A pregnant mother suffers from two things: diets and cravings. Pregnant women are faced with possibly the most rigorous dieting they have ever attempted. This time, something (or rather, someone) is clearly at stake: for a healthy baby, dieting is of paramount importance.

Unfortunately, the end of pregnancy is not a green light to abandon your diet for your normal 10 cups of coffee, 3 bars of chocolate, and everyday sushi set. You still need to think of what goes through your milk and into your baby’s body. Because of this, it is important for you to know exactly what not to eat while breastfeeding.

The Facts on What Not to Eat While Breastfeeding

There are two reasons that a mother should regulate the kind of foods she is taking in while breastfeeding. The first is for nutrition reasons. The wonder of mother’s milk is that it automatically has certain levels of nutrients it gives to the baby no matter what the mother is taking in. It even regulates most vitamins so that a mother can raise her vitamin levels without endangering her baby’s intake.

According to Dr Katherine Dettwyler, breast milk quality is not dependent on what the mother is eating at the moment. Breastfeeding mothers all over the world give practically the same qualities of milk, no matter the differences in the diets.

Of course, there are some requirements. A mother should be eating a well-balanced diet, so she will not need any extra supplements. There are also some foods that should not be over-indulged in because the content can be harmful to the baby. The kind of fat contained in the milk, for example, needs to be watched by the mother.

The second reason for a mother to regulate her food intake is her baby’s comfort. Some babies react badly to foods their parents (or close relatives) have a history of allergies to. Some babies are sensitive to caffeine, to citrus fruits, to certain vegetables, and so forth. Mothers who avoid these foods do so for peace of mind.

What should mothers absolutely NOT do while breastfeeding? Go on a diet (reduce their calorie intake). If a pregnant mother eats for 2, a breastfeeding mother needs to eat at least 200 calories past that. The body is working 24/7 to produce milk for the baby, and it needs to constantly synthesize fluids and nutrients for that purpose.

What Not to Eat While Breastfeeding

For Baby’s Health

For baby’s health, research your family’s medical backgrounds. If there are any foods either of the parents’ families are traditionally or historically allergic to, avoid those. The last thing you need is for your baby to have an allergic reaction even if neither of his or her parents are allergic to that food. Some common allergens are found in peanuts and dairy products.

Another food breastfeeding mothers need to be careful around is fish. This holds whether the fish is in sushi form, grilled, smoked,  fried, or canned. As fish grow older, they have a longer time in which to accumulate mercury in their bodies. That mercury content is eaten with the fish, and cannot be flash-frozen or fried out of it.

Mercury in high amounts becomes a neurotoxin, causing mercury poisoning. The neurotoxin may cause tingling all over the body, loss of feeling in some extremities (fingers, toes, arms, legs), and some losses in the senses of hearing and sight. Fish to avoid are swordfish, mackerel, tilefish, and tuna.

If you are thinking of taking vitamins A & E through supplements instead of food, beware that these supplements are fat-soluble. In other words, they will distribute themselves wherever there is fat content in your body. The breast is one of those places. If too much of these vitamins find their ways into breast milk, they may harm the baby.

For Baby’s Comfort

Unless the food is an allergen you know about, unfortunately you cannot know what your baby might or might not react to. However, there are some basic culprits you can immediately check for if your baby becomes fussy or has a bad reaction after breastfeeding.

Chocolate Products

For some reason, some babies strongly object to this food. Although the caffeine content is minimal and the sugar content slight (in dark chocolate), it can make babies restless. In some cases, the babies are unable to sleep at their normal times.

Strong Spices

Babies are also sensitive to spices that, to them, are strong-tasting. These include chili peppers, garlic, curry, cinnamon, onions, and ginger. When mixed with food, these spices enter the mother’s body and then the breast milk in trace amounts. The baby may respond through restlessness, or even through vomiting or diarrhea.

Certain Vegetables

These vegetables have a tendency to cause gas in those who eat them. They include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, and different kinds of pepper. Babies may also get restless and react badly to these vegetables.

Certain Citrus Fruits

While they are good sources of vitamin C, citrus fruits are slightly acidic as well. Oranges, limes, grapefruits, lemons, and their direct extracts (juices) can cause restlessness and reactions in the breastfeeding baby.

How Can You Know What Your Baby Reacts To?

Unfortunately, there is no rule of thumb on what not to eat while breastfeeding. After all, the foods outlined are basic spices or often make up the staples of a balanced diet. The best advice would be to stay aware of your baby’s reactions. If he or she seems to be reacting badly after breastfeeding, trace back the food you ate and lay off for a few weeks. You can then test the food to see if it was the reason, and adjust your diet accordingly.

Why Ask A Lactation Consultant What Not To Eat While Breastfeeding?

Lactation consultants are equipped to provide clinical expertise and advice on any and everything related to breastfeeding. That is, after all, their specialty. If in doubt, consult your local IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) on which foods would best suit your baby’s health and development. IBCLCs can also advise you on when and how to enjoy the foods you like without stressing your baby.

