~Avoiding Foods While Breast Feeding

 

Many women find that they can eat whatever they may

like during breast feeding.  Even though it's true

that some strongly favored foods can change the 

taste of your milk, many babies seem to enjoy the

varieties of breast milk flavors.  Occasionally,

your baby may get cranky at the breast after you

eat certain foods.  If you notice this happening,

simply avoid that particular food.

The most common offenders duing breast feeding 

include chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, garlic,

chili, lime, gassy vegetables, and fruits with

laxative type effects, such as prunes and cherries.

You can have a cup or two of coffee a day, although

too much caffeine can interfere with your baby's 

sleep and even make him or her cranky.  Keep in

mind, caffeine is found in many soda's, tea, and 

even over the counter type medicine as well.

It's okay to have an alcoholic beverage every now

and the, although having more than one drink can

increase your blood alcohol level, putting the

alcohol into your breast milk.  

If you are planning to have more than one drink

at a time, it's best to wait two hours or more

per drink before you resume any type of nursing

or breast feeding.  There is no need to pump

and dump unless your breasts are full and its

time to feed your baby.  While breast feeding,

any type of heavy drinking should be avoided.

Before you actually omit any foods from your

diet, you should talk to your doctor.  If you

avoid certain foods and it causes a nutritional

imbalance, you may need to see a nutritionist 

for advice on taking other foods or getting 

nutritional supplements.