If you are pregnant, but also when you are breastfeeding, it sometimes feels like everyone has got something to say about what you can and can't eat. This includes various myths, and not all the advice you get is worth listening to. Fortunately, in recent years scientists have conducted a lot of research into the link between the eating and drinking habits of breastfeeding mothers and the health of their babies. Read on and discover what you should avoid eating when breastfeeding!
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1. Caffeine
Do you find it hard to start the day without a nice cup of coffee, like so many other women? Or are tea, cola or energy drinks more your thing? Kicking your caffeine habit completely is not necessary if you are breastfeeding - phew! - but experts recommend that you keep it to an absolute minimum. That equates to no more than
- one cup of coffee per day
- or two cups of tea
- or one glass of cola
- or one glass of energy drink
2. Alcohol
We don't need to tell you that alcohol and a healthy pregnancy don't go well together. But what about when you're breastfeeding? In that case, we have good news: you don't have to cut out alcohol from your diet, but - and it's a big 'but' - try not to drink more than two glasses a week. Nevertheless, cutting out alcohol completely while you are breastfeeding is still best for your baby. If you still like to have a drink, it is best to wait at least three hours before breastfeeding.
3. Fatty fish and predatory fish
Herring, sardines, salmon and other fatty fish should not be eaten more than twice a week, according to experts. Otherwise your baby will ingest more dioxins than it is able to process. Also avoid predatory fish completely if possible (such as tuna, mackerel, eel or swordfish) which may contain harmful quantities of heavy metals.
4. Certain herbs
Aloe, fennel and anise contain toxins that adults can tolerate, but babies cannot. So you should definitely also avoid tea based on these herbs.
5. Anything your baby cannot easily digest
Your baby's intestinal cramps may be due to what you eat as a mum. Tip: keep a food diary to hand. Then you can quickly see if there is a link.