No, there aren’t any foods you must eat or avoid while breastfeeding. In most cases, no need to steer clear of foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, or spicy foods.

The key is to eat various healthy foods and not overeat one thing. Sometimes something you eat may cause your baby to be a little fussy, but remember that most babies have precise periods throughout the day for various reasons, such as needing to burp or having their dirty diaper changed.

If you have a family history of food allergies or your baby is very fussy, limiting or eliminating certain foods can help. Food types commonly cause your baby to be picky, including dairy or milk products, eggs, or nuts.

If you stop a particular food, do so for a few weeks, then try eating it again and see if the fussiness returns. If your baby has dry, flaky skin, a rash, a stuffy or runny nose, wheezing, or you see bloody stool in his diaper, contact your baby’s health care provider.

No, your body stores fat during pregnancy that your body uses as fuel to make breast milk. When your body needs additional calories, listen to your hunger cues, and eat healthy foods when you are hungry. Any diet should include at least 1800 calories daily. And, if you are physically active or very tall, you may need more, at least 2000-2400 calories daily.

Most women lose their pregnancy weight when their baby is about six months old if they are exclusively or almost exclusively breastfeeding. If you restrict your calories too soon, your body will continue to make high-quality milk at the expense of your health.

You could become malnourished, leading to a lack of energy and a poor immune system, so that you can get sick more often. Your milk supply may also decrease if you are not eating at least 1800 calories daily.

Breastfeeding, eating healthy, low-fat, nutrient-dense foods, and exercising is the best way to ensure a slow, steady loss of pregnancy weight.

While breastfeeding, small amounts of artificial sweeteners, saccharin, aspartame, or sucralose should be safe. You should use no more than 2-4 servings daily.

Ensure you get enough protein in your diet by eating foods such as seeds, nuts, beans, fortified cereals, and soy products. You might need to take a supplement containing B12, iron, vitamin D, and zinc from animal proteins (meat, fish, eggs, or milk products). Talk to your health care provider to see what they recommend.

There is little evidence that any foods or herbs we take help to increase milk supply. However, it may be enough that we believe they work that our bodies respond to them. Substances that help increase milk supply are called galactogogues. They work by increasing the hormone, prolactin, which helps your body make breast milk.

The best way to develop a good milk supply is to drain the breasts frequently by breastfeeding or pumping. If you have concerns that your milk production is low, talk to your lactation consultant or health care provider who can inform you about some herbal and prescription galactogogues that have been studied.

No, drink to thirst. Usually about 6-8 servings of fluid a day is enough. To make it easy, have a healthy beverage at your side when you breastfeed. Water, low-fat or nonfat milk or 100% juice are good options.

As with all parts of your diet, think moderation. Too much caffeine can cause your baby to be fussy or wakeful. One or two cups of coffee (or other caffeinated drinks such as teas or colas) are not likely
to cause a reaction.

It is best not to since alcohol does pass into the breast milk. Even small amounts daily can affect your baby’s motor development and ability to care for your baby.

Drinking small amounts of alcohol (4 oz. of wine, 12 oz. of beer, or one oz. of vodka, rum, gin, or whiskey) occasionally (1-2 drinks a week) may be okay.

Try not to breastfeed for at least 2-3 hours after you drink. As alcohol levels in your body drop, so do alcohol levels in your breast milk, so there is no need to pump and dump if you follow these guidelines.