Throughout their pregnancies, most moms take health and nutrition seriously; eating the right things, taking their prenatal vitamins, and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. But once baby arrives, they’re unclear as to what they should be eating or which foods to avoid while breastfeeding.
Healthy habits in the fourth trimester and beyond are just as important as they were during pregnancy. Here are some tips for knowing what you need to avoid eating when nursing in order to keep you and your baby in optimal health.
Foods to avoid while breastfeeding
What to eat while breastfeeding: Tips for eating healthy for you and your baby
It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers eat whole grains, plenty of protein, and leafy greens as well as yogurt and beans. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated during the postnatal period is ideal for the optimal health of both you and your growing infant.
“Excellent foods to eat include oatmeal, barley, brown rice, beans, sesame, dark green leafy vegetables, apricots, dates, figs, and cooked green papaya,” lactation consultant Jennifer Ritchie suggested to Mom.com. “These foods boost prolactin levels, the hormone produced by the brain that controls milk production.”
You can also try lactation cookies, that include ingredients like flaxseed, milk thistle, fennel seed, wheat germ, brewers yeast, and turmeric that stimulate milk production by increasing the prolactin levels in the body.
"When I was nursing, I swore by my best friend's lactation cookies," Amy C. told Mom.com. "They really worked and helped increase my supply, which was great because it seemed as though my youngest was constantly on the breast."
Again, it's always a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying any foods that contain ingredients you may not have had previously, or before embarking on a new diet.
