Breastfeeding, what to avoid

Breastmilk is the best food source for babies but is wise to remember that the same premise holds for breastfeeding as it does for pregnancy –

You are what you eat, and, Your baby is what you eat.

Whatever you put into your body can be passed on to your baby through your breastmilk, it is therefore good to watch what you eat and drink whilst breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding mothers almost always try to analyse their intake to assess how different meals affect their babies. When babies are uncomfortable or crying mothers try to determine what they ate so that they can remove the offending substance from our diets. Most of the time babies cry in reaction to something completely unrelated to what has been eaten. But sometimes, what is eaten does affect how babies feel. Some concern about eating well while breastfeeding is OK but don't be too hard on yourself. It's true that what we eat affects our health and breast milk, some substances can be transferred directly to your baby via your breast milk. There is no harm in eliminating or temporarily avoiding a few foods while you breastfeed. Problems can arise if you eliminate whole food groups such as dairy, citrus fruits, or wheat products. But there are some things that mothers do need to be cautious about: alcohol, caffeine, drugs, and smoking.

• ALCOHOL - alcohol you drink can pass into your breast milk. You must do your utmost not to drink alcohol. However if you cannot avoid it  - moderate it.
• CHOCOLATE - Chocolate is surrounded by folklore, it does contain very small amounts of caffeine but the levels are very much lower than other recognised sources such as coffee. It also contains low levels of nutrients and stimulants. The real problem with chocolate is that it is addictive and fattening!
• COFFEE – caffeine can accumulate in your baby’s blood, this may lead to an irritable, sleep-disrupted baby. It is best to moderate sources such as coffee, tea and dark cola’s to one drink a day.
• MEDICATION - many drugs pass into breast milk, do not take drugs unless you must; and always consult your doctor or physician before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication.
• ILLEGAL DRUGS - avoid all drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. Babies can become addicted. Mothers who can't stop using these substances should stop breastfeeding.
• SMOKING - smoking can enter the baby directly through mother’s breast milk or through secondary smoking (passive smoking). Mothers should be discouraged from smoking, as should everybody in the close environment.

There are not many occasions when it is not wise to breastfeed. But if you are HIV positive, or if you are taking any medication that could harm your baby then you should not breastfeed. It is possible for mothers with herpes or hepatitis to breastfeed but it is better to consult your doctor before you do.

There is one thing that you just cannot avoid whilst breastfeeding and that is periods of inactivity. This is where you should relax and make yourself comfortable.

Here there are a couple of essentials:

A really comfortable chair with good support – perhaps even use a rocking chair to relax both mother and baby.

A breastfeeding cushion – this takes the weight of baby off your shoulders and allows mother to cradle baby much easier whilst breastfeeding.

Above all try to relax and enjoy this time with your baby, and remember:

Breast really is Best.

For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding to baby and mother, visit breastfeeding at From Little Acorns Academy