Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Foods to avoid while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful stage, but also full of doubts. One of the most common among breastfeeding mothers is: can I eat everything while breastfeeding? The good news is that most foods are allowed, but there are certain cases in which caution is advisable. Below, we explain which foods should be avoided or moderated during breastfeeding, based on recommendations from official bodies and scientific evidence.

1. Fish with high mercury content

Mercury is a heavy metal that can affect a baby's neurological development. Although it does not pass in large quantities into breast milk, health agencies recommend avoiding fish with a high mercury content, such as:

• Swordfish
• Shark
• Lucio
• Bluefin tuna

According to the Spanish Food Safety Agency (AESAN), these fish should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

2. Excessive caffeine

You don't need to give up coffee if you're breastfeeding, but you do need to moderate your consumption. Caffeine can pass into breast milk and, in some babies, cause irritability or sleep disturbances. It is recommended not to exceed 300 mg per day, which is approximately equivalent to 2–3 cups of coffee.

The The U.S. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) considers moderate caffeine consumption to be safe while breastfeeding.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol does pass into breast milk and does so in concentrations similar to those of the mother's blood. Although having an occasional drink with certain precautions does not always involve a significant risk, the ideal is:

• Avoid alcohol consumption or limit it to a minimum.
• Wait at least 2–3 hours for each unit of alcohol consumed before breastfeeding again.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), if alcohol is consumed, it is recommended to express and discard milk if you want to relieve the breast during that waiting time.

4. Highly allergenic foods (with caution)

In general, avoiding allergenic foods is not recommended as a preventive measure, as their elimination has not been shown to reduce the risk of allergies in the baby. However, if the baby shows symptoms compatible with an allergy (rashes, intense colic, blood in the stool), it is advisable to observe if they coincide with the maternal consumption of foods such as:

• Cow's milk
• Egg
• Peanuts
• Nuts
• Soy
• Seafood

In these cases, always consult a pediatrician or allergist before eliminating food groups on your own. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) explains how suspected cow's milk protein allergy is addressed.

5. Unsafe infusions

Although "natural" may seem harmless, not all medicinal plants are safe while breastfeeding. Some infusions can have sedative, laxative or even toxic effects on the infant. It is important to avoid:

• Pennyroyal mint
• Rue
• Ginseng
• Licorice

Always consult a professional before consuming herbal teas or supplements. La Leche League International provides up-to-date information on herbal use during breastfeeding.

Some foods and drinks require moderation while breastfeeding.

And what about gas-producing foods?

It is a widespread myth that certain foods such as legumes or cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) cause gas in the baby through breast milk. However, intestinal gas does not pass into the milk, so there is no need to avoid it if it does not cause discomfort to the mother.

These types of ideas are not supported by scientific evidence, as clarified by the AEPED Breastfeeding Committee.

"Most mothers can eat everything while breastfeeding, unless there is a specific medical reason to avoid some food."

Final recommendation

It's not about living in fear of what you eat, but about informing yourself and making responsible choices. Breastfeeding does not require a perfect diet, but a balanced, varied and safe diet. If you have any specific questions or symptoms in your baby, it is best to go to a health professional with experience in breastfeeding.