One of the biggest myths
surrounding breastfeeding is that there is a long list of foods that
nursing mothers need to avoid. In reality, there are very few if any foods
that all nursing mothers need to avoid. Certainly there are foods such as
caffeine and alcohol that less is better than more, but for the most part,
you are free to eat just about anything. Some general
guidelines:
1. Eat a variety of
foods as close to their natural state as possible. This is just common
sense nutrition for all of us - regardless of whether we are nursing.
Moderation is the key. It is generally best to restrain from
"overdosing" on any one food.
2. If a certain food that you eat seems to bother your baby, try
leaving it off and see if that helps. This is especially important for
foods that trigger allergic reactions to anyone in your family.
3. Eat foods that have been properly prepared to minimize exposure to
either you or your baby to disease-causing organisms. This applies to
sushi - make sure that the sushi you eat is fresh and prepared by a
reputable sushi chef. Probably the greater danger in a nursing mother
eating sushi is that she might get ill and feel less like caring for
her infant. And even then, it is a whole lot easier for an ill mom to
care for a breastfed baby than the mom who has to get up and fix those
bottles!
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