When a mother holds her infant in her arms for the first time, and when she puts that baby to her breast, it begins to create a bond that is matched by no other. Even if there are other children in the family, every baby is individual and different. Amazingly, that can affect what you, as a nursing mother, might select to eat.

The Central Basics

If you are a conscientious parent, there is a very good likelihood that you have paid attention to your diet while you were pregnant. You probably struck alcoholic beverages from your list of drinks, you might have also cut back on caffeine and focused on more nutritious drinks. You probably consulted with your doctor about medicines that were permissible and learned quite a bit about the advisability of (for real, never mind your commitments) putting your feet up and resting a bit in the afternoon.

As a nursing mom, some of the focus changes, but the basics remain the same. Eat good, nutritious food such as vegetables, fruit, dairy products (unless you have a milk sensitivity or allergy), and quality protein. Drinking plenty of water is important. It is not a bad habit to have a big glass of water, juice or milk at hand while nursing.

Medications, and Similar Influences

One of the things you share with your baby when you are breastfeeding is any medication or anything that is similar to medication. This is why your doctor will probably recommend an IUD if you want birth control, rather than birth control pills or similar medications. Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine – all of those things are shared with your infant. It is certainly something to think about.

The Food You Love Can Give Your Baby an Upset Tummy

The foods you eat will change the flavor of your milk. If you eat garlic or onions, that is going to come right through as a flavoring. Most of the time, this is not a bad thing. Your baby learns about new and different flavors before he or she takes that first bite of solid food.

Some foods that mama eats, however, can trigger a reaction in your child. One of the biggest offenders in this department is something that nearly all of us love: chocolate.

One mother recalls, “I didn’t worry about what I ate with the older two of my children. So when a big chocolate bar came my way, I ate it right down. When nursing, I always had an appetite.” She paused and laughed a little. “Later that night, we all paid for my chocolate bar. My little boy woke up and began to scream, pulling his knees up in the way that indicates a baby with colic. We all had a very bad night. In that way I learned that chocolate was off my list of edibles until he was weaned.” That young man never cared much for chocolate, and would ask for things to be vanilla or strawberry instead.

Pulling it All Together

When you are nursing a baby, the food that you eat can cause a reaction. Known allergens such as wheat, eggs, peanuts and more can cause a reaction if your child is sensitive to that substance. If you suspect that your child has had a reaction to something that you ate, discuss it with your pediatrician. He or she can administer tests to see if your child has an allergy. A single reaction doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is reacting to something you ate. Your baby could have some other reason for not feeling well.

With that said, focusing on foods that you know are good for you, such as green, leafy vegetables, yellow and orange vegetables, quality proteins, fruits and good clean water is going to be good for you and for your baby.