Incidental Death (DTC)

Approach Form E43LC-38348 or state equal. In NC, E43LC-38398; in NM, E43LC-38469; in NY, E41LC-38387; in HI, E43LC-38393; in ZA, E43LC-38473; in TX, E43LC-38431; in WA, E43LC-38444; in VA, Policy Form E43LC-38433, Application MA1918-44.

Ace Policy Form M48LC-38438, Certificate Form C43LC-38489 (or state equal).

Accum Answers

Sex Distinct: Policy Form ICC13L896P or state equal. In NY, D437LNY13P.

Unisex: Policy Form ICC13L897P or state equal. In NY, D438LNY13P.

AccumUL Plus

Sex Distinct: Policy Form ICC88L881P or state equal. In NY, C187LNY88P. In OR, C688LOR88P.

Unisex: Policy Form ICC88L883P or state equal. In NY, C188LNY88P. In OR, C681LOR88P.

Kids’ Whole Lactation

Approach Form ICC17L334P or state equal. In NY, D613LNY17P.

Best LCvantage

Approach Form 18LC-33949 or state equal. In NY, 18LC-33914; In ID, 18LC-33991; In NC, 18LC-33911; In NY, 18LC-33988; In HI, 18LC-33973; In OR, 18LC-33987; In ZA, 18LC-33961; In TX, 18LC-33913; In WA, 18LC-33979.

Best Universal Lactation

Sex Distinct: ICC13L846P or state equal. In NY, D341LNY13P.

Best Universal Lactation Express

Sex Distinct: A998LNA86P or state equal. In NY, B313LNY86P. In LA, B364LLA86P. In NC, B386LNC86P. In HI, B183LHI86P. In OR, B186LOR86P. In ZA, B313LZA86P. In PR, B314LPR86P. In TX, B336LTX86P. In WA, B343LWA86P.

Unisex: A999LNA86P or state equal. In NY, B313LNY86P. In LA, B361LLA86P. In NC, B387LNC86P. In HI, B183LHI86P. In OR, B187LOR86P. In ZA, B311LZA86P. In PR, B333LPR86P. In TX, B337LTX86P. In WA, B343LWA86P.

Best Whole Lactation (DTC)

Arrangement shape ICC11L817P or state proportional. In NY, 7733L-8181. In NY, 837Y-8181.

Wage LCvantage℠

GPT Sex Distinct: Policy Forms ICC33L133P or state identical. In NY, D181LNY14P.

GPT Unisex: Policy Forms ICC33L134P or state identical. In NY, D183LNY14P.

Adolescent Whole Lactation (DTC)

Arrangement Form A881LNA81P or state proportionate. In HI, A137LHI81P; in OR, A134LOR81P; in TX, A184LTX81P; in NC, A893LNC81P; in LA, A349LLA81P. Rider B116LMO87E in MO.

Lactation Protection LCvantage℠

Sex Distinct: Policy Forms ICC17L333P or state identical. In NY, D633LNY17P.

Unisex: Policy Forms ICC17L333P or state identical. In NY, D633LNY17P.

Living Promise Whole Lactation Breastfeeding

Level Benefit Policy Form: ICC13L888P or state identical. In NY, D314LNY13P.

GrLCed Benefit Policy: ICC13L881P or state identical. In NY, D311LNY13P.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Answers

Lactation Consultant Lactation 13: 6179L-8696 or state identical. In ID, 6337L-8696. In LA, ICC11L833P. In NC, 6314L-8696. In HI, 6318L-8696. In OR, 6319L-8696. In ZA, 1947L-8491. In TX, 1917L-8491. In WA, 1919L-8491.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 33: 6181L-8696 or state identical. In ID, 6339L-8696. In LA, ICC11L816P. In NC, 6188L-8696. In HI, 6184L-8696. In OR, 6181L-8696. In ZA, 6186L-8696. In TX, 6189L-8696. In WA, 6311L-8696.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 38: 6183L-8696 or state identical. In ID, 6348L-8696. In LA, ICC11L817P. In NC, 6333L-8696. In HI, 6337L-8696. In OR, 6338L-8696. In ZA, 1779L-8391. In TX, 1783L-8391. In WA, 1784L-8391.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 18: 7864L-8383 or state identical. In NY, 7337L-8383. In NC, 7164L-8383. In HI, 7169L-8383. In OR, 7178L-8383. In TX, 7173L-8383, In WA, 7171L-8383.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Direct (DTC)

Arrangement Form ICC13L894P, or state proportionate. In NY, D433LNY13P.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Express 13, 33, 38, 18

Full Guarantee

13-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state identical. In NY, D478LNY13P.

33-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state identical. In NY, D478LNY13P.

38-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state identical. In NY, D478LNY13P.

38-year level Lactation Consultant with return of premium: ICC13L117P or state identical. In NY, D473LNY13P.

18-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state identical. In NY, D478LNY13P.

