While breastfeeding, it’s helpful to be aware of certain substances and products that may affect your baby.
Alcohol
- Alcohol does not improve breastfeeding or milk production.
- Moderate alcohol intake is not known to be harmful to a breastfeeding infant when managed appropriately.
- The amount of alcohol that passes into breast milk closely reflects the parent’s blood alcohol level and is generally very small.
Health authorities recommend timing alcohol consumption so that breastfeeding does not occur during peak blood alcohol levels (for example, waiting about 2 hours per standard drink before nursing).
Dietary supplements and herbal products
Use caution with:
- dietary supplements
- herbal products and herbal teas
- traditional or plant-based remedies
Many supplements and herbal products have not been adequately studied in breastfeeding, and safety for infants is often unknown. These products should not be used unless discussed with a healthcare provider.
Special considerations: Ginseng is not recommended during breastfeeding Seaweed or algae supplements high in iodine may expose infants to excessive iodine, which can affect thyroid function
Fennel
Herbal teas containing fennel are not recommended during breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Fennel-containing products are also not recommended for young children, as their effects have not been well studied.
Caffeine
Caffeine does pass into breast milk, but typically in very small amounts. Moderate caffeine intake from coffee or tea is generally considered safe while breastfeeding and does not usually harm the infant. Excessive caffeine intake may, however, cause fussiness or sleep disturbances in some babies.
Listeria and toxoplasma
Food safety advice related to listeria and toxoplasma applies to pregnancy, not to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding parents do not need to follow pregnancy-specific food restrictions related to these infections.
Sources: - CDC: Alcohol and Breastfeeding