There are no scriptures that would tell you what to eat and what to avoid during breastfeeding. However, it’s essential that a breastfeeding mother consumes a balanced diet, rich in all the vital nutrients. There are no do’s and don’ts about what foods to consume during breastfeeding and what foods to strictly avoid. Barring excessive alcohol and nicotine-related foods, there are no guidelines on the correct foods to eat during feeding. There is no cause of worry about the right food intake, as your baby’s reaction will help you detect what he likes and dislikes.

It is, however, important that you keep a check of your food habits during breastfeeding. This will help detect irritation-causing food items and would also ensure that you expose your child to a variety of flavors and tastes.

The following guidelines will ensure that your baby likes the taste of your milk and you have a sound sleep!

Avoid spicy food: Many amongst us would vouch that spices do no harm to the taste of breast milk. However, a certain section holds that spices interfere with the taste of the normal breast milk, causing mild reaction among the young ones. The same section also believes that cabbage, cauliflower, curries, chilies and excessive chocolates should be avoided.
Vitamin C should be avoided: Some believe that certain juices rich in Vitamin C like that of oranges, tomatoes, and grapefruit and lemon can cause mild irritability in toddlers. However, there is no research to support the same. The mother should take note of her eating habits and should discontinue a particular food item on noticing a change in behavioral pattern of her child.
Say no to caffeine and alcohol: Careful and restrictive intake of caffeine and alcohol do not harm the baby. However, excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol interfere with the child’s metabolism and with the taste of milk leading to irritable babies.
Avoid strong-flavored foods: It is important to avoid the intake of foods with sharp tastes and flavors. Such foods interfere with the taste of your breast milk, leading to its dislike by your kid. You must have mild foods that do not change the taste of your milk and which also at the same time ensure that your child gets a variety of tastes.

To sum up, there is no Biblical guideline that outlines the right foods for your baby. However, it’s pertinent to ensure that you consume the right food that matches with your baby’s taste. Also, ensure that you consume a variety of foods in order to expose your child to different tastes. Just make sure that you do not eat anything which has a family history of being allergic, which you can choose to rule out of your diet chart.

So The Mandate – Eat Healthy And Stay In Peace!

I am sure these useful tips would help you raise a healthy and happy baby! After all he’s a part of you!

By: Apurva Shree

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