Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to nourish and bond with your baby. As a nurturing mother, you naturally want to provide the very best for your little one. A healthy, balanced diet during breastfeeding ensures that your milk remains a perfect source of nutrition. While there's a wide variety of delicious and wholesome foods you can enjoy, it's wise to be aware of a few things that are best avoided, as they can potentially affect your milk supply.
Impact of Diet on Milk Supply
Your body is simply amazing! The food you eat directly influences the composition of your breast milk. While enjoying a wide range of foods is important, certain substances can change the flavour or impact the production of your milk. For some mothers, this can make breastfeeding a little more challenging. For a list of some fantastic foods known to boost your supply, have a look at our blog on Foods to Increase Milk Supply.
4 Foods That Decrease Milk Supply While Breastfeeding
Let's take a look at a few items that are best avoided (or, at the very least, enjoyed in moderation) while you're breastfeeding:
1. Caffeinated Beverages
It's completely understandable to crave a cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea to get you through the day. However, the caffeine in drinks like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even soft drinks can affect your milk supply. Caffeine can also leave your baby feeling a little jittery and disrupt their sleep patterns. Instead, try delicious herbal teas, decaffeinated options, or simply a tall glass of refreshing water.
2. Peppermint & Sage
Peppermint and sage are wonderful herbs, but they can decrease your milk supply, especially when consumed in larger quantities. You might find them in certain teas, or even in tasty treats. If you're concerned about your milk supply, it might be wise to enjoy these herbs in moderation.
3. Alcohol
While it's tempting to unwind with a glass of wine, alcohol isn't the best choice during breastfeeding. It passes freely into your breast milk and can impact your baby's development. If you do choose to have an occasional drink, waiting at least two hours per drink before breastfeeding is essential. It's best to completely avoid alcohol if you have a newborn, or if your baby was born prematurely.
4. Certain Medications and Herbal Supplements
It's incredibly important to always check with your doctor or a healthcare provider before taking any medications or herbal supplements while breastfeeding. Some medications and herbs can affect your milk supply, as well as potentially pass into your breastmilk. Your doctor can help you find safe alternatives if needed.
Get Support From a Lactation Consultant
Every mother and baby is unique, and your breastfeeding journey is your own. If you have any concerns about your nutrition or milk supply, our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are here to help.
Hegen Lactation Centre is committed to providing compassionate guidance and personalised advice as you navigate this beautiful stage. By making informed decisions, you're giving yourself and your baby the wonderful gift of a healthy foundation!
Arrange a visit from our at-home lactation consultants or book a virtual lactation consultancy session today.