Does spicy food bother breastfed babies

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

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How we reviewed this article:

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Forestell C. (2017). Flavor perception and preference development in human infants. DOI
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Kidd M, et al. (2019). "Something is wrong with your milk": Qualitative study of maternal dietary restriction and beliefs about infant colic.”
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6515974/
Kominiarek MA. (2017). Nutrition recommendations in pregnancy and lactation. DOI:
10.1016/j.mcna.2016.06.004
Maternal diet. (2020).
cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/diet-and-micronutrients/maternal-diet.html
Mennella J, et al. (1993). The effects of repeated exposure to garlic-flavored milk on the nursling's behavior. DOI:
10.1203/00006450-199312000-00022
Mennella J. (1995). Mother's milk: a medium for early flavor experiences. DOI:
10.1177/089033449501100122
Ohsaki A, et al. (2018). Maternal IgG immune complexes induce food allergen–specific tolerance in offspring. DOI:
10.1084/jem.20171163

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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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.”

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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

What to eat while breastfeeding | Breastfeeding Diet

You know that breast milk is the best food for your baby. What about your own nutrition while breastfeeding? We asked the nutritionist a few questions about the nutrition of a nursing mother.

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Priya Tew, UK-based registered dietitian :
Priya is a nutritionist, M.D., multi-award winning member of the British Dietetic Association and the Health Professions Council. She has three children, and she breastfed each of them for up to 18 months.

During breastfeeding, there is no need to follow a special diet, the main thing is that your diet is balanced. It should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as oats, brown rice, various cereals, and breads labeled "whole grain", "wholemeal" or "wholemeal". These foods, along with potatoes, pasta, and couscous, are high in starch, an important source of energy.

In addition, you need lean proteins found in chicken, eggs, legumes, lentils, fish, and lean beef, as well as healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel. Oily fish is very good for your health and development of your baby, but you should not eat more than two servings per week (about 140 g), as it may contain harmful impurities. ¹

Should I take vitamins while breastfeeding?

The most important is vitamin D. It is essential for healthy bones, you and your baby. We get most of this vitamin from the sun. If you live in a region with insufficient solar activity, especially in winter, your body may lack it. In this case, the doctor may advise taking vitamin D supplements. ²

You also need to get enough calcium, as it is excreted from the body during breastfeeding. ³ Try to eat four servings of foods rich in this mineral a day. These can be dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, or non-dairy products such as nuts, tofu, sesame seeds, and leafy vegetables. One serving may consist of, for example, half a cup of green vegetables or a small piece of cheese (50 g).

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding?

The good news is that you can eat almost anything while breastfeeding. Only the consumption of oily fish should be limited. In small quantities, even caffeine is acceptable - more on this below.

If you are not allergic to peanuts, there is no reason to deny yourself products that contain peanuts. Recent studies show that if you eat peanuts while breastfeeding and gradually introduce them into your baby's diet during the first year, your baby will be less likely to become allergic to them in the future. ⁴

Are extra calories needed while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers need about 500 more calories a day. ⁵ But every mother is unique and your energy needs will change throughout your breastfeeding period. The number of calories you need depends on your baby's age, appetite, height, and weight, as well as your body mass index (BMI), your activity, and factors such as whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or not, and whether you are breastfeeding twins or multiple babies.

Can I go on a diet while breastfeeding?

Trying to lose weight while breastfeeding is not a good idea because you need to get enough nutrients for you and your baby. The fat accumulated during pregnancy is used to produce milk, so breastfeeding in itself will help you shed those extra pounds.

If your weight changes by more than 1 kg per week, check if you are eating a healthy and balanced diet and adjust if necessary. You can also ask your doctor for advice.

How can I find time to prepare healthy meals?

Having devoted yourself to feeding a child, you can forget about your own nutrition. However, it is important to ensure that your diet does not consist only of sweets and cookies. Of course, sweet snacks are easy and quick, but they do not bring any benefit to your body.

Opt for quick yet nutritious meals like scrambled eggs with spinach or fried chicken with brown rice. Oatmeal is great for breakfast, as it provides a slow release of energy from grains and soluble dietary fiber, which is what you need to restore strength in the morning after a night of breastfeeding.

Store pre-cut fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator for light snacks, or carry unsalted nuts in your bag. It's much easier than peeling tangerines with one hand while holding a baby with the other.

