It can be common for parents to ask about specific breastfeeding diets. As a certified breastfeeding counselor (CBC), you need to be able to provide evidenced-based information to help dispel any myths parents hear.
It is common for parents to hear about a breastfeeding diet. They may hear about foods they are supposed to avoid or foods they must eat. However, there is no evidence to suggest a specific diet is required.
Is There Anything A Breastfeeding Parent Must Eat?
In short, no, there are no specific foods a breastfeeding parent must eat. If we look at the global population, we will see varying diets, various levels of accessibility to nutrition, and many other variables.
The longer answer, it is ideal that breastfeeding parents consume adequate calories, enough protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Like pregnancy, the body provides adequate nutrition to the baby (through breast milk rather than the placenta), regardless of a parent’s diet.
That said, the parent’s health matters so it is ideal to encourage a good, balanced diet for the parent’s health.
In extreme cases of caloric deficit, malnutrition, etc., we may see some supply difficulties. However, as a CBC, managing that would be outside our scope of practice. If a parent has a concern about their diet, they can speak with a registered dietician.
Are There Foods A Breastfeeding Parent Should Avoid?
Nearly every breastfeeding parent has heard about all the foods they should avoid. They might be told to avoid foods like broccoli or garlic so baby will not have gas. Perhaps they are told they must avoid dairy because it is hard for babies to digest.
Many are also told they must fully abstain from alcohol, medications, and even caffeine. However, there is no evidence to support completely abstaining from every medication, alcohol, or caffeine.
In short, there are not foods which will cause colic like behavior or GI issues across the board. Occasionally, some breastfeeding infants do have allergies to milk, soy, or other foods. In those cases, a parent can avoid those foods in their diet and continue to breastfeed.
There are certain medications which are contradictory for breastfeeding. However, it is important to note that many providers are not up to date and familiar with which medications are and are not safe during lactation.
We cannot tell parents what medications or foods they should and should not eat. If a parent has concerns, they should reach out to a pediatric allergist. If they have concerns about medication, it is good to reach out to www.infantrisk.com
Breast milk is made via blood. Even if a food produces gas in the breastfeeding parenting, it is unlikely to produce the same in the baby. An allergy can occur if a baby is allergic to a specific protein, such as a milk protein, which can be present in blood and thus milk.
Why Are There Myths About A Breastfeeding Diet?
Like many myths, myths about a breastfeeding diet tend to be passed down and around. There are in fact dairy allergies which some babies experience. In that case, removing dairy can help a baby stop crying in pain or their severe GI symptoms. However, it did not work because it was “the” breastfeeding diet. It simply was a change made for a specific situation.
However, because removing dairy works for the approximate 7% of infants with dairy allergies, it can be confused as necessary across the board. There is no evidence to support removing dairy from the diet of all breastfeeding mothers.
Other myths persist because of predatory marketing by formula companies. While formula is not a bad product, it does meet basic nutrition needs for infants, not all formula companies are ethical. It is common for half-truths to be shared about the dietary needs of breastfeeding mothers.
As a CBC, it is important to help your clients understand evidenced-based information and point them to the appropriate professionals as needed. There are certain medications and herbs which may not be safe or ideal. However, there is not a specific diet.
You can read Nutrition While Breastfeeding to learn more.