A New Beginning

Breastfeeding

Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding Artificial Sweeteners, Alcohol and Caffeine, Mother’s Diet While Breastfeeding

Can I drink alcohol or caffeine while breastfeeding?

Is it fine to use artificial sweeteners while breastfeeding?

As in pregnancy, caffeine and alcohol should be used with caution during lactation. Alcohol is transferred to breast milk. If you choose to have alcohol, it is recommended that you allow 2 hours to elapse for each drink consumed before breastfeeding. Both alcohol and caffeine have been shown to interfere with breast milk let-down. Caffeine may cause symptoms of colic or irritability and is best avoided or limited to 1 to 2 servings per day.

Aspartame (Equal ® , NutraSweet ® ) and acesulfame-K (Sweet One ® , Splenda ® ) are considered safe to use while breastfeeding. Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low ® , Sugar Twin ® ) should be avoided. Mothers with known phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid aspartame. If you experience discomfort such as headaches or dizziness with artificial sweeteners, discontinue use.

Is there a special diet for breastfeeding mothers?

Recent studies indicate the same principles of good nutrition apply to the breastfeeding mother as to the rest of the family. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, as well as calcium-rich and protein-rich foods. If you have healthy eating habits, there is no reason to change them while breastfeeding. There are no special foods that must be consumed while breastfeeding. Most breastfeeding mothers find they can eat anything in moderation without any effect on their baby. However, some mothers notice a relationship between certain foods they eat and their baby’s behavior (irritability, fretful sleep, and colic). If you are suspicious of a certain food, avoid it, and watch your baby’s response. There is great variety in the diets of breastfeeding women all over the world. Italian women eat foods rich with garlic; Indian women consume a lot of curry and beans in a vegetarian diet; cabbage is a staple for women in China; and so on. Research suggests that babies are prenatally exposed to substances in foods consumed by their mother during pregnancy. This prior exposure results in greater tolerance to and acceptance of those foods during breastfeeding and later as they are introduced into the child’s diet. In other words, your baby is likely to tolerate foods that commonly appeared in your diet during pregnancy.

The FDA warns lactating women to avoid eating the following fish due to their high mercury content: swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish. Albacore (white) tuna has more mercury than other light-colored tuna so limit it to 6 ounces or less per week. When eating sushi, make certain that you are familiar with the source and preparation of the raw fish. Like any raw food, sushi can carry parasites or bacteria.

Remember Even if your diet isn’t perfect, eat 3 meals a day and drink plenty of water. All healthy adults are encouraged to drink 10 glasses of fluids a day.

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Chapter 9: Breastfeeding