17 Foods To Avoid While Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding, it's generally recommended that mothers maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support both their own recovery and their baby's growth and development. A breastfeeding mom is almost always hungry and could probably eat whatever is readily available, but one should also be aware of their babies' reactions to certain foods.

Some food items can potentially cause issues for the baby, either through allergens or substances that pass through breast milk that can alter the milk's taste or supply. It's important to note that reactions vary from baby to baby, and what affects one might not affect another. Your first baby may not have any reaction to our food list below, but your second or third baby might exhibit a different response. Observing your baby's cues is crucial. 

Also Read: Breastfeeding Diet: Nutritionist Answers 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Foods and drinks to avoid or limit while breastfeeding

We've rounded up a list of 17 food items that are sometimes suggested to be avoided or consumed in moderation while breastfeeding, along with the reasons why:

1. Alcohol

According to Center for Disease Control (CDC), "Exposure to alcohol above moderate levels through breast milk could be damaging to an infant's development, growth, and sleep patterns. Alcohol consumption above moderate levels may also impair a mother's judgment and ability to care for her child safely." While occasional, moderate consumption (up to one standard drink per day) is generally considered acceptable, the safest option is still to avoid alcohol entirely. 

2. Caffeine

Caffeine also passes into breast milk, according to a scoping review on the effects of caffeine. While small amounts (less than 300 mg per day, equivalent to about 2-3 cups of coffee) are unlikely to affect most babies, higher intakes can lead to irritability, poor sleep patterns, and fussiness in some infants. Premature and younger newborns are more susceptible to caffeine's effects. 

3. High-Mercury Fish

Larger fish like swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tilefish can contain high levels of mercury because they have more time to accumulate it, according to CDC. According to its key findings, "Mercury can pass from a mother to her baby through the placenta during pregnancy and, in smaller amounts, through breast milk after birth. Mercury exposure can affect the infant's brain and nervous system development during pregnancy and after birth. High amounts of mercury exposure have led to birth defects, lower levels of intelligence, difficulty in memory and cognition, and problems with gross and fine motor skills."  

It's recommended to avoid these types of fish and limit consumption of other fish to 8-12 ounces per week, thereby choosing varieties lower in mercury like salmon, shrimp, and canned light tuna.  

4. Artificial Sweeteners

While most artificial sweeteners are considered safe in moderation during breastfeeding, there is some limited research suggesting that saccharin, sucralose, and acesulfame-potassium can be present in breast milk. The long-term effects of infant exposure to these sweeteners through breast milk are not fully understood, and may raise questions as to how these can "affect infant gut microbiome, alter their sweet taste preference, and contribute to future metabolic abnormalities and obesity."

5. Herbal Supplements 

The safety of many herbal supplements during breastfeeding is not well-established. Some herbs can have strong active ingredients that could be transferred to the baby through breast milk and cause adverse effects. Additionally, some herbal products may contain contaminants. According to Baby Center, "Herbs are regulated by the FDA as food products, not medicinal products. There's no guarantee of safety, strength, or purity. And very few herbs have been studied to learn their effect on nursing infants." As a rule of thumb, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements while breastfeeding.  

6. Spicy food

Contrary to popular belief, there's little evidence that spicy foods directly upset babies. The flavors from the mother's diet can pass into breast milk, and while some babies might react with fussiness or changes in stool, many tolerate spicy foods without any issues. It's more about observing your baby's individual reaction if they become upset, gassy, or fussy. "...you might consider cutting back to determine if those strong flavors are really the culprit," according to another parenting article.   

Also Read: Need breastfeeding Support? These Online Communities Can Help You

7. "Gassy" foods

"For breastfed babies, gas might be caused by eating too fast, swallowing too much air, or digesting certain foods. Babies have immature GI systems and can frequently experience gas because of this," according to an American research. Some mothers, though, also suspect that certain foods like cabbage, broccoli, onions, and beans can cause gas in their babies. While there's limited scientific evidence to definitively link specific gas-inducing foods in the mother's diet to infant gas, some babies might be more sensitive than others. Again, paying attention to your baby's cues after consuming these foods can help you eliminate certain foods from your diet.  

