Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding: Foods That Are Safe

Have you been craving the foods that were off-limits while you were pregnant? Are they safe for you to eat now that your baby is here, or are there foods to avoid while breastfeeding?

Although you’ll find varying opinions online about what foods are safe to eat while breastfeeding, experts generally agree on the most important ones.

We don’t want you to worry about harming your baby by what you eat or drink. So we’ll look at the most recent data, dig into the facts, and discuss some myths about what you can and can’t eat when breastfeeding.

Let’s get learning.

Foods To Avoid While Breastfeeding

For the last nine months, you have been a paragon of virtue and avoided all the foods you were advised to. No visits to the sushi bar, no alcohol, no store-bought salads, pate, or soft cheese. And that was just the tip of the iceberg.

You had to steer clear of many things while your baby was growing inside you. However, now that your little bundle of joy is here, are the rules the same?

You will be pleased to hear they aren’t. Despite what your mother-in-law or friends might tell you, there are nowhere near as many restrictions on what you can and can’t eat when breastfeeding.

While they mean well, there are as many myths surrounding what you should eat when breastfeeding as there are when you’re pregnant.

Very little of what you eat passes through your breast milk to your baby. But the foods you eat can affect the smell and taste of your milk, and your cherub might not like it.

There are a few things experts agree you should steer clear of. Let’s look at the shortlist of foods you should avoid and the reasons for doing so.

1. Mercury-Laden Fish

Fish is an essential part of a healthy diet and should be included in your meal plans. That said, you need to be careful about which fish you choose when breastfeeding.

Unfortunately, we aren’t always kind to the planet we live on. Over time, chemicals have found their way into the oceans and waterways, and these can be found in some fish. The one chemical, in particular, that is of concern is methylmercury.

The rule of the sea decrees that the plankton feed the small fish, which feed the bigger fish, which feed the huge fish. The larger the fish, the more mercury they will likely accumulate ⁽¹⁾.

Mercury can pass through your breast milk to your baby. It can affect the development of your baby’s nervous system and brain. Fish to avoid include swordfish, shark, and king mackerel ⁽²⁾. You can enjoy albacore tuna and tilefish in moderation — 6 ounces or less per week.

You will also be pleased to know that many of the fish that were banned while you were pregnant are now back on the menu. This handy chart from the FDA gives you some guidance on which fish you can eat ⁽³⁾.

What about sushi? The risks of bacterial contamination — which is why sushi was to be avoided in pregnancy — are lower when breastfeeding. Choose reputable sources for premade sushi, and ensure high-quality fish is used.

Editor's Note:

Michelle Roth, BA, IBCLC

2. Caffeine and Herbal Drinks

For the coffee addicts out there, you will be pleased to know you can still have your daily fix but in moderation. Basically, you’ll have the same restrictions as those for moms-to-be, about two to three cups a day, up to 200 milligrams.

A small amount of caffeine can pass to your baby in your milk, and they might not tolerate it well. It is, after all, a stimulant and might make your baby alert, active, or fussy.

Remember, it’s not just coffee that contains caffeine. Other drinks like hot chocolate, sodas, energy drinks, as well as some medications, contain caffeine. Some other drinks you should avoid are herbal supplements, which may have guarana or kola nut.

What about herbal teas? Again, while many are fine, there are some you should steer clear of. These include dong quai and teas that act as herbal laxatives.

Check the label first, and if in doubt, avoid it until you stop breastfeeding ⁽⁴⁾.

It might be worth timing your caffeinated drink to have after you finish a breastfeeding session. That way, after a few hours, when you are ready to breastfeed again, you’ll have less caffeine in your system.

3. Alcohol

You might think we are about to tell you that glass of wine you have been looking forward to for nine months is off the list. Don’t worry; it’s not. While we are not encouraging you to drink, the occasional intake of alcohol in moderation is OK.

The keywords here are “occasional” and “moderation.” Just so you know, alcohol clears from your breast milk at the same rate it does from your blood. It takes one hour for one unit of alcohol to disperse from your system ⁽⁵⁾.

For this reason, to avoid passing any alcohol to your baby, wait for about two hours after that glass of wine (which is about two units) before breastfeeding. Alcohol can also interfere with the let-down of milk, and your baby might receive less milk when you’ve had an alcoholic drink ⁽⁶⁾.

Interestingly, in the past, new moms were encouraged to drink Guinness, a dark beer, to encourage milk production. Research has shown there is some substance to this, in that a polysaccharide in the hops can help produce prolactin. This hormone is necessary for the production of breast milk.

Just the same, alcohol-free beer can have the same effect. This might be a better choice if you want to have a drink ⁽⁷⁾.

Dispelling Some Myths

We mentioned earlier all the advice well-meaning friends might give you. Let’s look at these myths in more detail.

1. Peanuts

The myth is that eating peanuts can lead to your baby developing an allergy. However, recent studies indicate this is not likely to be the case. In fact, it may help prevent allergies. So unless you have a peanut allergy, go ahead and have that peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

One Boston Children’s Hospital study showed that breastfed mice obtained important allergy-preventing antibodies from their moms, who were exposed to allergens ⁽⁸⁾.

This also seems to be the case in humans. Babies whose moms eat peanuts while breastfeeding might have a lower chance of developing an allergy later in childhood ⁽⁹⁾.

