BFing moms: questions re: nuts

The only thing the pediatrician recommended that I not eat while BFing was nuts (peanuts/peanut butter in particular). There are no peanut allergies in my family. I ate a lot of nuts and peanut butter during pregnancy. The advice seems to be somewhat controversial.

I've given up peanut butter and nuts, but I'm wondering what everyone else has done. Was anyone told to avoid nuts while BFing? Did you completely eliminate them or just have them in moderation? Other than caffeine and foods that can cause gas, were there any other foods you were told to limit or avoid while BFing?

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I didn't "give them up"....I just ate them in moderation....every once in a while.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I haven't I shamelessly ate a GORGEOUS pb&j sandwich for lunch yesterday (freshly ground honey roasted peanuts, bakery bread, and apricot&orange preserves)

personally, I think the development of allergies has a lot more to do with a baby not being exposed to sufficient bacteria in the environment than it does with exposing them to things that are generally considered allergenic (peanuts, eggs, cats...) (Developing countries (where pathogens are everywhere) have almost zero incidence of allergies... it's only in 'sterile' industrialized nations where they pop-up.)

IMO, the #1 line of defense against allergies is to NOT sterilize the bottles constantly, to not use antibacterial soaps/gels before touching them, and to avoid using antibacterial cleaners in the house... so that's what we're doing... using regular soap and cleaners, and letting DS be gently exposed to everyday germs on furniture and the floor...
and my peanutbutter STAYS

Message edited 1/14/2009 2:33:53 PM.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

During PG and BF I couldn't get enough of peanut butter. I craved it more than I normally do. (In fact, I haven't had it since I stopped BF a few months ago.) But, our dr never told me not to. I never thought about it.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I don't avoid PB - didn't while I was pg, and don't while I'm nursing.

I've never noticed a connection to anything I eat bothering him - if I did, I would certainly cut down, but so far I haven't.

As far as caffeine I drink half caf or a single regular coffee a day and usually a bunch of water before nursing or pumping.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

i have no idea! i am bfing and i am also trying to find out whether to avoid peanut butter or not.
my ped said it was fine but i read everywhere that it is not recommended.

i think i'll eat it in moderation....

Message edited 1/8/2010 1:01:20 PM.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I don't BF, but if I did, I would entirely avoid PB/nuts. I did enough research and even my ped recommended no nuts. I didn't even eat them during my pg (even though that was pretty controvesial) b./c I read the studies that said it increased the risk of asthma in the child. Since my DH has asthma, I wanted to do all I could even if it's just suggested.

Even now, when I eat PB (not BF here) I never kiss DD or touch her without washing my hands good. I am that afraid of a peanut allergy/asthma so I try my best.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I never avoided it and never had a problem.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I've never avoided nuts.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

During PG I didn't avoid anything at all. While BFing I was avoiding peanuts until I read a study about the allergens appearing in breast milk and how allergies develop. Now I eat whatever I like.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I had peanut butter whenever I wanted while pregnant and nursing. I never cut anything out of my diet unless DD reacted to it.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I also never avoided nuts, or anything really and no reactions at all.

Re: BFing moms: questions re: nuts

I eat them and have no problems! I EBF too.