Should I drink more water while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can make you thirsty, so it's important to drink enough water. A person needs six to eight glasses of fluid a day, and even more if breastfeeding. ⁶ Make it a habit to drink a glass of water, milk or fruit juice without sugar every time you feed your baby.

I love coffee. Do I need to quit caffeine?

Coffee, like everything you eat or drink, passes into your breast milk, so it is advisable to limit your intake while breastfeeding. Legal coffee limits vary by country, but the average recommendation is not to exceed 200-300 mg of caffeine per day (300 mg is equivalent to two cups of filtered coffee or four cups of tea). Talk to your doctor about the acceptable amount of coffee consumption for you. Also, don't forget that caffeine is found in cola and energy drinks, and a small bar of dark chocolate can contain up to 50 mg. ⁷

If I eat a varied diet, will my baby be less picky?

Breast milk has the flavor of everything you eat. ⁸ Therefore, if you eat a variety of foods during breastfeeding, giving your baby different tastes to try, he may like them in the future.

If you like spicy and spicy foods, there is no reason to refuse them while breastfeeding. When my first child was born, I ate a lot of spicy food. When my daughter was two years old, we went to Sri Lanka, coincidence or not, but she ate absolutely everything.

Can something in my diet not be suitable for a child?

At an early age, babies often suffer from colic or are picky eaters, so mothers naturally wonder if their diet is causing this. Probably not. Studies show that the proportion of children who are allergic to any component of breast milk is only slightly more than 1%. ⁹ Cow's milk, eggs, corn, and soy proteins in moms' diets are much more likely to cause allergic reactions than spicy foods, hot sauces, or cruciferous vegetables, which moms usually worry about.

If your baby is allergic to substances in your milk, it can cause profuse vomiting, rash, bloody stools, or prolonged constipation. If your baby has an intolerance to any food, you will notice symptoms such as moodiness and crying after feeding, burping, diarrhea, or the baby will press his knees to his chest. Contact your doctor if something is bothering you. He may suggest eliminating certain foods for a couple of weeks, and then see if the child's behavior changes after eating them again.

You can also keep a food diary: write down everything you eat and drink, as well as your child's symptoms, and you may notice some patterns. However, before cutting out any foods, such as dairy, always check with your doctor, as it's important to know that you're getting the nutrients you need from other sources. Depending on where you live, you will be referred to a nutritionist or other specialist.

Does a vegetarian diet affect breast milk?

If you are getting enough calories and all the nutrients your body needs (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals), then you have nothing to worry about. A vegetarian or vegan diet requires plenty of vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids while breastfeeding, so opt for foods and supplements that provide you with these essential nutrients.

If you are on a vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic, or other special diet, you may need additional medical advice to make sure you are getting all the nutrients your baby needs.

Literature

1 National Health Service (NHS) [Internet]. Burnley, UK: Department of Health; 2018. Should pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid some types of fish?; 2015 Jul 06 [cited 2018 Apr 12]; Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/should-pregnant-and-breastfeeding-women-avoid-some-types-of-fish. aspx - National Health Service (NHS) [Internet]. Burnley, UK: Department of Health; 2018. "Should a pregnant and lactating woman refrain from eating certain types of fish?"; July 6, 2015 [cited April 12, 2018]; See article on site https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/should-pregnant-and-breastfeeding-women-avoid-some-types-of-fish.aspx

2 Oberhelman SS et al. Maternal vitamin D supplementation to improve the vitamin D status of breast-fed infants: a randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clin Proc. 2013;88(12):1378–1387. - Oberhelman S.S. et al., Introduction of Vitamin D to the Diet of Nursing Mothers to Increase Vitamin D in children: a randomized controlled trial. Mayo Klin Prok. 2013;88(12):1378–1387. : effects on the mother and the fetus. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194(4):937-945. - Thomas M., Weisman S. M., "Calcium supplementation during pregnancy and lactation: effects on the mother and on the fetus". Am J Obstet Ginekol (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology). 2006;194(4):937-945.

4 Pitt et al Reduced risk of peanut sensitization following exposure through breast-feeding and early peanut introduction. J Allergy Clinic Immunol. 2018;141(2):620-625. e 1 - Pitt et al., "Reducing the Risk of Peanut Allergy by Introducing Peanuts into the Breastfeeding Mother's Diet and as a Baby's First Food." G Allergy Clean Immunol. 2018;141(2):620-625.e1

5 Dewey KG. Energy and protein requirements during lactation. Annu Rev Nutr. 1997 Jul;17(1):19-36. - Dewey K. J., "Energy and Protein Requirements During Lactation". Anna Rev Nutr . 1997 Jul;17(1):19-36.

