by Deborah Stewart

Created on: April 09, 2011   Last Updated: April 15, 2011

You have decided to breastfeed your baby. Just as you were told the importance of proper nutrition prior to and during pregnancy, it is now just as important that you know which foods you must avoid during breastfeeding. When your body and the baby's were joined by the umbilical cord, you both shared the same digestive system. Now, even though your baby is separate from your body: you are still inexorably linked by feeding your baby outside your body with your breast milk-which is the purest form of your own nutrition.

Your nutrition is still your baby's nutrition. Common sense dictates that drugs, alcohol and smoking are taboo during this crucial period in your child's development. If it is detrimental to your health, it is going to hurt your baby.

But there are certain foods which must in be avoided in order to assure that your baby does not suffer discomfort or allergies; especially if you are prone to allergies from certain foods. Gassy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, green peppers, onions and cabbage can cause colic (severe abdominal pain caused by spasm, obstruction, or distension of the intestines).

There are also other foods in your daily diet which may cause discomfort/problems for your baby while you are breastfeeding. These include, but are not limited to shellfish, caffeine, nuts, corn, beef, eggs, soy products, dairy products (which are controversial as diet choices for anyone), wheat, beans and legumes, citrus fruits and chocolate. Because certain of these foods are known to cause allergies and other gastrointestinal problems in adults, it stands to reason that they may do the same by being passed through your breast milk to your baby.

If you have eliminated the presence of drugs (prescription or otherwise-including certain prenatal vitamins which may contain iron), alcohol and cigarettes from your diet while breastfeeding but there still seems to be problems that your baby is experiencing, begin eliminating first dairy products, shellfish, and soy products-one at a time, to see if the problems are resolved. Before and during this process, check with your Pediatrician and keep him or her informed of your progress in these important dietary changes. Their input here is important, and can save both you and your baby much discomfort and stress.

Breastfeeding is meant to be a time of permanent bonding between you and your baby. There is no other experience on Earth like that of knowing that your own nutritional system is nourishing the precious gift of God that you are holding in your arms. The benefits last a lifetime. That unspoken bond can never be broken. Making minor adjustments in your diet during this amazing experience is a very small price to pay for the benefits you and the baby will receive.

According to Women's Views on News, breastfeeding your baby leads to "increased muscle mass, greater athletic performance, and overall improved health as children grow into adolescence". Their research also reveals that in addition to the health benefits to your baby, breastfeeding can lower your risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.

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