Now, there are some caveats concerning moms with an allergy already. Just because it’s safe for your baby, it might not be safe for you. If you have a peanut allergy, you should avoid peanuts.

Keep a close eye on your baby for any adverse reactions after you have eaten peanuts and then breastfed your baby. Things to look out for include fussing, rashes, congestion, excessive crying, or diarrhea. If you see these signs, seek medical advice straight away.

Another thing to consider is a family history of peanut allergies, whether it’s a sibling or another family member. There is a possibility that your baby may have this allergy as well. In this case, it’s more advisable to avoid them.

You can ask your pediatrician to test for these allergies in your baby to be on the safe side.

Guidelines from the National Institute of Health suggest we start introducing foods containing peanuts to a baby’s diet between 4 and 6 months old ⁽¹⁰⁾.

2. Gas-Producing Foods

OK ladies, while we don’t like to admit it, we all get gassy sometimes. My partner would like to ban me from eating Brussels sprouts, but I love them. Unfortunately, they are guaranteed to produce gas every time I eat them.

So how does eating gassy foods affect your baby? In a nutshell, it doesn’t — it’s one of those old wives’ tales.

Fibrous veggies, like cabbage and broccoli, might make mom gassy, but it’s unlikely to be the cause of gassiness in your little one. Eating fiber-rich foods is good for our digestive health. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, keeps your bowels moving, and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar ⁽¹¹⁾.

Leafy green vegetables are also good for our overall gut health. They help look after the good bacteria and keep harmful bad bacteria at bay ⁽¹²⁾.

If your baby is gassy, this is more than likely a result of their own digestive system working properly. Breast milk provides babies with good bacteria to help them maintain general good health. It also helps them develop good gut health ⁽¹³⁾.

3. Spices and Garlic

Spice up your life — in a culinary way! Eating foods enhanced with spices or garlic is fine and shouldn’t upset your baby. They will already be used to the flavors of the foods you ate while pregnant and might appreciate the varied tastes in your breast milk.

If you notice your baby is particularly fussy after you’ve eaten something like a Madras curry, then swap for a korma in the future. Babies are a bit like us — we like some foods and dislike others.

4. Cow’s Milk

Many of the dairy products you weren’t allowed during pregnancy are now fair game. Some schools of thought veer toward cow’s milk and dairy products causing a milk allergy in babies.

Once again, unless you have this allergy or a family history of it, it’s unlikely to affect your little one. The one thing that restricting dairy products might benefit is the severity of eczema in a baby. Even then, it’s felt that further investigation is needed.

So go ahead, eat cheese, drink milk, and know that your breast milk is all your baby needs. Allergies to cow’s milk protein are rare, and your milk might even help prevent them ⁽¹⁴⁾.

5. Herbs

Herbs you consume in food in teas can get through to your breast milk. Unlike medications, these herbs are not regulated by the FDA. There are no guarantees about their purity, strength, or safety for your baby.

You would probably have to consume a considerable amount for them to affect your baby, but let’s take a look at a few in particular.

Things like fennel and fenugreek have been used for many years to boost a mom’s milk supply. The effectiveness of these herbs is anecdotal to a degree, and the effects on the baby are unknown ⁽¹⁵⁾. There are also supplements that can increase your milk supply.

A few herbs can reduce your milk supply, some of which could be used to help when weaning. Peppermint and sage are two of these, but you would need to consume a lot of them. It’s worth bearing this in mind if you use breath mints or eat peppermint candy.

FAQs

What Fruits Should You Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Most fruits are safe to eat while breastfeeding, but some babies might be sensitive to citrus fruits or those that cause more gas. Observing your baby’s reaction and consulting with a healthcare provider can guide you.

How Much Water Should I Drink While Breastfeeding?

When breastfeeding, try to drink at least 8-12 cups of water per day, or more if you’re thirsty. Proper hydration is important for maintaining milk supply.

How Many Times a Day Should I Drink While Breastfeeding?

Drink regularly throughout the day while breastfeeding, responding to your thirst cues. Keeping a bottle of water nearby during nursing sessions can be helpful.

Can My Breast Milk Upset My Baby’s Tummy?

Certain foods in your diet might cause discomfort or allergies in some babies, leading to symptoms like gas, fussiness, or rashes. If you suspect a particular food is causing issues, consult with a healthcare provider.

What Foods Should You Eat When Breastfeeding?

While breastfeeding, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein sources, and healthy fats. Calcium, iron, and rich omega-3 fatty acids are super important. A varied diet helps provide all the necessary nutrients for you and your baby.

Enjoy Your Food

There are a few foods to avoid while breastfeeding, but on the whole, your diet can return to what it was before you were pregnant. Following a well-balanced, healthy diet will provide your baby with many different flavors and give you the nutrition you need.

Let’s be real — the first month or so, your diet might not be the best in the world. You are likely to grab whatever is on hand to eat when you get the chance. It’s OK to have a bag of chips, a few cookies, or even a cold slice of pizza left over from last night’s takeout.

Our body is an amazing machine, and if your diet is less than perfect, your breast milk will still be of good quality for your baby. It will contain all the nutrients they need, gleaned from your own body stores and your diet ⁽¹⁶⁾.