens. It will help you to realize your newborn’s capacity of handling spicy foods.
Coffee or Even Chocolate:
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Both coffee and chocolate are a source of caffeine. You can also find caffeine in several colas as well as in energy drinks too. If you have an excessive dependency on your coffee then try to limit it to two-three cups daily, that too of the brewed type. You can also try the decaf variety to fulfill your needs.
Consuming Milk:
Though it’s a rare problem for babies, however, if you notice something abnormal, like a breathing problem, skin irritation or any other abnormalities after breastfeeding, you need to call your pediatrician immediately.
Having Fish:
Fish is a nice supplier of protein and fishes like salmon, tuna etc. are rich sources of omega-3 too. However these fishes also contain mercury and various other unhealthy stuff too, so try to consume it 2 times per week, in a cooked form. Make sure that every serving should not be more than 6 ounces. Select something which contains less amounts of mercury like, trout, tilapia, and salmon. Try to stay away from fishes like, king mackerel, swordfish, tilefish and shark.
Various Nuts like Peanuts etc. and Eggs:
Even though you are not allergic to certain foods, it does not mean that your little one will not be allergic to those foods as well. If you skip foods like peanuts, eggs etc. that does not mean that your little one will not develop allergies for these kinds of food. On the contrary, skipping such foods might result in your little one having less chances of contracting skin conditions like eczema. You need to consult a pediatrician.
Warm or Iced Tea:
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A cup of warm tea is always refreshing, however, it has some negative side effects too. Tea provides you caffeine, which in turn causes disturbance to your sleep and your newborn’s sleep too. It also makes it really tough for your body to absorb iron, which is very important for your energy levels. Make sure that you are not having your iced or hot tea while you are having any other iron loaded foods like leafy dark colored veggies, fortified cereals, and lean meat etc.
Consuming Alcoholic Drinks:
If you don’t have any cravings for alcohol then its fine, nevertheless if you want to drink something then you need to wait till your mild gets cleared completely. You need to wait for at least three hours before you breastfeed if you have consumed 1.5 ounces of any type of liquor or 12 ounces of beer or even 5 ounces of wine.
Sugary Drinks like Sodas, Colas, Fruit Juices etc:
During breastfeeding, you tend to feel more thirsty than usual. However, try to drink a glass of water every time you breastfeed. No matter how much you urge for fruit juices or any other sodas, you need to control yourself hard. These are all loaded with calories and do not have any such important nutrients.
