Breastfeeding

I was always planning on breastfeeding, but since I started I have been doing a lot of research on foods, engorgement, timing and everything else.  I thought I would share a few things I have found interesting.

The flavor of breast milk is affected by what you eat.  By exposing your baby to different foods in the womb, you may be able to give them a taste for foods you enjoy eating that would otherwise not taste good to them.  I made sure to eat tons of things that I wanted my baby to be exposed to so I wouldn’t (hopefully) have to give them up while breastfeeding.  We will see if it had any effect on how she handles those foods now.  Here are some typical things – I will let you know how they apply to us.

Some common foods to avoid when breastfeeding:

  • broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, onions, cucumbers- because they cause gas
  • spices: garlic, curry, chili pepper
  • melon, strawberries, citrus foods – can be acidic or cause loose (even more than normal – if that is possible) stool
  • cherries and prunes – they have a laxative effect
  • lots of caffeine – a morning cup should be ok, but watch your baby’s reaction
  • lots of alcohol – a drink here or there could be ok, but much more than that should be pumped and dumped.  Another problem with alcohol, it is thought to reduce milk production.

Some foods that babies are commonly allergic to:

  • cow’s milk
  • soy
  • wheat
  • egg
  • nuts
  • corn or corn syrup.

A few tips to see if foods are negatively affecting your baby:

  • watch your baby 2-4 hours after you eat a certain food and feed them.  By them the food should have affect them if it is going to.
  • try adding or foods that are common problems with babies and breastfeeding one by one.  This way you can see which foods may be affecting them.
  • pay attention to what you eat

Foods/tips that increase milk supply:

  • FLUIDS!  drink, drink, drink – water, juice and other liquids will help increase milk production
  • eating enough calories – it is said that breastfeeding moms should eat about 500 calories more than their normal diet to produce enough milk
  • feeding regularly – every 2-3 hours at first
  • rest
  • relax