{"id":53025,"date":"2022-08-09T09:00:42","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T13:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53025"},"modified":"2023-08-07T17:03:44","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T21:03:44","slug":"breastfeeding-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/breastfeeding-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"This is the best diet for breastfeeding"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The World Health Organization (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/infant-and-young-child-feeding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WHO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) recommends breastfeeding your baby in the first six months, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/pediatrics\/article\/150\/1\/e2022057988\/188347\/Policy-Statement-Breastfeeding-and-the-Use-of\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AAP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) encourages new mothers to breastfeed for at least two years while supplementing with complementary foods.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you breastfeed, your baby is dependent on you for their nutrition. That is why eating healthy and nutritious foods is important\u2014it will accommodate both mom and baby\u2019s dietary needs. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the best breastfeeding diet plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Breastfeeding diet plan<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although there are no strict \u201crules,\u201d the best breastfeeding diet is balanced and includes nutrient-dense foods to meet the increased nutritional demands of lactation, according to the current <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dietaryguidelines.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2020-12\/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dietary Guidelines for Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (DGAs).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To incorporate specific food groups in your breastfeeding diet plan, follow these guidelines:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Consume enough protein<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to maintain your muscle mass and support your baby\u2019s growth and development. That\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7257931\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.7-1.9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> grams of protein per kg of body weight for breastfeeding mothers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Eat fruits and vegetables and replace refined grains with whole grains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to meet dietary fiber requirements. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6710673\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indicates that fiber in breast milk lays the foundation for developing a healthy gut microbiome in infants.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Eat calcium-containing foods daily<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You need 1,000 mg (1,300 mg for teen mothers) to support your baby\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bones.nih.gov\/health-info\/bone\/bone-health\/pregnancy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">developing skeleton<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4266784\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that calcium is a concern for breastfeeding moms; you lose 4-6 % of bone mass during lactation because of the extra demands. (Don\u2019t worry, your bone mass gradually returns to normal when you stop breastfeeding.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Opt for foods rich in choline<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like fish and eggs. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5537828\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have shown that choline is an important nutrient for offspring growth and for the maintenance of the mother\u2019s immune function.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Be sure to consume enough iodine. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seaweed, dairy, and iodized salts are common iodine sources. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/breastfeeding\/breastfeeding-special-circumstances\/diet-and-micronutrients\/iodine.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the CDC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an iodine deficiency can cause the child cognitive and psychomotor impairments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>E<\/b><b>at healthy foods rich in vitamins,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including vitamins A, D, K, C, B1, B6, B12, and folates. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16553044\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> believe that if you are deficient in these nutrients, they will also be insufficient in your milk, or your baby\u2019s diet, because the amount of these vitamins in human milk depends on your serum levels and diet. (If you\u2019re vegetarian, check with your healthcare provider for appropriate supplementation of vitamin B12).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s very easy for a breastfeeding mother to become deficient in different nutrients,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/feedingmadeeasy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Krystn Parks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, RD, a pediatric dietitian and board-certified lactation consultant. \u201cThe body tends to prioritize nutrition for breast milk at the cost of your nutrition.\u201d If you aren\u2019t consuming enough of the needed nutrients, your little one will get the reserves and leave you deficient.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Do I need extra calories when breastfeeding?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. You need around 330 to 400 additional kilocalories to cover the energy expenditure in milk production, though it varies by age, weight, activity level, and extent of breastfeeding.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you adopt the thought you are eating for two, you may overeat. It is best to rely on nutrient-dense foods. Women who do not lose all their pregnancy weight are more at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes within 10 years. So, it\u2019s best to be mindful of your calorie intake.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Breastfeeding uses a lot of calories,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/danaellishunnes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dana Ellis Hunnes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Ph.D., a senior registered dietitian and assistant professor at UCLA Fielding School of Health<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201cEvery ounce of breast milk is 20 calories (on average), so if a baby is drinking 24-32 ounces\/day, the mother needs an additional (on average) 500 calories\/day.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But it\u2019s important to remember that not every diet will fit everyone. It&#8217;s best to work with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine your caloric needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSome people never need to increase their diet, while others may modulate it to focus on different nutrients,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/doctors\/samuel-werner-1404058\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Samuel Werner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, DO, a family medicine doctor in New Jersey. \u201cYou\u2019re not only feeding yourself to maintain your old baseline, you\u2019re also consuming enough that your body feels biologically secure to be producing breast milk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How much water do I need when breastfeeding?