Does eating spicy food while breastfeeding affect the baby

Can You Eat Spicy Food While Breastfeeding?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Sara McTigue on August 21, 2020

You knew to expect pregnancy cravings, but what you might not have expected was the continued sudden hunger urges you’re feeling as you breastfeed your new arrival.

So, if you’re struggling to stay awake for the 3 a.m. feeding and you suddenly feel an irresistible desire to raid the fridge for some jalapeño salsa, you might hesitate. Can you eat hot and spicy foods while you’re breastfeeding?

Go ahead and get that snack, then keep reading for more information about what you should know about eating spicy food while breastfeeding.

Yes, you can eat the spicy foods you enjoy while breastfeeding. There’s no evidence to suggest that spicy foods should be avoided for your baby’s sake, either during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In fact, research shows that babies who are exposed to a variety of flavors through amniotic fluids during pregnancy and breast milk once they’re born may actually be more open to incorporating a variety of flavors into their own diet once they start eating solids.

Strong flavors, like garlic, mint, and vanilla, can affect the taste of breast milk.

While this may seem like a cause for concern, one study from 1993 found that infants who had not previously been exposed to garlic in their mother’s breast milk fed for a longer duration when the mother was given a garlic capsule.

Even in their earliest exposure to new tastes it seems that newborns are foodies in the making.

Also consider that, around the world, breastfeeding parents consume a variety of flavors. Spicy curries, tom yum, and wat are served at many tables without a second thought.

The more pressing concern for your baby’s safety is probably not eating spicy foods, but not dropping any hot foods on them while you’re trying to eat and nurse at the same time.

Now, if you’re concerned about your own reaction to spicy foods, consider your typical response. If you regularly consume spicier flavors with no issue, continue to enjoy whichever healthy options your cravings call for. Spicy foods can have considerable health benefits.

However, if you suffer from heartburn or stomach upset after certain foods, consider whether the current meal is worth the future discomfort for you. The foods you eat during breastfeeding should be healthy options that leave you feeling good.

Many people, ranging from your grandmother to that stranger in the grocery store, will happily tell you that you need to avoid foods like broccoli, tomato, and kimchi while breastfeeding.

Despite those old wives’ tales, there are very few foods you actually need to avoid unless you’ve experienced previous issues.

A study from 2019 found that many breastfeeding parents unnecessarily restrict their diets thanks to misinformation about the risks or benefits to their babies. The unfortunate reality is that this can decrease breastfeeding duration and cause undue stress.

The truth is that most people can safely continue to eat as they normally would throughout breastfeeding without ill effect.

Those foods you should skip while breastfeeding are items that are unsafe for reasons beyond flavor, including:

fish that are high in mercury
alcohol
excess caffeine (no more than 300 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to two or three cups of coffee)
herbal supplements (unless given the go-ahead by a medical professional)

Your doctor may also suggest examining your diet if your little one is showing signs of a food allergy or sensitivity.

Possible concerns may include:

eczema
bloody stools
vomiting
diarrhea
hives
constipation
wheezing
congestion
abnormal fussiness
excessive gas

If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to give your pediatrician a call.

It’s important to know that, in general, evidence shows that breastfeeding is helpful for protecting infants from food allergies, so you shouldn’t eliminate foods without first discussing it with a healthcare provider.

As at any time of your life, it’s important to eat a variety of healthy foods. You want to include plenty of nourishing foods that deliver the needed vitamins, fats, and energy to help you keep up with your little one.

It’s estimated that you need an additional 500 calories a day while you’re nursing. If you want to add in those calories by enjoying something with a little heat, go for it!

While you don’t want to restrict your diet to only Flaming Hot Cheetos and buffalo wings, adding in hot and spicy foods as part of a healthy diet is perfectly acceptable while breastfeeding. Your little one may even develop a taste for some of the spicy foods you most enjoy.

Last medically reviewed on August 21, 2020

Parenthood
Postpartum Care
Post Delivery

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Sara McTigue on August 21, 2020

How Long After Eating Spicy Food Can I Breastfeed? There's Not Exactly A Time Limit

Breastfeeding, like most things related to parenting, can be awfully confusing. There's more than one way to do almost anything, and because the same goes for breastfeeding, you might get contradicting advice depending on who you ask. A good example of this is eating spicy food while breastfeeding — some moms swear it causes excessive gas or fussiness in their babies, while others claim they can eat an entire platter of buffalo wings and it has no effect on their nursing infants. But will that burrito with extra jalapeños and hot sauce that you had for lunch really make a difference when breastfeeding your baby?

