When you are breastfeeding, you can’t eat like you did when you were a teenager. You might think that you can eat anything you want, indeed your body might tell you that you can eat anything you want, but your child, the one you’re breastfeeding, won’t be able to explain what is happening. While you are breastfeeding there are several foods you should avoid eating because they will have an adverse effect upon your child.

Citrus Fruits

Eat only a moderate amount of citrus fruits. You might think that the vitamin C found in citrus fruits is good for both you and your baby, and you’re not entirely wrong, but the acidity of the citrus fruits will give your baby diarrhoea and a diaper rash.

Tobacco and Alcohol

Do not under any circumstances use a tobacco product or drink alcohol while you are breastfeeding your child. Anything you eat, drink, smoke, or chew will be passed onto your child via your breast milk. Alcohol and tobacco can cause brain damage. In addition to the risk of brain damage your child may actually develop an addiction to tobacco or alcohol from your breast milk. If you are unable to sustain this ideal, you should switch your child to a bottle and formula.

Garlic and Spices

Garlic is another food you should avoid while you are breastfeeding your child. Just like eating large amounts of garlic causes you to smell different, it also makes your breast milk taste different. The difference in taste can make your child stop nursing, sometimes for several days. If you simply can’t stand the idea of giving up your garlic bread, you should eat a small amount every single day so that your child becomes used to your garlic flavoured breast milk.

You should also avoid eating foods that have been prepared with lots of spices. In addition to changing the flavour of your breast milk, the spices can give your baby wind which can lead to colic.

Caffeine

When you are looking for something to drink you should stick to water, milk, and herbal teas. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, soda pop, and energy drinks. Caffeine transfers from you to your baby via your breast milk. Large amounts of caffeine can cause your child’s heart to beat faster.