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast milk is made of 87% water. So, you need to drink enough water to compensate for the water lost through breast milk\u2014and prevent dehydration. \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/nutrition-and-healthy-eating\/in-depth\/water\/art-20044256\">Experts<\/a> recommend 2.7 liters of fluids a day for women, and nursing mothers may need more. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMilk is largely water, so if the parent becomes too dehydrated, they may be unable to produce enough milk,\u201d Parks says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28614807\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2017 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that most breastfeeding mothers do not meet the water requirements. \u201cA key fact to remember is that if you feel thirsty, then you\u2019re already at a water deficit,\u201d Dr. Werner says. In addition, urine color can tell when you need to drink water\u2014if your urine is dark-colored, it\u2019s a sign you need to take more water.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>10 foods to eat while breastfeeding<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best foods for breastfeeding are nutrient-dense, and a varied diet is made of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fish, and lean meat. The most important factor is eating a balanced, healthy diet. While it may seem like you\u2019d want to eat foods that increase milk supply, there is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD011505.pub2\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not much scientific evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that certain foods are galactagogues (aka substances that increase milk supply).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some healthy foods to include in your breastfeeding diet plan:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Green leafy vegetables<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leafy greens like cabbages, kale, spinach, lettuce, and collard green are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also contain <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/antioxidants-in-depth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antioxidants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3259723\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">component<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of breast milk known to prevent oxidative stress and infectious diseases in babies. Get creative, add some leafy greens to your smoothies, sauces, casseroles, and salads.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a bonus, eating vegetables is a great way to introduce infants to healthy eating habits. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5331538\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2017 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, suggests that a toddler accepts vegetables more readily when repeatedly exposed to the flavors through breast milk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Avocado<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avocados are healthy, affordable, delicious, and one of the best foods for breastfeeding because of their potential benefits. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4882725\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avocados<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are nutrient-dense\u2014providing an abundance of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, they contain vitamins C, E, B6, potassium, and folate. This means that eating an avocado is a smart way to get most of the recommended nutrients and improve the quality of your breast milk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Oatmeal<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parks recommends oats for breastfeeding women. Though there\u2019s no scientific proof that oats increase breast milk production, many mothers account for its effectiveness anecdotally.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oatmeal is a quick on-the-go breakfast, and it\u2019s a whole grain with great nutritional value\u2014loaded with carbohydrates, fiber, protein, iron, zinc, and calcium. When you need a break from oats and just feel like switching things up\u2014some alternative whole grains to try are wheat and brown rice. The fiber in oatmeal can help maintain regular bowel movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Dairy products<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milk, Greek yogurt, cheese, and kefir are some healthy dairy products to incorporate into your diet. Besides the protein benefits, they are good sources of calcium for increasing bone density and meeting the calcium needs of your growing baby.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic to dairy products? Replace with fortified cereals, beans, lentils, veggies, and even some dried fruits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Fish<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should aim for consuming 8-12 ounces of seafood weekly, or two to three servings of fish per week, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\/consumers\/questions-answers-fdaepa-advice-about-eating-fish-those-who-might-become-or-are-pregnant-or\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0Fish is known to be brain-healthy because of the omega-3, iodine and choline content. Choline is a critical nutrient for brain and spinal cord development in infants. Opt for oily fish with low mercury content, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and cod.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Fenugreek<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chances are you\u2019ve heard of fenugreek, a supplement believed to stimulate milk production in some women. According to one study, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2213398420300051\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fenugreek<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contains two substances, phytoestrogens, and diosgenin, known to trigger milk production. However, there is no significant scientific evidence to support its function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though fenugreek is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501779\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">considered safe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by the FDA, always consult your healthcare provider before taking it. Side effects can include diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting\u2014especially if taken with foods like chickpeas and peanuts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Eggs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eggs are not only known for their protein content; they are also rich in choline. One large egg contains <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2782876\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">125 mg of choline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And, that\u2019s not all, they also contain plenty of omega-3, iron, iodine, and many vitamins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Nuts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Parks, nuts are good foods for breastfeeding because they are excellent sources of fat and fiber\u2014these nutrients are great for breastfeeding women. Parks explains that nuts have ALA (alpha-linoleic acid), a precursor to DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and may help increase the DHA in breast milk. DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid beneficial for brain development in infants.