“Most foods and flavors that we eat don’t translate directly into breast milk, however some foods — specifically heavily spiced foods, asparagus, garlic, as well as peppers that create a tingly sensation or heat in our mouth because of a chemical called capsaicin, can have some of their unique proteins secreted into breast milk,” Dr. Heather Richardson, M.D., of the Bedford Breast Center tells Romper. “For moms to routinely consume these types of foods, their babies in utero would have been exposed to these sensations and may in fact find them comforting and familiar.”

How Spicy Foods Impact Breast Milk

In many parts of the world, spicy foods are a regular part of nursing moms' diets. Though strong flavors do pass from the mother's milk to the baby, it typically only impacts the taste of the milk. If spicy foods are a regular part of your diet, your baby may already be accustomed to these flavors from pregnancy as they have the ability to change the smell and taste of the amniotic fluid your baby is exposed to in utero.

“For moms who don’t typically eat such flavored foods, some babies really appreciate the variety,” Richardson explains. “Some studies have shown that babies exposed to multiple types of foods through mom‘s diet may be more open to eating a variety later on in life. However, if baby is arching his back, or if she seems to turn away and not want to feed, especially at the beginning, it may be because they do not find the breast milk palatable.”

Because all breastfeeding mothers have unique body chemistry and metabolism, there is no one answer for how long it takes for these flavors to metabolize into your milk. Though the average is four to six hours, it can take anywhere from one to 24 hours for food to metabolize and for the flavors to make it into your breast milk.

Can Eating Spicy Food Make Your Baby Feel Bad?

So, what about the fussiness and gassiness that some moms report happening to their baby after a feeding? While those spicy chicken wings you had for dinner might be the culprit of your own indigestion, it’s unlikely that your baby is feeling the same way for the same reason.

“In most cases, with very few exceptions, the foods that cause stomach discomfort in the mother do not affect the breast milk composition, changing the way the baby digests and reacts to the milk,” lactation consultant and Motif Medical Lactation director Ashley Georgakopoulos tells Romper. “Gas is predominantly caused by bacteria breaking down foods in the gut, especially more fibrous foods. The gas does not travel, nor does the fiber, to the bloodstream and therefore to the milk — only nutrients and calories.”

Georgakopoulos explains that the exception to this isn’t actually anything spicy at all, but rather the inability to break down complex proteins in foods like cow’s milk. “Lactose gets blamed for a lot of discomfort, but lactose is also prevalent in human milk — it is merely the breast milk sugar found in all types of mammalian milk,” she says. “Babies make enzymes to break this down easily and make less as we age. Proteins and their makeup, however, vary from species to species.”

filadendron/E+/Getty Images

Though moms may restrict their diets if they notice their babies are unusually gassy or fussy, there's a good chance that it has nothing to do with the spicy food you are eating. Excess gas or fuss in your baby may just be a blip or a change in their development, or it could be from swallowing too much air while feeding.

Of course, if you are truly concerned that certain foods are affecting your baby, it helps to keep track of what you eat, and how that milk potentially affects your child. If you notice a pattern of fussiness, gassiness, spit up, loose stools, and other digestion issues, talk to your pediatrician. They may suggest not eating the food (such as dairy products, a common allergen) for a few days to see if there's any change.

“Elimination may be encouraged, but it’s almost always something else going on that may not be obvious. Mothers are quick to take blame on themselves,” Georgakopoulos tells Romper. “Consult with a lactation professional, preferably an IBCLC, if discomfort or other issues persist or reoccur.”

Possible Benefits Of Eating Spicy Foods While Breastfeeding

As it turns out, there may actually be some direct benefits to exposing your baby to a variety of flavors via your breast milk.

“One of the great things about your milk is that your milk changes flavor depending on what you eat. This means that your baby is exposed to many different tastes before they ever get their first bite of table foods,” lactation consultant Rebecca Costello of In the Flow Lactation tells Romper. “We think that this is one of the reasons babies who drink human milk tend to be more adventurous eaters once they start eating other foods. Spicy foods are just another flavor that your baby will be exposed to, which will hopefully help them be more willing to try different foods as they grow up. ”

A study published in 2001 by Pediatrics, found that babies who had been exposed to a flavor in utero or while breastfeeding were more likely to like that flavor when they were weaned. This often makes breastfed babies easier to feed later on. So you could be doing your baby a big favor by not restricting your diet and continuing to eat whatever is delicious to you. The other big plus of that is, since food gives pleasure, eating flavorful and healthy foods just might boost your happiness in the depths of difficult parenting.

Experts:

Dr. Heather Richardson, M.D., of the Bedford Breast Center

Rebecca Costello, IBCLC, MPH of In the Flow Lactation

Ashley Georgakopoulos, IBCLC and Motif Medical Lactation Director

This article was originally published on Jan. 4, 2018

Can I eat spicy food while breastfeeding?

