Abstinence for Breastfeeding Mothers Important to Know

Not only pregnant women who have restrictions, it turns out there are also restrictions for nursing mothers. Abstinence from breastfeeding mothers needs to be considered to prevent the effects of breast milk given to the baby. If abstinence from breastfeeding is not carried out, it can pose risks for both mother and baby. To support a good breastfeeding process and for the smooth flow of breastfeeding, there are some things that breastfeeding mothers need to avoid.

Mother's Abstinence from Breastfeeding to Avoid

Here are some restrictions on nursing mothers who should be considered and as much as possible avoided:

• Cigarette

Nursing mothers should not smoke because it can cause the baby to be exposed to nicotine. Not only from the smoke released, nicotine is also possible to enter into breast milk. In addition to causing health problems in infants, exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The possibility of babies experiencing nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea can also occur because nursing mothers smoke. Smoking can also cause decreased milk production.

• Alcoholic beverages

When nursing mothers consume alcoholic beverages, these substances can enter the milk given to babies. The aroma and taste of breast milk will change. This will affect the consumption pattern of breast milk by the baby, while affecting the baby's sleep patterns. In addition, a study proves, beer can reduce milk production, because beer inhibits the reflex to issue milk (milk ejection reflex) when the baby is sucking on the nipple. The amount of alcoholic beverages that can be tolerated is 10-20 milliliters or 8 grams of pure alcohol contained in drinks per week. Wait for about two hours after consuming alcoholic drinks before breastfeeding. Even so, it would be safer if breastfeeding mothers really abstain from consuming alcoholic drinks.

• Fish with high mercury content

Although the nutritional content of fish is high, almost all fish contain mercury. This pollutant is very dangerous because it is toxic to the nerves of the body. Fish that are in the upper food chain in the marine ecosystem will prey on fellow marine animals, including small fish that also contain mercury. These fish generally contain higher mercury. Among these are tuna, swordfish (swordfish), and sharks. For salmon, tuna, shrimp, or other types of fish that are classified as low in mercury, it should be consumed only about twice per week.

• Certain fruits and vegetables

Some types of fruits and vegetables are thought to trigger allergies and make babies fussy, so it becomes taboo for nursing mothers. For example beans, soybeans, wheat, corn, onions, and cabbage. In addition, some breastfeeding mothers complain about the effects of fruits such as lemon, lime, strawberry, kiwi, and pineapple. Also vegetables such as broccoli, cucumber, pepper, garlic, and cinnamon spices. If the baby shows symptoms of allergies, such as diarrhea, eczema, respiratory problems, there is a possibility this happens as a reaction to food consumed by nursing mothers. To find out for sure, keep a diary of the food and drinks of nursing mothers. If the baby shows a reaction, avoid these foods for some time. However, there is no need to design a special diet. What is important, choose foods and drinks that can make mothers and babies healthy.

• Caffeine

Caffeine does not only come from coffee, but also tea and colas. The caffeine taken by nursing mothers will go into breast milk, so there is a possibility it can cause the baby to stay awake. Although there is no definitive proof that caffeine is definitely a problem, some mothers attribute the consumption of caffeine to the symptoms of colic, or difficulty sleeping in infants.

• Herbal medicines

Medicines consumed by nursing mothers should be consulted beforehand to the doctor, including herbal medicines. Until now, some herbal medicines are still not certain of the safety and possible side effects.

Abstinence from breastfeeding mothers should be considered carefully. If there are difficulties during breastfeeding, consult your obstetrician to get appropriate treatment.