Breast performance

Contrary to popular belief, you can eat pretty much whatever you want when you’re breast-feeding. No foods have to be avoided but many mothers find that certain things affect the taste of the breast milk or give their babies mild digestive problems. Foods most likely to cause problems are curries and other hot spicy foods, citrus fruits (when eaten in excess) and garlic. If any of these happen to be your favourite food, then try eating them. If it doesn’t affect your baby, carry on. If you think that it is having an adverse affect on your baby, cut it out of your diet for a few days, then try eating it again to see whether it has the same result.

Fluids when breastfeeding.

You do need to drink plenty of fluids, preferably sticking to water or milk. It’s fine to drink tea, coffee and alcohol in moderation but it’s probably best to avoid fizzy drinks as these will often give your baby digestive problems. Be guided by thirst, but if your milk supply is low, try drinking a lot more fluid.

If none of this helps and your breasts don’t seem to be good milk producers, don’t assume it’s your fault and don’t feel a failure. At least consult a breastfeeding counsellor (most hospital maternity units have one) or your health visitor before you consider giving up on breastfeeding.

For more information see Clare Byam-Cook’s book:
‘What to expect when you’re breastfeeding….and what if you can’t’ published by Vermilion £7.99.