Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

This is for all those breast pumping/feeding ladies out there. What are the diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding? Are there as many restrictions as when I was pregnant? No cold cuts(nitrates), limited alcohol and caffeine, fish high in mercury, unpasteurized cheeses, undercooked meats? Thanks!

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

Nope, no where near as restrictive. I think alcohol is the only restriction on your list. I'll have a glass of wine after I feed her, if I have a couple hours before feeding again. But if I'm really going to booze it up, I pump and dump (I've only done this once since DD has been born)--but you'll hear a variety of opinions on this.

What you can and cannot eat is really going to be determined by the baby. Some babies are sensitive to things like dairy, nuts, tomatoes, spices. It's really trial and error.

Message edited 6/22/2011 4:37:18 PM.

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

No restrictions except alcohol. I found my baby very gassy so I avoid broccoli, onions, peppers, beans, basically foods that make you gassy.

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

I dion't avoid anything, really. Everything in moderation. If I drink a lot, I'll pump and dump. I avoided dairy up until this point (12 weeks) b/c I heard many babies can have an intolerance.

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

I don't avoid anything except alcohol.

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

I don't avoid anything. If I have one drink I don't do anything different, usually I will have it right after her feeding. I've only been bf-ing for 8 weeks and haven't had more to drink than that.

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

If you can drive, you can nurse. That is the rule I follow w/ alcohol. I watch the high mercury fish I eat, but I do that all the time. Keep a food log to see what effects your dc. My dd would have gas early on if I ate garlic or peppers. Also too much caffiene would keep her up. One cup was ok though.

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

I only really limit foods that I've found make my DS gassy. Diet drinks (specifically Coke Zero) really made his belly very upset. I also avoid eating green veggies in excess...he is OK if I eat a little bit, but I can't make salad or veggies my meal. I eat them as more of a side.

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

some people have to restrict certain foods based on their baby's reaction to it! I was fortunate enough to not have to restrict anything!

I didnt restrict my drinking either..I am not a heavy drinker at all but if I went out and had a glass of wine or two or three with dinner that is perfectly ok..NO NEED TO PUMP AND DUMP!! Alcohol runs through your BM like it does your blood..it doesnt stay in there...so if you feel ok to drive a car, you are ok to breastfeed!

I remember one night I probably had a little more that 1-3 drinks and I just gave a bottle of BM i had in the fridge and slept it off and when I woke up for the next feed I was perfectly fine so I nurse and no issues!

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. Its a relief to see that the diet for breast p/f is not as restrictive. Are cold cuts, hot dogs and foods with nitrites/nitrates safe to eat? I abstained from them while I was pregnant, but wasnt sure if its okay to eat them now. Thanks!

Re: Diet restrictions for breast pumping/feeding