Foods to Eat or Avoid When Breastfeeding

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mother and infant, influencing the child’s health and development. The mother’s diet during this time can impact the quality of breast milk and the infant’s acceptance of various foods later in life. This article explores the foods that breastfeeding mothers should consider eating or avoiding, based on recent research findings.

Foods to Eat

Fruits and Vegetables

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables (F/V) is beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. Increasing F/V intake can reduce inflammatory markers in breast milk, potentially lowering the risk of breast cancer and other inflammatory conditions3. Additionally, consuming a variety of vegetables can flavor breast milk, which may help infants develop a preference for these foods later on2.

Allergenic Foods

Introducing allergenic foods such as cow’s milk, eggs, fish, wheat, sesame, and peanuts early in the breastfeeding period can be beneficial. Studies have shown that early exposure to these foods does not negatively impact breastfeeding and may help in preventing food allergies1 5. For instance, the EAT study demonstrated that early introduction of allergenic foods alongside breastfeeding is feasible and does not hinder breastfeeding performance1 5.

Complementary Food Supplements

In regions where stunting is common, complementary food supplements (CFSs) can enhance growth without reducing breastfeeding frequency or displacing home foods. These supplements can improve dietary diversity and overall nutrition for both mother and child6.

Foods to Avoid

Cow’s Milk Formula

Avoiding cow’s milk formula (CMF) supplementation at birth can significantly reduce the risk of sensitization to cow’s milk protein and the development of food allergies, including cow’s milk allergy (CMA) and anaphylaxis. A study found that infants who were not supplemented with CMF had a lower prevalence of food allergies by their second birthday4.

Highly Processed Foods

Highly processed foods, which are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats, should be limited. These foods can negatively impact the nutritional quality of breast milk and may contribute to poor dietary habits in infants as they grow older.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding mothers should focus on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, consider the early introduction of allergenic foods, and avoid cow’s milk formula supplementation at birth. These dietary choices can enhance the quality of breast milk, support the infant’s health, and potentially reduce the risk of food allergies. By making informed dietary decisions, mothers can positively influence their child’s long-term health and dietary preferences.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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