Food List?

[Joey'sMom]

Hi,

Is there an official list of good foods and bad foods to eat while breastfeeding?  For example, no caffeine.  With colicky or refluxy babies, I've heard no wheat/dairy.  My sister says stay away from tomato-based foods, like marinara sauce.  Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

[lisi's mum]

There are no across the board "bad" foods for bf babies but much more a case of trial and error. Upon leaving hospital I was told not to bother trying to avoid any foods, and should something cause a problem I'd find out soon enough and know to avoid that.

Caffine is fine in moderation, again it's a case of watching your baby, it has no effect on either of mine.

Don't make your life difficult, eat everything and if you suspect something's causing a problem cut it out and see if it helps.

[Samuel's mum]

I have never restricted anything or had any problems. I'm not a big alcohol or caffeine drinker anyway - those are the only 2 things I'd exercise some care with.

Babies sometimes react to maternal diet but we must not forget that it is rare. And the more breastfeeding mums feel like they have to make sacrifices the less likely women are to sustain breastfeeding in the long-term.

[mini me]

Hi Mary Pat, I agree with Katie, it is a case of trial and error. With my DD who is now 4mths old, I still cannot eat onion, garlic or drink coffee (even tried the dreaded decaf as I am totally a coffee-addict, but no joy ). She cries for most of the next day. I would say to retry problem foods after say 6weeks as babies change as their stomachs and intestines mature and now I can have onion and garlic powder, as in stock cubes, but not the real stuff. Being veggie as well and having to avoid pulses and beans made for a pretty bland diet, although she had no problem when I ate raw cabbage in salads!!!
I heard someone say that often the foods they can't tolerate were often the ones that turned your stomach whilst pregnant. Don't know if there is any truth in this, but I was really nauseas with onion, garlic and coffee for most of my pregnancy ... coincidence?

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Hi, i eat anything and everything (literally) lol and i have never had any problems. Of coarse every baby is different, so if lo is not happy you can start to eliminate foods you think to be the problem. But until that happens id say don't worry.

Kate x