Breastfeeding? Avoid These 6 Foods

What a mom eats while breast-feeding is important for more milk as well as nutrients for the baby.

While not all babies will react to some foods, there are some foods you should keep at bay for the sake of the baby's health.

Here are some of them:
1. Cow milk
Cow milk is rich in healthy proteins but which can be problematic to the baby. The baby might suffer allergic reactions when the mother consumes dairy products hence the need to go slow on them or completely avoid them until when the baby is older enough.

2. Coffee

Caffeine affects the child's sleep patterns (istock)

Once you take coffee, the caffeine ends up in your breast milk and this is no good news for the baby. The baby's system is still not strong enough to excrete the caffeine and this may lead to irritation or sleeplessness. Too much caffeine can also decrease the iron in your breast milk which in return affects the baby's hemoglobin levels.

3. Chocolate

Chocolate - contains caffeine (ervinarvianto09)

Too bad that this had to be on the list. But like coffee, chocolate too has caffeine and you should watch your baby closely to see how it behaves after you have eaten some few bars. If the baby becomes fussy or has runny poop, you need to eliminate it completely.

4. Citrus fruits
Craving for Vitamin C? Grab a piece of pineapple but not an orange. The baby's digestive system is still delicate and can get irritated if the mother consumes citrus fruits. The baby may also have gassy problems.

5. Alcohol
I know this is no brainer but it has to be on the list just in case you are tempted to drink and breastfeed. If you have to drink, wait for the one to two hours for the alcohol to be metabolized so that you can breast feed again.

Alcohol takes some time to metabolize (thoughtcatalog)

6. Fish
Fish that are high in mercury may affect the baby's neurological developments. Some fish that are high in mercury include; swordfish, mackerel, and shark. Tilapia, tuna, and salmon on the other hand are low in mercury and are thus better for breastfeeding moms.