You Are What You Eat: How Does That Affect My Breast Milk?

Your first night out after having the baby and you enjoyed yourself. Mexican food, salad bar, chocolate soufflé to be naughty but now you’re up all night with your gassy, fussy, uncomfortable infant. Are the two events related? Possibly!

Some moms who are nursing have no problems while others report that eating certain foods can make their infants gassy. It makes sense – strongly flavored foods can even alter the flavor of your breast milk. If you suspect a certain food is causing your baby’s discomfort, it should help to keep a log of what you eat. You may be able to see a pattern develop. Avoid any suspected foods for a week, long enough to get them out of your system completely, and then slowly re-introduce them back into your diet. Spicy foods are common culprits, especially those that are flavored with garlic, curry and chili peppers. Chocolate can affect baby (bummer!) as well as citrus fruits and fruits that have a laxative affect such as prunes and cherries. Of course, we can’t forget the most likely source – cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onion and cucumbers can not only do a number on you but can affect your baby through your breast milk.

If you are down to eating bread and water (which is not a good solution either, both you and your baby need proper nutrition) the problem may not be due to anything you’ve eaten. Your baby’s fussiness may be colic, acid reflux and an immature digestive system. Don’t be afraid to try a natural remedy to help your baby feel better but be sure to do your homework. Not all natural remedies are created equal. Try to find one that is FDA regulated and registered and doesn’t contain baking soda or alcohol.

Finally, drink plenty of water and get as much sleep as possible.

Lifestyle can affect your breast milk on many levels.  First and foremost, it’s important to take care of yourself so you and your baby can enjoy the first months of life.