7 Foods to avoid during breastfeeding

Women generally believe that it is important to keep a check on their diet and health during their pregnancy but rarely do they pay any attention to their diet when they are breastfeeding or post-childbirth. But according to the best gynaecologist clinic in Delhi, it is equally important to maintain their health and keep a check on their diet even while they are breastfeeding. Probably because whatever they eat or consume during their breastfeeding stage directly impacts the physical health, mental growth and development of the child. To spread awareness on the same we are up with a list of 7 foods that women should strictly avoid consuming if they are lactating mothers.

1. Alcohol

One of the most important things to exclude from the diet during breastfeeding is intoxicants. Intoxicants like alcohol are extremely harmful and can mess up with the body's hormones thereby impacting the milk quality. This can negatively impact the child’s health and neurological development.

2. Chocolate

Chocolates are high in a compound known as theobromine which can impact a baby's health and behaviour negatively. If lactating mothers notice that the child shows irritable behaviour in case she consumes high amounts of chocolates, then this is the thing that should be discarded from their diet as early as possible.

3. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are some of the healthiest foodstuffs to binge upon, but not while breastfeeding. Citrus fruits have high amounts of Vitamin C and due to their acidic nature, these can hurt the child’s digestive system and result in severe digestion problems. However, these can be consumed in moderation or on alternate days after seeking consultation from the best Gynaecologist in South Delhi.

4. Fish

Fish or seafood consists of high mercury content which if consumed while breastfeeding can enter into the breastmilk and negatively affect the child’s brain development. Hence, fish or seafood high in mercury content should be completely discarded while breastfeeding.

5. Peppermint and sage

We all know that peppermint and sage are a few of the most health beneficial herbs, but these can have a negative influence on lactating mothers. Several popular studies have confirmed that peppermint or sage, if consumed during the lactating period, is known to reduce the production of breast milk. Hence, it is highly recommended by the best Gynaecologist in South Delhi that these should be excluded from the diet of lactating mothers.

6. Dairy products

Though most gynaecologists might recommend lactating mothers to consume high amounts of dairy products in their diet for good milk production and to gain good fats and energy. But rarely is it known that some children may be intolerant to the allergens present in cow’s milk. According to the leading Gynaecologist Clinic in Delhi, the best way to determine whether the child is tolerant of dairy products or not is to see whether the child pukes the milk after breastfeeding or not. Some other signs include eczema, skin allergies, rashes, poor sleep etc. 8f the child is lactic intolerant then dairy products should be avoided during breastfeeding.

7. Processed foods

Processed foods are very low in nutritional value and can negatively affect the quality of breast milk. These foods are high in refined sugar and unsaturated carbohydrates which adds zero nutritional value to breast milk and hence should be restricted or at least consumed in limited quantities.