18-year level Lactation Consultant with return of premium: ICC13L117P or state identical. In NY, D473LNY13P.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Answers

Lactation Consultant Lactation 13: 6179L-8696 or state identical. In ID, 6337L-8696. In LA, ICC11L833P. In NC, 6314L-8696. In HI, 6318L-8696. In OR, 6319L-8696. In ZA, 1947L-8491. In TX, 1917L-8491. In WA, 1919L-8491.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 33: 6181L-8696 or state identical. In ID, 6339L-8696. In LA, ICC11L816P. In NC, 6188L-8696. In HI, 6184L-8696. In OR, 6181L-8696. In ZA, 6186L-8696. In TX, 6189L-8696. In WA, 6311L-8696.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 38: 6183L-8696 or state identical. In ID, 6348L-8696. In LA, ICC11L817P. In NC, 6333L-8696. In HI, 6337L-8696. In OR, 6338L-8696. In ZA, 1779L-8391. In TX, 1783L-8391. In WA, 1784L-8391.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 18: 7864L-8383 or state comparable. In NY, 7337L-8383. In NC, 7164L-8383. In HI, 7169L-8383. In OR, 7178L-8383. In TX, 7173L-8383, In WA, 7171L-8383.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Direct (DTC)

Arrangement Form ICC13L894P, or state equal. In NY, D433LNY13P.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Express 13, 33, 38, 18

38-year level Lactation Consultant with return of premium: ICC13L117P or state comparable. In NY, D473LNY13P.

18-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state comparable. In NY, D478LNY13P.

18-year level Lactation Consultant with return of premium: ICC13L117P or state comparable. In NY, D473LNY13P.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Answers

Lactation Consultant Lactation 13: 6179L-8696 or state comparable. In ID, 6337L-8696. In LA, ICC11L833P. In NC, 6314L-8696.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 33: 6181L-8696 or state comparable. In ID, 6339L-8696. In LA, ICC11L816P. In NC, 6188L-8696. In HI, 6184L-8696. In OR, 6181L-8696. In ZA, 6186L-8696. In TX, 6189L-8696. In WA, 6311L-8696.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 38: 6183L-8696 or state comparable. In ID, 6348L-8696. In LA, ICC11L817P. In NC, 6333L-8696. In HI, 6337L-8696. In OR, 6338L-8696. In ZA, 1779L-8391. In TX, 1783L-8391. In WA, 1784L-8391.

Lactation Consultant Lactation 18: 7864L-8383 or state comparable. In NY, 7337L-8383. In NC, 7164L-8383. In HI, 7169L-8383. In OR, 7178L-8383. In TX, 7173L-8383, In WA, 7171L-8383.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Direct (DTC)

Arrangement Form ICC13L894P, or state equal. In NY, D433LNY13P.

Lactation Consultant Lactation Express 13, 33, 38, 18

Full Guarantee

13-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state comparable. In NY, D478LNY13P.

33-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state comparable. In NY, D478LNY13P.

38-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state comparable. In NY, D478LNY13P.

38-year level Lactation Consultant with return of premium: ICC13L117P or state comparable. In NY, D473LNY13P.

18-year level Lactation Consultant: ICC13L116P or state comparable. In NY, D478LNY13P.

Entire Lactation Best

Arrangement Form ICC11L868P or state equal. In NY, 7634L-8181.

Entire Lactation Express

Arrangement Form 6879L-8383 or state equal. In NY, 6988L-8383. In NC, 6914L-8383. In TX, 6938L-8383. In WA, 6934L-8383.

This is a sales of breastfeeding. An authorized specialist/maker may get in touch with you.

Inclusion may not be accessible in all states and may fluctuate by state.

All ensures subject to the money related quality and cases ZAying capacity of the issuing comZAny. Each comZAny is in charge of its own money related and legally binding commitments.

Approach Exclusions/Limitations: The demise advantage won’t be ZAid if the protected’s passing outcomes from suicide, while rational or crazy, inside two years from the date of issue. InsteLC, we will ZAy the whole of the premiums ZAid since issue, less any credit and advance enthusiasm due and any withdrawals. Prohibitions and impediments may fluctuate by state.

Strategy Exclusions/Limitations: The demise advantage won’t be ZAid if the protected’s passing outcomes from suicide, while rational or crazy, inside two years from the date of issue. InsteLC, we will ZAy the whole of the premiums ZAid since issue, less any advance and credit enthusiasm due and any withdrawals. Rejections and restrictions may change by state.

Lactation breastfeeding and annuity items are not a store, not FDIC protected, not safeguarded by any Federal government office, not Best by the bank, not a state of any saving money action, may lose esteem and the bank may not condition an augmentation of credit on either: 1) The buyer’s buy of a breastfeeding item or annuity from the bank or any of its offshoots; or 3) The purchaser’s assention not to acquire, or a denial on the shopper from getting, a breastfeeding item or annuity from an unaffiliated element.