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15 Foods You Must Avoid during Breastfeeding
Now that you are in the period of nursing, you should look out for some foods that might cause possible reactions in your baby. What a breastfeeding mother eats is very important for the baby. It is important to maintain proper meals when you are nursing so that your child gains essential nutrients and has an adequate amount of breast milk.
What Foods Should You Avoid While Breastfeeding?
Some babies feel fussy and gassy after you eat some foods. If you notice such a pattern, then it is best to avoid that food for a while. So here is a list of what not to eat when breastfeeding.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is rich in theobromine, and when eaten, has a similar effect to that of caffeine. Though people love having chocolate during, they should cut down the quantity while breastfeeding. If you feel like your kid is very cranky because of the chocolate consumption, then it is better to keep away from it. The only way to know how much chocolate you can consume is after observing your baby’s behaviour. The baby might show fussy and erratic behaviour if the mother consumes more than 750 mg of theobromine every day and suffers from sleep issues.
2. Coffee
Coffee contains a lot of caffeine in it, and some of this caffeine might end up in breast milk. Babies cannot digest caffeine as well as adults. So this excess caffeine in their body affects them causing sleeplessness, irritation, and crankiness. When caffeine is in high amounts, it can lower iron levels in the milk and thus decrease the levels of haemoglobin in the child. So the best solution is to have only 2-3 cups of caffeine a day. Small amounts of caffeine are fine as then there is little to no detection of caffeine found in the baby's urine.
3. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are an amazing source of Vitamin C, but this can irritate the baby’s tummy due to their acidic components. As their gastrointestinal tract is very immature, they're unable to deal with these acid components, resulting in fussiness, diaper rashes, spitting up, and more. You don't have to remove citrus fruits completely from your diet, though. Having one grapefruit or orange daily is fine. But if you decide to cut them out completely, then you should have other vitamin C-rich foods like pineapples, papayas, and mangoes.
4. Broccoli
If you had broccoli for dinner the previous day, then you should not be surprised when your baby has gassy problems the next day. Other gassy foods like onions, cabbage, cauliflower, and cucumber that are best avoided while breastfeeding.
5. Alcohol
Through breast milk, alcohol passes from the mom to baby and affects his neurological development. You could still have an occasional glass of beer or wine after nine full months of not having a drink. Studies have found that a few units once or twice a week will not harm your baby. When the levels are higher than that, there might be a decrease in the milk-letdown reflex and the release of milk. If you plan to have a drink, then you should wait for two hours and then breastfeed your baby.
6. High-mercury Fish
If you consume fish or any other foods having high mercury content, then this will appear in the breast milk. When breast milk has high levels of mercury, it might affect the neurological development of your baby. You should eat fish, even canned tuna in control, and not exceed consumption more than twice a week. It is best to avoid fish that has high mercury completely.
7. Peppermint and Sage
When these herbs are taken in a very high amount, they could reduce the production of breast milk. Therefore, when you eat herbs like these, monitor the amount of milk supply especially when your baby is at the phase where he needs more milk than usual. To stop milk production, mothers often have tea made of peppermint after weaning. Sage, another herb, is also included in the foods that affect lactation.
8. Peanuts
Until you wean your baby, avoid peanuts, especially if your family has a medical history of allergies to peanuts. Peanuts' allergic proteins might pass to the produced breast milk, and then reach the baby. The baby might suffer from wheezing, hives, or rashes. Even when you eat only a few, the allergens might pass into the milk within 1-6 hours. Research also says that children might have a chance of developing peanut allergies in later years when they are exposed to it at an early age. However, there is not enough evidence to prove that preventing peanuts could prevent allergies in babies.
9. Garlic
The smell of garlic can affect the smell of breast milk. Some babies hate it while others like it. Therefore, the reason may be garlic if your baby is uncomfortable while nursing. Some babies might fuss or grimace at the breast when they encounter the strong smell of garlic.
10. Dairy Products
Some babies could be intolerant to cow milk. When the mother drinks cow milk or has dairy products, then the allergens that have entered the breast milk irritate the baby. After consuming dairy products, if your baby shows symptoms like colic and vomiting, it means that you should stop consuming them for a while. Other symptoms could be skin issues, eczema, and sleep problems. Children who are intolerant to dairy also show an allergy to soy. It is better to go for organic varieties of meat, high-fat dairy, and poultry as they won't have any chemicals, growth hormones, or pesticides.
