Enjoying a less restricted diet is one of the things new mums look forward to most after having a baby. Bring on the soft cheeses, sushi and glasses of wine, right ladies?
And although it’s true that most foods are safe to enjoy while breastfeeding, traces of food and drink can sometimes sneak their way into breast milk and, if you have a baby with a very delicate system, what you eat and drink can affect their digestion (aka windiness!) and possibly their delicate, chubby skin.
Knowing what foods to avoid when breastfeeding could play an important part of making the whole experience successful. Every baby is different, and each tiny tummy will react differently to different foods. If you notice your baby appears fussy after nursing, or if you’re noticing any skin irritations, it’s probably a sign to pay closer attention to what you’re putting into your body.
Here are 5 foods to keep an eye on:
1. Dairy products
Some babies are affected by a protein in cow’s milk, which can cause symptoms including eczema, itchy skin, rashes, diarrhoea, bloating or constipation. Cheese, yoghurt and ice cream can all have the same affect.
The best way to narrow the source of the problem is to eliminate all dairy except one item at a time for a week to see how your baby reacts to each food product. Try dairy alternatives instead, like Oat, Almond or Rice milk. You can even get delicious dairy-free ice-cream now, made with avocado and honey. Yumminess.
2. Excessive caffeine
We hate to say it, Mums, but coffee intake is a common concern when you’re breastfeeding. While studies have shown that moderate caffeine intake usually doesn’t cause a problem for breastfeeding babies, excessive caffeine can cause a baby to be fussy and not able to sleep well. And you don’t want that!
3. Citrus fruits and drinks
Citrus fruit like oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes, while they’re so refreshing when you’re feeding (because the thirst just CANNOT be quenched), they are acidic and may irritate a baby’s gastro-intestinal system. Babies who are sensitive to citrus in breast milk may also develop nappy rash. Sensitive skin can easily be irritated by the acidic nature of citrus foods.
4. Peanuts
Because nuts are among the most common allergens in babies and children, it’s advisable to avoid peanuts and other nut products while you’re breastfeeding. If you do eat nuts and notice your baby developing a reaction in the form of a rash, eczema or a hive breakout, it probably means there’s an allergy or at least a sensitivity to nuts.
5. Spicy foods
Indigestion is gone, yay. Time to get adventurous with your food again, eh… maybe not. If you notice your baby reacting badly (fussiness, diarrhoea or gassiness) after you’ve had a spicy meal, you might just need to eliminate spicy flavours, peppers and spices from your diet while breastfeeding. Remember, it’s not forever…
This article is brought to you by Oilatum. Oilatum is clinically proven to significantly reduce itching for up to eight hours. Perfect for babies who need long-lasting relief from dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin.
