The question of what a breastfeeding mother should not eat is one of the most curious questions during pregnancy and early motherhood. Underlying this question is the concern about foods that cause gas for the nursing mother and the desire to improve the quality of breast milk for the baby’s nutrition . The search for a list of foods that a breastfeeding woman should not eat can sometimes be a source of stress for the mother. So, what are the foods that a breastfeeding mother should not eat?
Nutrition of the Breastfeeding Mother
In fact, it is a bit difficult to make a list of prohibited foods for a breastfeeding mother. Because each mother’s postpartum period may be different from the other. Depending on the blood pressure, glucose levels and other health-related follow-ups and the special condition of the baby, the physician may give the mother a diet for the breastfeeding process. However, as a general approach, it is possible to say that a diet rich in protein will have a positive effect on the quality of breast milk. Vegetables and fruits, dried fruits and nuts are also foods that increase the quality of milk. It is important to pay attention to portions, to avoid sugary and fatty foods that will make the mother gain unnecessary weight and of course to drink plenty of water. So, which foods should a breastfeeding mother avoid?
List of Things Breastfeeding Mothers Should Not Eat
The list of foods that a breastfeeding woman should not eat can be summarized as foods that cause gas and those that are likely to contain bacteria. It is not only the mother’s food that causes gas in the baby. Sometimes the baby’s improper feeding also causes gas. It is necessary to hold the bottle at an angle so that no air escapes into the baby’s mouth, and airtight bottles are a great help. Here is a list of foods that breastfeeding mothers should not eat :
- Very cold drinks and carbonated drinks: These can cause gas in breast milk and cause the mother to catch a cold during this period.
- Raw meat derivatives such as sausage, salami and sausages may also contain bacteria if they are not produced or stored under the right conditions and may cause discomfort to both mother and baby.
- Foods such as raw meatballs, which are very susceptible to bacteria formation, should not be preferred, and if desired, they should try to make them at home.
- Some greens such as lettuce are very susceptible to bacteria formation when not washed well, so they should not be preferred when eating out and should be washed very well at home.
- Foods that cause a lot of gas such as raw garlic, onion, green onion, raw zucchini, melon should be consumed as little as possible.
- Drinking too much tea and coffee should not be preferred as it may have a negative effect on the quality of milk and reduce the mother’s sleep quality.
- During this period, products such as smoking and alcohol should be avoided.
If you crave forbidden foods..
Sometimes you might have a crazy craving for a fizzy drink. Similarly, a big slice of cantaloupe or a bowl of ravioli with lots of garlic yogurt… Well, shouldn’t you breastfeed your baby then? Actually, there is a practical solution for such times. Simply express your milk with a breast pump and put itin a milk storage bag before consuming these banned foods . Do not breastfeed your baby for 5 hours immediately after consuming these foods and use the stored milk.