“What foods to avoid when breastfeeding?”
I am a nursing mother. What foods to avoid when breastfeeding?
3 Answers
Great question and congratulations on your breastfeeding journey!
In general, you don’t need to follow a highly restrictive diet while nursing, but there are a few foods and substances to watch or limit because they can affect your baby through breast milk or impact your own comfort.
Foods & Substances to Limit or Avoid While Breastfeeding:
1. Alcohol
Occasional, moderate alcohol is okay with timing—wait at least 2–3 hours per drink before nursing.
No need to “pump and dump” unless you're nursing sooner than that.
If you feel sober, your milk is likely clear of alcohol.
2. Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Soda, Chocolate)
Safe in moderation—limit to ~300 mg/day (about 2–3 small cups of coffee).
Too much can lead to fussiness or poor sleep in sensitive babies.
3. High-mercury fish
Avoid fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
Opt for low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, cod, and shrimp—great for omega-3s!
4. Certain herbal supplements or teas
Herbs like fenugreek, licorice root, and ginseng may affect milk supply or baby’s digestion.
Always check with your provider before using herbal products.
5. Highly processed or spicy foods (only if baby reacts)
Some babies are sensitive to spicy, gas-producing, or acidic foods (like cabbage, onions, tomatoes), but most are not.
There's no need to avoid these preemptively only if you notice a pattern of fussiness or gas after certain meals.
6. Allergens (only in special cases)
Dairy, soy, or eggs can rarely cause reactions (eczema, blood in stool, colic) in sensitive babies.
Only consider an elimination diet under provider guidance if your baby has symptoms.
What to Focus On Instead:
Stay hydrated , drink to thirst, especially during and after nursing.
Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet: protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and veggies.
Consider continuing your prenatal vitamin or switching to a postnatal supplement while breastfeeding.
Bottom Line:
There’s no perfect “breastfeeding diet”, and most foods are safe unless your baby reacts to something. Enjoy a varied, healthy diet, keep an eye on baby’s cues, and don’t stress over occasional indulgences.
I hope this was helpful. I wish you and your baby the best—please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!
In general, you don’t need to follow a highly restrictive diet while nursing, but there are a few foods and substances to watch or limit because they can affect your baby through breast milk or impact your own comfort.
Foods & Substances to Limit or Avoid While Breastfeeding:
1. Alcohol
Occasional, moderate alcohol is okay with timing—wait at least 2–3 hours per drink before nursing.
No need to “pump and dump” unless you're nursing sooner than that.
If you feel sober, your milk is likely clear of alcohol.
2. Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Soda, Chocolate)
Safe in moderation—limit to ~300 mg/day (about 2–3 small cups of coffee).
Too much can lead to fussiness or poor sleep in sensitive babies.
3. High-mercury fish
Avoid fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
Opt for low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, cod, and shrimp—great for omega-3s!
4. Certain herbal supplements or teas
Herbs like fenugreek, licorice root, and ginseng may affect milk supply or baby’s digestion.
Always check with your provider before using herbal products.
5. Highly processed or spicy foods (only if baby reacts)
Some babies are sensitive to spicy, gas-producing, or acidic foods (like cabbage, onions, tomatoes), but most are not.
There's no need to avoid these preemptively only if you notice a pattern of fussiness or gas after certain meals.
6. Allergens (only in special cases)
Dairy, soy, or eggs can rarely cause reactions (eczema, blood in stool, colic) in sensitive babies.
Only consider an elimination diet under provider guidance if your baby has symptoms.
What to Focus On Instead:
Stay hydrated , drink to thirst, especially during and after nursing.
Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet: protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and veggies.
Consider continuing your prenatal vitamin or switching to a postnatal supplement while breastfeeding.
Bottom Line:
There’s no perfect “breastfeeding diet”, and most foods are safe unless your baby reacts to something. Enjoy a varied, healthy diet, keep an eye on baby’s cues, and don’t stress over occasional indulgences.
I hope this was helpful. I wish you and your baby the best—please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!
Food to avoid during breastfeeding include:
Spicy foods
High caffeinated products
Alcohol
Ahí Tuna/ Mackerel/ Blue Fin Tuna (Mercury)
Lots of Garlic/ Onion
Excessive Dairy products
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage (gassy)
Excessive Processed/ Sugary foods
Spicy foods
High caffeinated products
Alcohol
Ahí Tuna/ Mackerel/ Blue Fin Tuna (Mercury)
Lots of Garlic/ Onion
Excessive Dairy products
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage (gassy)
Excessive Processed/ Sugary foods
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Here are some foods and drinks that you may want to limit or avoid while breastfeeding:
Caffeine: Caffeine can pass into breast milk and may make your baby fussy or have trouble sleeping. Limit caffeine intake to 300 mg per day, which is about 2-3 cups of coffee.
Alcohol: Alcohol can also pass into breast milk and can harm your baby. It's best to avoid alcohol altogether while breastfeeding.
Fish with high levels of mercury: Some fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, contain high levels of mercury. Mercury can be harmful to a developing baby's nervous system. It's best to avoid these fish while breastfeeding.
Gassy foods: Some foods can cause gas and bloating in both you and your baby. These foods include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. If you notice that your baby is gassy after you eat these foods, you may want to avoid them.
Spicy foods: Spicy foods can sometimes irritate your baby's digestive system.1 If you notice that your baby is fussy or has diarrhea after you eat spicy foods, you may want to avoid them.
Here are some foods and drinks that you may want to limit or avoid while breastfeeding:
Caffeine: Caffeine can pass into breast milk and may make your baby fussy or have trouble sleeping. Limit caffeine intake to 300 mg per day, which is about 2-3 cups of coffee.
Alcohol: Alcohol can also pass into breast milk and can harm your baby. It's best to avoid alcohol altogether while breastfeeding.
Fish with high levels of mercury: Some fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, contain high levels of mercury. Mercury can be harmful to a developing baby's nervous system. It's best to avoid these fish while breastfeeding.
Gassy foods: Some foods can cause gas and bloating in both you and your baby. These foods include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. If you notice that your baby is gassy after you eat these foods, you may want to avoid them.
Spicy foods: Spicy foods can sometimes irritate your baby's digestive system.1 If you notice that your baby is fussy or has diarrhea after you eat spicy foods, you may want to avoid them.
