Caffiene and other things

[baileysmumamy]

Can anyone tell me if caffiene and other foods like peanut butter affect your breastmilk and your baby? I have heard alot of things both for and against but still not sure about it.

[Lisa-Marie]

Dear Caff worrier,

I believe that if I have more than 3 cups of coffee a day it does affect my little one (whom I am breastfeeding). Just go a bit easy on the cuppas is my advice. I don't know about peanut butter but I do think all things in moderation is probably the go. The breast is an amazing filter for all sorts of stuff, but things like drugs (legal or not) or anything you think may be of concern for your bub are best avoided. Be sure to check out whether anything you are taking is OK for a breasfeeding mum. I know my baby seems to prefer organic stuff but is absolutely fine with stuff like curry - she shows it in her poohs but it doesn't actually seem to bother her. So, I say go with what you love in moderation. Ice cream is one of my weaknesses and as I always tell my little one when I am eating something I find delicious - you will get it indirectly my love!

[razzle]

I think everything goes through you're baby when breastfeeding. When I was breastfeeding I made a huge pot of soup with barley & split peas and lentils and a heap of other veges (trying to be healthy). Delicious - I ate about 3 bowls before my poor little lollypop started to pop-off, and boy-o-boy did they smell! It took about a day to get it out of my system and hers. I still have a huge containerful in the freezer and although I'm not breastfeeding anymore, I'm too scared of the 'farty soup' to defrost it!

As far as peanut paste goes, I think if your family has a history of allergies you should avoid it in case little one develops one to peanuts.

Cheers

[Angel]

There are heaps of 'common' foods that cause discomfort in b/f babies but each baby is different and same goes for Mummy. If you suspect anything then try it again and watch for the same reaction; I don't believe there's much point cutting things out of your diet unless you're sure they are the culprit or life can get pretty boring!

It's advised that peanuts are avoided in pg and while b/f incase that is one way that children are sensitised to them. Nobody knows what causes the potentially deadly peanut (and other nut) allergies but this is one precaution that we can all exercise reasonably easily.

Don't run with the curry/spices will upset my baby theory and avoid Indian food either - that's one thing that I always giggle at. How do Indian/Pakistani babies cope if spices are so upsetting?? You may as well carry on as normal until you have REASON to change something.

However, there is plenty of evidence that excess quantities of caffeine can disrupt a baby's sleep, while alcohol does the opposite so you have to be very careful there too.

[krispycat]

Hi,
Just wanted to share what my Pead told me when I asked if there are any foods I should avoid while Breastfeeding. My son has an allergy to cows milk and eggs and I was worried about my daughter..
He said dont change anything in my diet except dont eat peanuts, peanut butter etc...
Fingers crossed that this bub doesnt have allergies as it can be a bit of a pain when they are young but I have a feeling we are going to have the same allergies with her. Just hope they are just mild ones like my son and should go when he gets older.