You knew to expect food cravings during pregnancy, but what you might not have expected is the constant, sudden hunger urges you experience while breastfeeding your newborn.

So if you're struggling to stay awake at a 3:00 a.m. feed and suddenly feel an irresistible urge to rummage through the fridge for jalapeno salsa, you might be hesitant. Can I eat hot and spicy food while breastfeeding?

Come on, have a snack and then keep reading to learn more about what you need to know about eating spicy food while breastfeeding.

Is it safe?

Foods to avoid

Foods to eat

Is it safe to eat spicy food while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can eat spicy foods that you like while breastfeeding. There is no evidence that for the good of your baby, spicy foods should be avoided, either during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Research shows that babies who are exposed to a variety of tastes through amniotic fluid during pregnancy and breast milk after birth may be more open to including a variety of tastes in their diet when they start eating solid foods.

We offer you: Supplements during pregnancy: What is safe and what is not

Strong flavors such as garlic, mint and vanilla can affect the taste of breast milk.

Although this may seem to be a cause for concern, one 1993 study found that infants who were not previously exposed to garlic in their mother's breast milk fed longer when mothers were given a capsule of garlic.

Even at the earliest exposure to new tastes, it seems that newborns are novice gourmets.

Also be aware that breastfeeding parents around the world eat a variety of flavors. Spicy curries, tom yum and wat are served at many tables without a second thought.

A more pressing concern for your baby's safety is probably not to eat spicy food, but also not to drip hot foods on him while you're trying to eat and breastfeed at the same time.

Here are the top 15 foods to eat when you're sick

If you're concerned about your reaction to spicy food, think about your typical reaction. If you're eating spicier foods regularly and with no problem, keep enjoying the healthy options you crave. Spicy food can have significant health benefits.

However, if you suffer from heartburn or indigestion after eating certain foods, consider whether the present meal is worth the future discomfort for you. The foods you eat while breastfeeding should be healthy options that make you feel good.

Are there foods to avoid while breastfeeding?

Many people, from your grandmother to the stranger at the grocery store, will happily tell you to avoid foods like broccoli, tomatoes, and kimchi while breastfeeding.

Here's a Vegan Label Reading Guide

Despite these old wives' tales, there are very few foods you should avoid unless you've experienced previous problems.

A 2019 study found that many breastfeeding parents unnecessarily restrict their diet due to misinformation about the risks or benefits for their babies. The sad reality is that this can shorten the duration of breastfeeding and cause unnecessary stress.

The truth is that most people can safely continue to eat the way they normally do throughout the breastfeeding period, without ill effects.

Foods you should skip while breastfeeding are those that are unsafe for more than taste reasons, including:

high mercury fish

alcohol , which is equivalent to two or three cups of coffee)

herbal supplements (unless approved by a healthcare professional)

Your doctor may also suggest examining your diet if your baby has signs of a food allergy or sensitivity.

Possible reasons for concern may include:

eczema

Blood chair

vomiting

diarrhea

Zapora

wheezing

011
excessive gas

If your baby has any of these symptoms, it's time to call your pediatrician.

It's important to know that, in general, the evidence shows that breastfeeding helps protect babies from food allergies, so you shouldn't eliminate foods without talking to your health care provider first.

We offer you: 5 foods to limit or avoid while breastfeeding

Are there foods you should eat while breastfeeding?

At any time in your life, it is important to eat a variety of healthy foods. You want to include plenty of nutritious foods in your diet that deliver essential vitamins, fats, and energy to help you keep up with your little one.

It is estimated that you need an additional 500 calories per day while breastfeeding. If you want to add those calories while enjoying something with a bit of heat, go for it!

We offer you: Breastfeeding Diet: What to Eat While Breastfeeding

Summary

Although you don't want to limit your diet to just Flaming Hot Cheetos and Buffalo Wings, adding hot and spicy foods to a healthy diet is perfectly acceptable while breastfeeding. Your little one may even develop a taste for some of the spicy foods you love the most.

Topics

Breastfeeding Diet

A woman's life changes with the birth of a child. All other problems fade into the background. The main goal is to take care of the baby. In order for a child to grow up strong and healthy, he needs good nutrition. Breastfeeding allows the baby to receive a vital complex of vitamins and nutrients. However, so that when breastfeeding the baby does not have additional problems in the form of colic or allergic reactions, the mother needs to follow a diet while breastfeeding.

Why diet is needed

Balanced diet

Is a diet really necessary when breastfeeding?

In order for the child to get enough nutrients, the mother needs to eat foods rich in vital vitamins and minerals.

