Do I need a special diet while breastfeeding my baby? I don’t always eat healthy and I’m nervous this will affect my baby?
It's important to eat a variety of healthy foods. But your breast milk is still the healthiest option for your baby, no matter what you eat. Choose healthy snacks like vegetables with dip or fruit with nut butter. Eat plenty of high-protein foods and keep taking your prenatal vitamin.
You might notice you're more thirsty when breastfeeding, which is normal. Drink water whenever you feel thirsty, or aim for one glass of water every time you breastfeed or pump. Try to avoid too much caffeine, which can make your baby fussy or gassy.
Usually, No Special Diet Needed
Most breastfeeding moms don’t need to change their diet. Even foods like chocolate, garlic, or spicy dishes are usually fine to enjoy in moderation. Every baby is different, but most aren’t bothered by what their mom eats.
In fact, babies are already getting used to different flavors! During pregnancy, they taste what you eat through the amniotic fluid. After birth, those flavors pass into your milk. This early exposure helps breastfed babies get used to the tastes they’ll enjoy later at the family table.
Food Sensitivities
If you think your baby has a sensitivity or allergy to something you're eating, talk with your doctor or Certified Lactation Consultant. They may recommend trying an elimination diet. One symptom to watch for is bloody or very green stools (poop), which can be a sign of digestive issues—most commonly from difficulty digesting the protein in dairy products that passes through breast milk.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
Remember, your body needs extra calories to make breast milk. Taking care of your own nutrition is just as important as caring for your baby!
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