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Fruit<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin C aids growth and development in children and helps build immunity to prevent infections. If you\u2019re looking for a good source of vitamin C, try citrus fruit. Stone fruits like dates are helpful, too. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34252286\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One small study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that date fruit consumption increased milk supply in breastfeeding mothers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Beans<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Considered a nutritional powerhouse, beans and legumes are high in protein. More than that, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4608274\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contain carbohydrates, B vitamins, iron, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. They also have a low glycemic index.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interestingly, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/jf021114s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has shown that some well-known legumes like soybeans, and green beans contain phytoestrogens\u2014substances present in plants that mimic the function of estrogen. This is important because milk production is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/infant-and-toddler-health\/expert-answers\/induced-lactation\/faq-20058403\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dependent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on effective interaction between the hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>5 foods to avoid when breastfeeding<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, no foods are completely prohibited\u2014but here are 5 food and drinks to avoid or limit when breastfeeding:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Alcohol<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because alcohol can pass through your breast milk, breastfeeding after consuming alcohol can disrupt a baby\u2019s sleep or make them agitated and fussy. Stick to one standard drink and wait at least two hours to breastfeed. The more alcohol you drink, the longer it stays in your system and can negatively affect your baby. Infants are at risk of heavy intoxication, water retention, and hormonal imbalances with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501469\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mothers who drink heavily while breastfeeding.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Additionally, alcohol reduces milk production, so it\u2019s a good idea all around to refrain from consuming alcohol or limit intake.\u00a0Alcohol may also change the taste of breast milk, and infants may refuse to feed at the breast.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Caffeine<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like alcohol, caffeine can pass through your breast milk to your baby. However, there are no severe health implications if you stick to the limits. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/breastfeeding\/breastfeeding-special-circumstances\/diet-and-micronutrients\/maternal-diet.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommends 200 mg of caffeine\u2014or two to three cups of coffee daily.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than that can disrupt your baby\u2019s sleeping patterns and cause fussiness. In addition, consuming more than 450 ml of coffee <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501467\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduces<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> iron levels in breast milk and puts babies at risk of anemia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. High-mercury seafood<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid seafood high in mercury, such as sharks, tilefish, and swordfish. Such foods can lead to mercury poisoning. Babies are particularly vulnerable, and mercury poisoning can damage their nervous systems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Supplements<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid any pharmacological or herbal supplements not recommended by your healthcare provider. There\u2019s very little scientific evidence to support the use of most popular galactagogues. \u201cBecause the supplement industry isn\u2019t well regulated, there\u2019s a high risk of contamination in supplements,\u201d Park says. \u201cIt\u2019s not worth the risk for the small chance of benefits.\u201d Talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating a multivitamin or vitamin D supplement. Prenatal vitamins should be taken by all reproductive-age women until they are done childbearing and breastfeeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Gas-inducing foods<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have heard how you should avoid certain foods believed to cause gas and allergies in infants, like eggs, cabbages, broccoli, and beans. These foods are not off-limits, but you should determine if your baby is actually sensitive to any food by eating them first and keeping track of any unusual reactions. If so, then avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Allergies in breastfed babies<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your baby could develop allergies to certain foods through breastfeeding. The usual culprits are cabbage, cow&#8217;s milk, eggs, nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish. When this happens, your baby may cry for long hours, refuse breast milk, or have trouble sleeping. Other symptoms include eczema, asthma, diaper rashes, runny or blocked nose, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and constipation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually, the first treatment for food allergy is removing the specific food from your diet at least until the symptoms subside. However, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7352950\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">restricting certain foods<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from your diet may affect breastfeeding and cause you to become deficient in essential micronutrients. If you suspect your baby is reacting to an allergen in your breast milk due to your diet, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider before eliminating any foods from your diet. Your healthcare provider will access the symptoms presented to rule out other conditions and give appropriate treatment recommendations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding your baby in the first six months, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages new mothers to breastfeed for at least two years while supplementing with complementary foods. When you breastfeed, your baby is dependent on you for their nutrition. That is why eating healthy and nutritious [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":52895,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[8970,553,8670],"coauthors":[20915],"class_list":["post-53025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness","tag-breastfeeding","tag-nutrition","tag-womens-health","franchise-maternal-matters","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Breastfeeding diet: Foods to eat while breastfeeding<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A breastfeeding diet should focus on nutrient-dense foods like greens, fish, and beans. 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