11. Spices
Some babies are irritated by spicy foods, but others are fine with it. Only a small dash of pepper is enough to hurt a few babies. These babies will remain fussy for a really long time. So it is best to lessen the number of spices in your food if you notice your baby being uncomfortable with it.
12. Corn
It is common for some babies and toddlers to be allergic to corn. This might cause rashes and discomfort in babies. Eliminate corn from your diet if you observe allergic reactions in your baby.
13. Wheat
Another common food problem is gluten intolerance. This results in sensitive tummy, bloody stools, and fussiness. Like all the other foods, this allergy can be avoided by taking wheat off of your diet. Many moms tend to remove most of the foods that cause problems and then re-introduce them one at a time.
14. Eggs and Shellfish
If your family has a history of allergies, then this might increase the chances of your baby having allergies too. If there is somebody who is allergic to eggs or shellfish in your immediate family, then it is best to avoid these foods during breastfeeding. Egg allergy is pretty common especially allergy against egg whites.
15. Sushi
Sushi is safe as long as it does not have high-mercury fish. It is safe because the listeria bacteria which are present in undercooked foods is not readily transmitted through breast milk. However, if you are planning to eat sushi with low-mercury fish when you are breastfeeding, keep in mind that you should not take more than three servings a week. Fish that contain low mercury are salmon, tilapia, flounder, pollock, trout, and catfish.
You baby could be allergic to only a few of these foods, or sometimes he might not be affected by any of them. Now that you know what foods to stay away from while breastfeeding, it may not be necessary to stop eating all of them. However, it is best to talk to your doctor before you take any food off of your diet. This is because, for example, if you are going to avoid all dairy products then it might cause a nutritional imbalance and you might have to see a nutritionist for a better substitute.
Also Read:
What is the Maximum Age Baby Should be Breastfed?
Is It common to Gain Weight after Stopping Breastfeeding?
Does Flaxseed Affect Breastfeeding? Read more
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14 New Year Traditions from Around the World
The New Year is almost upon us and we’re all set to welcome it in our own unique ways. Each family has a distinct way of celebrating New Year, but did you know that all the countries of our one big family have their own traditional ways to ring in the New Year? While some of us welcome New Year by watching awards shows, others (the Danish) jump off a chair at the stroke of midnight as a sign of ‘leaping into the New Year.’ We all have our strange ways of welcoming the New Year. So, how about this time, you step into the New Year with a new piece of information?
14 New Year Traditions from Around the World
Acquaint yourself with these cute and strange traditions followed around the world.
1. Spain
Apart from the La Tomatina festival, FC Barcelona, Sangria, and Pablo Picasso, the custom of eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve also makes Spain a popular country. The tradition is to eat 12 grapes - one at each stroke of the clock at midnight on New Year’s Eve, which is supposed to bring good luck for the 12 months of the coming year. It’s a tradition that’s definitely worth a try!
2. Switzerland
We know Switzerland for chocolate and cheese, watches and the Alps; but none of these has a place in their New Year tradition. The Swiss style of welcoming New Year is rather strange- the people of Switzerland drop a dollop of ice cream on the floor on New Year’s day to bring good luck and prosperity. While we do find it strange it would be a rather fun tradition if the ice cream drops straight into our mouths instead!
3. Colombia
The people of this South American country carry a suitcase around with them on the 31st of December. The logic - or shall we say, the belief behind this is that they hope to have a travel-filled year ahead. This tradition practised by Colombians is surely worth considering. You never know, your travel goals might just get accomplished this year!
4. Brazil
Brazil and other South American countries like Venezuela, Argentina, and Bolivia have one of the strangest traditions of ringing in the New Year. People in these countries believe that wearing bright-coloured underwear on New Year’s Eve can increase their fortune in the coming year. Bright yellow underwear is worn to increase fortune, while red or pink is worn to attract love in the new year.
5. Denmark
The Danish definitely know how to clear the clutter (from their house, at least). Strangely, Danes welcome New Year’s Eve by smashing old plates and glasses on their neighbour’s doorstep to bring in good luck. The more amount of broken crockery, the more the good luck!
