What a breastfeeding mother can or cannot eat is an area of constant concern and much misinformation.

Many “peoples” have customs that are cultural – the eating of food that are considered either “hot” or “cold”.  Drinking certain soups, eating certain herbs. I encourage the families that I work with to do what feels right for them.

To date, none of the customs that families have shared with me are harmful. –  I would love to hear yours, so please e-mail me.

Most commonly, in America, woman are told – by physicians, family, friends, co- workers, – not to eat foods that cause gas, not to eat spicy foods, not to have an alcoholic drink.

Taking these one at a time:

Gassy food – Where is gas caused in your body? In your intestines – so how does the gas go from your intestines to your breasts and into your milk?   That some foods cause you gas does not mean they will causegas for your baby. Does your significant other get gas from the same foods you do?

Spicy foods – in the same category and any herb or spice that you flavor your food with… what will happen?

With regard to Alcohol – as with everything – alcohol in moderation is not a problem for breastfeeding mothers. Excessive alcohol intake does not make for good parenting.

The only research on the subject of breastmilk and foods is being  done by Julie Mennela, – and it is fascinating!  She has found that, when mothers eat , babies’ breastfeed longer – not less. She also found that babies who are breastfed are more receptive to a wider range of foods when they start solids – This is not surprising when you realize that your milk is flavored by what you eat!

So, as our grandmother’s would say – Eat! Enjoy!

Warmly,

Patricia Berg-Drazin, RLC, IBCLC, CST

Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

patricia@breastfeedingandparentingsolutions.com

Send me your questions and the myths you have been told.