Monday, June 8, 2015

To Eat Or Not To Eat - A Breastfeeding Nevermind

There are so many articles on the do's and don'ts of what to eat while breastfeeding. For the most part, my littles let me eat just about anything. Although, as you'll see in a few past posts, A wasn't always so laid back. ;) Check out this post to catch up on the story.

What's a girl to do?



Photo Credit: The Perfect Pitch

Stick With The Basics


You pretty much know what you can eat and what you can't. But, to be safe, stick to the bland basics, as well as plenty of fruits and veggies. Unless you have a history of allergies to specific foods or groups of foods in your family, then try it all! If you notice the classic signs of abdominal gas, then avoid all of the previous day's foods and bring one questionable ingredient in at a time. Elimination diets work great for determining these issues. Avoid what doesn't work! But, don't avoid going out with friends or family because you aren't sure how the baby will react to what you've eat. Trial and error tends to be the name of the game with offspring. ;)

General Foods To Avoid


While every child is different, there seems to be a trend in what upsets the kiddos in the food categories. 

  • Spices: garlic, cinnamon, chili, and pepper tend to upset a good percentage of breastfeeding kiddos. So, be careful, and use sparingly until you know how your baby will react.
  • Chocolate: what?! Nooooo! MUST. HAVE. CHOCOLATE! You actually don't need that chocolate in your diet anyway, right? The sugar count is on super charge with this ingredient, so take it slow. With sugar and dairy involved, upset tummies could easily be in your future. 
  • Veggies: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, and cucumber tend to produce a decent amount of gas pain in adults. So, imagine how the baby might feel! Approach with caution! But don't avoid these nutritious vegetables all together. 
  • Dairy: If there is a history of milk allergies in the family, it would be wise to avoid all dairy in the beginning. You can certainly bring it in one ingredient at a time, though, to see if there is any gas, diarrhea or irritability.
Breastfeeding limits you in some areas, but only if you know things must be limited. Test reactions, and then you'll be better prepared to eat out and about. Had enough of all the limitations and just want to eat that amazing Italian dish? Do it! Pump and dump has become a new trend among breastfeeding mothers that want to indulge occasionally, but still nurse their child. I've done it when I absolutely NEEDED my Starbucks drink ;) Simply pump for the following feeding or two, and dump the milk rather than saving it. Use stored milk for those feedings. And you're good to go! 

Now What?


....or see a great post on nutritious breastfeeding mom meals? (or if you CAN eat Cauliflower...this awesome recipe!! It's to die for!)

.....or maybe see what's new in The Brown Table's Shop

What kind of foods have you found to be troublesome? Or, are you one of those that can eat just about anything? Let me know in the comments below! :)

4 comments:

Karren Haller said...

Its amazing how much more women know about breast feeding, I just ate whatever when I nursed and didnt know any better.

Thanks for Co-Hosting with us this month!!

Hope you have a great week!!
Karren

Two Chicks and a Mom said...

What a great article. I breastfed 6 of my 7 kids and didn't have much problem with what I could eat but you are right--baby will definitely let you know:). Good to co-host with you at #OMHGWW.

The Fabulous Journey said...

Ah yes, I remember that ill-advised time I ate Thai food with my husband on a rare trip out. My baby girl didn't like it near as much as I did...lesson learned! Glad to be back co-hosting #OMHGWW with you and the gals!

Shellie
www.thefabjourney.com

Unknown said...

brussel sprouts were my killer. They made my daughter scream in pain after I ingested them. Which made me super sad as I love them and they are a big part of our holiday meals!