“New moms can prevent passing secondhand sugars to their children by eating and drinking less sugars while pregnant or breastfeeding,” Goran said. “Caregivers can shield babies and children from harmful effects of sugars by carefully choosing infant formula, baby foods and snacks without added sugars or sweeteners.”
His previous research has shown that moms who consume sugary beverages and juices in the months after giving birth are at risk for weight gain, and may also expose their newborns to these added sugars through breast milk.
It's not a good idea to diet when you are breastfeeding. Still, it's fine to have a diet drink or foods sweetened with sugar substitutes now and then. Just be sure they don't take the place of the nutrient-rich foods you need when breastfeeding.
Added sugars should be no more than 5%-10% of daily calories, which is not much. That's why it's best to minimize consumption of sugary beverages.
Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.
Sweets and fatty foods are the mostly craved items by mothers in general during breastfeeding which is related to changes in brain activity due to the baby's need for milk. Certain foods may cause a chemical reaction in the body that increases one's desire for them.
Pregnant women who have diabetes are more likely to have a lower milk supply for breastfeeding, according to new research. The Centre for Breastfeeding Medicine at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre reports that maternal glucose intolerance could make breastfeeding harder for new mothers.
Although dark chocolate has higher levels of theobromine, most health professionals consider it to be the healthiest option because it contains lower levels of both sugar and fat. Most people can enjoy chocolate as they normally would while breastfeeding without any negative impact on their babies.
It also contains anandamide and two related compounds that stimulate cannabinoid receptors, tryptophan, and polyphenols. [1,2] All of these compounds are detectable in breastmilk in small amounts. Low intake of chocolate by a nursing mother is not problematic, but extreme amounts can affect the infant.
Indulging in too much caffeine, alcohol or smoking: All your vices might definitely give you a temporary high but will harm your breastfeeding routine irreparably. This is because caffeine, alcohol and tobacco can all affect your milk supply adversely.
Highly allergenic foods can be passed through your breast milk. Strawberries are a highly allergenic food, MedlinePlus reports, which means that they can cause an allergic reaction if you eat them and then nurse your infant shortly afterward.
1. Nighttime feedings are key Know that these nighttime feedings are important. Your body produces more prolactin (the hormone that promotes milk production) when you breastfeed at night, so night feedings help to keep up milk production.
If you'd like to eat peanuts or foods containing peanuts, such as peanut butter, while breastfeeding, you can do so as part of a healthy, balanced diet (unless, of course, you are allergic to them).
Carbonated beverages. Caffeine - coffee, black tea, green tea, etc. Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor)
1. Feeling stressed or anxious. Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby's schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.
Increasing sugar and fat intake in a controlled short-term feeding study acutely affected breast milk composition. Increasing sugar intake significantly increased breast milk triglycerides and to a greater extent than increasing fat intake.
Fresh fruit, dried fruits (like apricots, figs and prunes), breakfast cereal with milk, toast or oatcakes are all ideal and quick. There's no need to buy expensive supplements when breastfeeding, but a vitamin D supplement is advised.
Avocado. This superfood is great for many things, and breastfeeding is one of them. The omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and omega-9 fatty acids in avocados help you to produce super rich breast milk for your little one.
To get the nutrients you need while breastfeeding, follow a healthy eating routine [PDF - 1.9 MB]. Choose a mix of healthy foods you enjoy from each food group, including: Whole fruits — like apples, berries, oranges, mango, and bananas.