Things to avoid eating while breast feeding

We’ve compiled a list of foods that are better left out of your diet. If you have any specific questions about foods that may affect you while breast feeding, talk to your healthcare professional or dietitian.

  • Caffeine

    passes into your breast milk so you may like to limit your intake of coffee, tea, cola or energy drinks. Babies are sensitive to caffeine and it can disrupt their sleeping patterns, leaving them irritable and unsettled. Recommendations advise that intake be restricted to a maximum of 300 mg of caffeine per day, which is about 2 cups of strong percolated coffee or 6 cups of tea).


  • What about chocolate?

    Chocolate does contain caffeine and should be considered in addition to that originating from drinks. As a guide, 100g of milk chocolate contains 20mg of caffeine. Chocolate is also high in energy, sugar and saturated fat making it an occasional “extra” or treat food within a healthy diet.

    What about chocolate?

  • Avoid alcohol

    while breast feeding especially in the first month after you have your baby. Your baby drinks what you do, because the alcohol level in your blood is the same in your milk. Therefore not drinking alcohol is the safest option or expressing breast milk before consuming alcohol is the next best option.

    Avoid alcohol

  • Limit your intake of

    foods which are high in energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt. These foods, such as sweet biscuits, cakes, chips, hamburgers, pizza, cordials, soft drinks and sports drinks contain lots of energy with little nutrients your body needs, particularly while breast feeding Instead, try including them occasionally.

    Limit your intake of

  • Breast feeding requires extra energy

    and sometimes it’s difficult to maintain a healthy diet while you are out and about with a new baby. Taking a piece of fresh fruit or some mixed nuts with you can help to keep your energy levels up while you are away from home.

    Breast feeding requires extra energy

  • It can be difficult to maintain healthy food choices

    while out and about with a new baby and having a few go-to nutrient packed snacks can be helpful. Think toasted wholegrain sandwiches cut into handy triangles, single-serve low fat Greek yoghurt, or a piece of fruit with a dozen almonds. Convenient no-preparation snacks include unsalted popped corn, bananas, small cans of tuna, plain low fat milk poppers, and nut bars. Pack some in the pram or handbag to ensure you have a great choice on hand.

    It can be difficult to maintain healthy food choices