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Diet & Breastfeeding:
The Basics |
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As babies grow, with practice they become faster breastfeeders. The newborn who used to feed for 40 minutes may be done in 10-15 minutes at six weeks. |
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By Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, Ameda Products
Co-author of Breastfeeding Made Simple and The Breastfeeding Answer Book |
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"Are there foods I should eat or avoid while I'm breastfeeding?"
No. There are no foods (such as cow's milk) that you must have. (Cows don't "drink milk to make milk.") And there are no foods you must avoid. You can eat chocolate, spicy foods, onions, garlic, broccoli, and cabbage. The key is: everything in moderation. Mothers in Thailand and Mexico eat spicy foods while breastfeeding with no ill effects on their babies. Enjoy! |
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"Do I need to eat and drink more than usual to make enough milk?"
No. Just "eat to hunger" and "drink to thirst." |
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"If my diet is not perfect, will my milk still be good for my baby?"
Yes. Eating well is good for you. (It boosts your energy and resistance to illness.) But an ideal diet is not necessary to produce good quality milk. Nature provides first for your baby. It takes famine conditions for several weeks before a mother's milk is affected. |
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"How will I know if my baby is reacting to something I've eaten?"
First, know that almost all babies have fussy periods. Reactions to food you eat are unusual. Your baby's fussiness is likely unrelated to your diet. If you suspect a food is affecting your baby, try avoiding it. (Cow's milk takes two weeks or so to clear.) Then try eating it again. The most likely culprits are protein foods such as dairy, soy, egg white, peanuts, and fish. Only changing your diet will tell you for sure. |
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"Is it okay to diet while I'm breastfeeding?"
Yes. In fact, this may be the best time, as breastfeeding helps burn fat stores. But it's best to go slowly and lose weight gradually. Any diet should include at least 1800 calories/day. As with other food products, artificial sweetners are all right in moderation, one to two servings per day. |
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"Are there foods that will increase my milk supply?"
Not that we know of. Milk supply is based on how many times each day that the milk is drained well from your breasts. The more times you breastfeed or express your milk, the more milk you will make. For information on herbal and prescribed medicines that increase milk supply, talk to your lactation consultant. |
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| For more on this topic, click on "Diet and Breastfeeding: More Questions." |
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| This is general information and does not replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away. |
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Every baby is different, and your baby may not be average.
If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider. |
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