Please note! The mother's diet should be based on the principles of a healthy diet.

Do not go to extremes. Knowing that she takes food not only for herself, but also for the child, many women begin to eat 2 times more. This has a detrimental effect on the health of a woman due to excessive stress. Or, in an effort to return to their usual forms after the birth of a baby, women go on a strict diet. It also adversely affects the quality of breast milk.

Do not think that the diet of a nursing mother implies strict restrictions in everything. The main thing is to follow a proper and balanced diet.

Expert advice

Proper nutrition for breastfeeding women

In order for the baby to receive all the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities, and the mother's body to recover quickly after childbirth, it is recommended to follow the main advice of breastfeeding experts:

Try to keep a daily routine and eat at the same time.

Try to eliminate processed foods, canned foods, smoked and spicy foods from your diet.

The mother's main diet should include the following useful substances: protein, carbohydrates, fats.

It is very useful to eat greens. It stimulates the gastrointestinal tract well.

If a mother experiences mild discomfort, dizziness, nausea while breastfeeding, she should drink a glass of warm compote or tea with cookies or unsweetened pastries.

Allergy risk

Allergy risk

Many new mothers are concerned about the question: is it possible to eat foods that cause allergies while breastfeeding.

It is not recommended to eat foods that can cause allergies in the mother or child in the first months of his life. When the baby reaches the age of 4-5 months, you can gradually begin to introduce additional foods into the mother's diet.

Please note! Take them in small portions in the morning. After taking it, you should monitor the condition of the child for several days.

If there is no allergic reaction, you can continue to eat these foods.

If you notice that with the introduction of a new product in the diet, the baby's stool has changed, and a rash has appeared, postpone its use for several months.

Allergen products

Foods that can cause an allergic reaction:

Citrus fruits

Coffee and cocoa

Chocolate and chocolates

Nuts

Eggs

Dairy products from cow's milk

Seafood

You can start eating them after the baby is six months old. At this age, the main allergens practically do not penetrate into the mother's milk and are safe for the baby.

It is worth remembering that if the child is prone to allergic reactions, it is necessary to continue natural breastfeeding as long as possible, and postpone the start of complementary feeding to a later date. Optimally - after 1 year.

Basic restrictions

What not to eat while breastfeeding

There are a huge number of products in the world that can cause irreparable harm to the health of not only the mother, but also the child. A nursing mother should be careful when eating.

Thus, the following foods should be completely excluded:

Foods that cause an allergic reaction

Soups with meat and fish broths

Pickled products

Sour food

Sweet dishes

Salty food

Garlic

Carbonated drinks

Apples, watermelon, melon, coffee can be consumed in limited quantities, provided that the child does not have an allergic reaction to these products.

Eliminate smoking, alcohol and drugs

For the formation of a healthy child's body, a nursing mother is strictly forbidden to use:

Alcohol

Narcotic substances

Remember that smoking is also harmful to both the mother and the child.

Suggested products

Turkey cutlets

The main food should be rich in nutrients and contain the necessary amount of useful vitamins and minerals. What should a mother eat while breastfeeding?

Eat foods rich in protein. For example, fish, turkey, veal, rabbit. It is acceptable to eat lean pork.

Dairy products

Calcium is very useful for a child. It is found in the following products: cottage cheese, natural kefir, drinking yogurt, low-fat sour cream.

Food rich in fats. Their body receives from olive, vegetable and butter oils.

Fruit. They should be used with caution. You can start with apples, gradually adding other fruits to your diet. Make sure that they contain a minimum amount of acids.

Vegetables. Limit yourself to greenery. Other types of vegetables are best consumed boiled or in the form of stews.

Bread

Flour products. It is highly recommended not to eat fresh white bread. Better buy dark bread, preferably bran. It should not be consumed fresh. Ideally, bread for the diet of a nursing mother should be yesterday's. Homemade shortbread cookies and bread are also allowed.

Sweet dishes. Give preference to natural products. They should contain a minimum amount of sugar. Allowed to use jam, marshmallow, marshmallows without chocolate, marmalade. Remember that sugary foods should be consumed in limited quantities.

Proper drinking

Drink more

Speaking about the diet of a nursing mother, one cannot but touch upon such an important aspect as the organization of drinking.

Please note! For the normal process of lactation of the mother, it is necessary to consume an increased amount of fluid per day.

So, to the usual 2 liters of fluid per day for a nursing mother, you need to add up to 1 liter of fluid per day. It doesn't have to be water. The following drinks can be taken:

Unsweetened compote

Tea

Milk

Natural juice

Increased fluid intake should be started gradually.
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