8. Sugary Drinks

Sure, breastfeeding can make you feel thirsty all the time. WebMD recommends drinking water every time you breastfeed. It adds, "..don’t go for regular sodas or fruit drinks, which give you calories without nutrition."

9. Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both stimulants. While moderate consumption is usually fine, large amounts of chocolate could potentially lead to irritability and sleep problems in sensitive babies, similar to the effects of caffeine. In a case mentioned in La Leche League - Canada, "a newborn infant developed irritability and jitteriness, inconsolable crying, excessive sucking and sleep problems. The mother did not drink coffee but did consume about 250g (8oz) of cocoa and chocolate daily. She slowly reduced her chocolate intake over 10 days and her baby’s behaviour returned to normal." 

10. Peppermint and Sage

While small amounts used in cooking are unlikely to cause issues, it's advisable to be cautious with peppermint and sage if you are trying to establish or maintain a good milk supply. WebMD states, "For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply."

11. Wheat and Gluten

Unless your baby has a diagnosed wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity, there's generally no need to avoid wheat or gluten. The proteins are unlikely to pass into breast milk in amounts that would cause issues. However, if the baby shows symptoms like skin rashes, digestive issues, or breathing problems, gluten issues may be considered. "Gluten can be tough on your baby's tummy," according to San Diego Breastfeeding Center. It is best to seek the advice of your baby's attending physician. 

12. Dairy

Cow's milk protein is a common allergen for infants. If your baby shows signs of allergy or intolerance like excessive gas, fussiness, vomiting, diarrhea, or eczema, your doctor might recommend eliminating dairy from your diet for a trial period. It's crucial to ensure you get enough calcium from other sources if you cut out dairy.  

13. Soy

Similar to dairy, some babies who are sensitive to cow's milk protein may also react to soy protein. If you're eliminating dairy, your doctor might also suggest avoiding soy for a period. Soy lecithin and soy flour in small amounts are often tolerated.  

Also Read: 'No Matter How Long Or Short, Breastfeeding Taught Me A Lot,' Real Stories Of Breastfeeding Moms

14. Highly Processed Food 

According to Norton Healthcare, "Highly processed foods should be avoided when breastfeeding because they lack fiber, vitamins and minerals and often contain too many calories, added sugars and unhealthy fats. Avoid consuming too many sugary drinks, prepackaged foods, frozen meals and desserts."

15. Eggs

"Eggs offer protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D and folate, making them ideal if you're breastfeeding," says the Cleveland Clinic. However, eggs can also be another common food allergen. If your baby exhibits signs of an allergic reaction after you consume eggs, you might need to avoid them. Symptoms can include skin reactions, digestive issues, or respiratory problems.  

16. Corn

Corn is less commonly an allergen than dairy, soy, or eggs, but some babies can also be sensitive to it, leading to symptoms like rash or digestive upset. Byram Healthcare suggests, "If you think that you might be sensitive to wheat or corn, of if you have a family history of allergies in any of these areas, you should consider eliminating them from your diet."

17. Certain fruits

While most fruits are beneficial, specific fruits might cause issues in rare cases. For example, some babies might react to the acidity of pineapple or tomatoes. Citrus fruits are also thought to cause "discomfort in newborn and infant digestive tracks" so again, observation is key.  

So what can I eat?

"Focus on making healthy choices to help fuel your milk production. Opt for protein-rich foods...Choose a variety of whole grains and fruits and vegetables," according to the Mayo Clinic.

Listen to your baby. Pay close attention to your baby's behavior and any changes after you eat certain foods. Try eliminating foods and see if there's improvement. You don't need to overthink about it. Aside from your little one's attending physician, talk to a lactation consultant for further advice. 

Remember, breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby, and in most cases, a normal healthy diet is all that's needed. 

Want to know the secret behind the success in breastfeeding? Find out here!