Foods To Eliminate When Breastfeeding
Childbirth comes with so many changes to your life. When your baby is young, they will entirely depend on breast milk as their food. While people focus on the baby in most cases, the mom also needs to be keen on their diet. In this post, we will look at the breastfeeding elimination diet. As strange as this sounds, there are foods that you should stay away from when breastfeeding. You may be compelled to abandon them when you have a baby that is allergic or sensitive to certain foods.
Some of the groups of foods that are commonly eliminated in the diet of lactating mothers include:
- Gluten
- Grains
- Dairy
- Soy and related products
- Spicy foods
- Shellfish
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Processed foods
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends a breastfeeding elimination diet when babies start to show allergic reactions to certain foods. However, when you need to eliminate some diet items, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Many theories revolve around issues of breastfeeding diet and elimination. A simple mistake may end up being extremely costly for you and your little one.
Best Way to Go About Breastfeeding Elimination Diet
Many moms choose to go through a breastfeeding elimination diet without the proper guidance. When this happens, it can be dangerous for you and the baby. However, some signs can trigger the elimination of some food items in the mother’s diet. If you have noticed that your baby is fussy, inconsolable, or seems to be getting colic, you may consider checking your diet.
When there is a change in the baby’s behavior, it is commonly associated with the mom’s diet. With this in mind, some mothers start to cut out some food items because they care for their babies. However, without an expert opinion, you may be doing the whole breastfeeding elimination diet in the wrong way. For instance, the baby may be crying and become fussy, with no relation to the diet.
Avoid Eating Disorder Triggers
If you have any history of an eating disorder, a breastfeeding elimination diet may become a trigger for a relapse. This can be dangerous for a breastfeeding mother as some tend to suffer postpartum depression. Your mental health is essential as your baby entirely depends on you to get all the vital nutrients.
Before making any decision about your diet, consult an expert who will put all factors into consideration. Unless you have been diagnosed with an allergy that affects you or your baby, you should continue with a healthy diet plan. Nursing mothers always need to get balanced meals for themselves and their babies.
Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Health
As long as a mother can give their baby all the nutrients without any extreme reaction, a breastfeeding elimination diet may not be necessary. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that your mental and physical health is in order for the sake of your baby. Always be ready to discuss with your doctor any changes in your body or that of your infant.
