Expert: Linda Wieser

Many mothers worry about this. They are often told they need to avoid certain foods so baby won’t be gassy. In fact, most mothers eat any food they want and it doesn’t bother their babies When mothers eat garlic, for example, babies like it and nurse more. There are a small number of babies that do have problems with foods their mothers are eating. But this is not common.

Breastfeeding mothers also worry about eating well. Be assured that you milk will be fine for your baby, even if you eat a “less than perfect” diet. You would have to be severely malnourished before the quality and quantity of your milk are affected. You will need to eat more calories while breastfeeding just as you do while pregnant. Instead of trying to count calories, eat when you are hungry. This may mean eating several smaller meals a day.

While pregnant, you need to avoid unpasteurized meats, cheeses and milk. They could have germs that make you sick. And this infection could spread to your placenta and baby. When breastfeeding, however, you can eat these foods. You may get sick, but your baby will not become infected from your milk.

Limiting your intake of fish is different because of the mercury in fish. Organic mercury that is found in fish is readily absorbed and over time will build up in your body. Mercury does pass into breastmilk. The amount of mercury in your milk depends on what you eat. If you eat a lot of fish with mercury, you will have a lot of mercury in your body. Mercury is most dangerous for the unborn baby and young child because it can affect the developing nervous system.

In conclusion, when breastfeeding, you can eat unpasteurized foods but should continue to limit the intake of fish high in mercury. Otherwise, there are no foods that you need to avoid. Eat when you are hungry and try to a chose a variety of foods in as close to their natural state as possible.

See All Answers from This Expert