6. Chile
People in Chile welcome the new year with their dead relatives. Sounds creepy, huh? It won’t be once you hear the story of how this tradition started. Long ago, a family from Talca in Chile broke into a graveyard to step into the New Year with their dead relative, and that became a tradition. Now, the mayor of the town opens the graveyard late night and people gather to ring in the new year with their deceased loved ones.
7. Philippines
All things round have always been favoured by people of the Philippines because they symbolize coins, a representative of fortune. So, New Year Eve’s midnight, people eat round food, wear clothes with polka dots on them - well, anything to be prosperous!
8. Greece
In Greece, an onion is hung on the front door of a house on New Year’s Eve as a symbol of rebirth for the coming year. On the following day, parents wake their children up by tapping onions on their head.
9. Panama
In Panama, effigies of famous people like political figures and television characters are burnt to ward off evil spirits for a fresh start to a New Year.
10. Puerto Rico
Puerto Ricans also have a strange tradition of welcoming the new year. In some parts of Puerto Rico, people throw pails of water out of their windows to drive off evil spirits.
11. Scotland
Scots like to keep it classy and unique, even in their New Year’s tradition. The tradition of first-footing is widely popular in Scotland. As per this tradition, the first person who crosses the threshold of a house after midnight is believed to bring good luck with them. He or she should carry a gift for good luck.
12. Japan
In Japan, people ring bells 108 times in the Buddhist temples across the country to get rid of the sins committed in the previous year.
13. China
People in China celebrate New Year with much fun and enthusiasm. Red is the main colour of their New Year celebrations. Many people in China paint their front door red as a sign of happiness and fortune. Another popular New Year tradition in China is handing out cash in red envelopes. Elders give money to youngsters in red envelopes.
14. South Africa
South Africans, particularly people in Johannesburg throw their old furniture out of their windows, representing the popular adage ‘out with the old’. It is their idea of starting the New Year afresh.
So, now you know some unique and strange traditions followed across the world. Yes, we all have our own strange ways and beliefs that make us who we are. We hope you liked this new information; share this with your friends and family, and have a good New Year!
Also Read:
Happy New Year Wishes in Different Indian Languages
Ideas to Celebrate New Year with Your Family
Foods to Eat this New Year for Good Health and Prosperity Read more
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What You Should Know About Exclusive and Extended Breastfeeding
Today's kids are tomorrow's assets. Breast milk is considered the most important parameter important for optimum growth and development of a baby. Every year World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from the 1st till the 7th of August, to create awareness about the huge benefits of breastfeeding among the community.
Exclusive breastfeeding refers to breastfeeding your baby till six months of age. Keep in mind that within these six months, water or other formula feeds are not at all advised. Extended breastfeeding refers to breastfeeding along with age-appropriate food till two years of age or beyond that.
Composition of Breast Milk
The first milk which is secreted just after delivery is known as colostrum. It is thick yellow and enriched with antibodies which is very much essential for the baby. Colostrum gets secreted from the first day of delivery till the third day. The milk which follows colostrum is known as Transitional milk. Mothers should be aware that the baby should be breastfed for about 15 to 20 minutes. After that only the baby could be transferred to the other breast. The reason behind this is that there are two types of milk which are known as foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk is secreted at the beginning of the feed which is rich in protein and water content and it satisfies the thirst of the baby. Hindmilk is secreted at the end of every feed, which satisfies the hunger of the baby and it is rich in glucose and fats.
Signs of Adequate Breastfeeding
If the child is passing urine 8 to 12 times a day and passing stool 2 to 3 times a day, you can be assured that the baby is getting adequate feed. On top of this, if the baby is gaining weight, this is a major sign that the baby is getting an adequate amount of feed. A baby gains weight of 30 g/day for the first three months of life.
Advantages of Breastfeeding
Adequate breastfeeding can help the mother to lose the extra weight which she gained during the pregnancy period. It also acts as natural contraception. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer among mothers who have adequately breastfed their babies. Exclusive and extended breastfeeding also reduces the risk of various infections among the children like diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and juvenile Diabetes mellitus. It is very convenient and also cost-effective. Exclusive breastfeeding also plays a role in the psychological and emotional bonding between the mother and the child.
Let's pledge in this World Breastfeeding Week, that every mother should be encouraged to breastfeed her newborn for a healthier tomorrow.
Author: Krishna Choudhury
Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, NEMCARE FOUNDATION, Mirza Assam India
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
17 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
12 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
10 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
5 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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