6 Food Standards Agency (FSA) [Internet]. London, UK: Crown copyright 2002. Eating for breastfeeding; [cited 2018 Apr 13]; Available from: https://www.food.gov.uk - Food Standards Agency (FSA) [Internet]. London, UK: State Copyright 2002. "Eat to feed" [cited April 13, 2018]. See article on https://www.food.gov.uk

7 National Health Service (NHS) [Internet]. Burnley, UK: Department of Health; 2018. Breastfeeding and diet; 2016 Jan 29 [cited 2018 Apr 12]; Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/breastfeeding-diet - National Health Service (NHS) [Internet]. Burnley, UK: Department of Health 2018. Breastfeeding and Diet; 29 January 2016 [cited 12 April 2018] See article at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy -and-baby/breastfeeding-diet

8 Mennella JA et al. A. et al., Prenatal and postnatal recognition of odors in children. Pediatrix (Pediatrics). 2001;107(6):e88.

9 Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM clinical protocol# 24: allergic proctocolitis in the exclusively breastfed infant. Breastfeed Med . 2011;6(6). - Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. "AVM Clinical Protocol #24: Allergic Proctocolitis in an Exclusively Breastfed Child". Brestfeed Med (Breastfeeding Medicine). 2011;6(6).

Flatulence in children: help and treatment

Increased flatulence is a problem that accompanies almost all babies in the first weeks of life. This is due to the fact that the baby's body is just being formed. Adapting to life outside the mother's belly is not an easy task.

Dry initial milk formula adapted by Valio Baby 1 NutriValio for feeding children from birth to 6 months Read more

Intestinal flatulence is often confused with baby colic. From a medical point of view, there is no “equal” sign between these phenomena, from a practical point of view, they are, in general, one and the same. When a child is worried about flatulence, he becomes naughty, cries loudly, kicks his legs and refuses to eat. The baby is worried about sharp pains in the abdomen. Premature babies suffer from them more often than those born at term. Their digestive system is even more immature, and the musculature of the walls of the stomach and intestines is very poorly developed. Like colic, bloating begins to bother babies from birth, but significantly decreases (or completely disappears) by 3-4 months, when the child gets stronger.

Causes of flatulence in infants

Aerophagy. This is the name given to the swallowing of air during feeding. The child may take the nipple or breast incorrectly, cry during feeding, rush, the mother may hold the bottle incorrectly. As a result, the baby “grabs” air, which enters the intestines and causes the formation of gases. Therefore, it is very important to establish the correct feeding process.

Immaturity of microflora. The baby is still very small, his body is just learning to work, the microbiocenosis (microflora) has not formed. Flatulence will pass with age. If the problem is tormenting an older baby, pay attention to the child's reaction to complementary foods or changing the mixture. If the baby is unwell, consult a doctor to alleviate his condition.

Diet of a nursing mother. Gas in the baby's intestines can be caused by foods that the mother ate. A nursing woman needs to be more careful about her diet. It is worth using dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, cabbage, yeast bread, pastries, nuts with caution. It is better to avoid carbonated drinks altogether.

Untimely bowel movements. Under such conditions, gases accumulate, this gives the baby more and more discomfort.

How to help a baby with flatulence?

Help the baby empty the intestines. Effective massage of the tummy (make circular movements around the navel clockwise), gymnastics (press the baby’s legs bent at the knees to his tummy, then straighten them), a warm bath will help (it’s good to add a decoction of chamomile or string). If mild methods don't work, you can use an enema or a gas tube. Remember that you need to act very carefully!

With flatulence, children's teas with medicinal herbs - fennel, chamomile, dill, anise and cumin help. You can buy dill water in the pharmacy in the drug production department (keep in mind that it is stored in the refrigerator and no more than 10 days).

To prevent gas formation, make sure that the baby eats in a calm environment, not distracted, not in a hurry. Before feeding the baby, it is useful to put it on the tummy for 5 minutes (this is a kind of massage). After the baby has eaten, hold it with a “column” so that excess air comes out with a burp.

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