Gentle guidance from a Lactation Professional & IYCF Specialist

Every breastfeeding mother hears a list of “Do not eat this” and “Only eat that.”
Most of these rules are emotional, cultural, or passed down through generations but not scientific.

Let’s clear the confusion so you can enjoy your meals without fear or guilt.

🌼 Myth 1: “Eating ‘cold foods’ causes cold in the baby.”

Truth:

Breastmilk cannot transfer infections or “coldness.”

Babies get colds from viruses, not from your fruits, curd, or vegetables.
Go ahead and eat your:
✔ curd
✔ banana
✔ citrus fruits
✔ cucumbers

They do NOT cause illness in your baby.

🌼 Myth 2: “Breastfeeding moms should avoid spices.”

Truth:

You do not need a bland diet.
Mild spices are absolutely safe.

Babies exposed to mom’s flavorful breastmilk often:
✔ accept solids better
✔ enjoy spices early
✔ become less picky eaters

Avoid only if YOU feel discomfort not because of the baby.

🌼 Myth 3: “Mothers must avoid gassy foods like chana, rajma, cabbage, or onions.”

Truth:

Gas in YOUR stomach does NOT become gas in baby.

Breastmilk is made from your blood, not from your stomach contents.
So you can safely eat your:
✔ beans
✔ cabbage
✔ cauliflower
✔ onions

Your digestive gas does not reach breastmilk.

🌼 Myth 4: “Coffee and tea must be completely avoided.”

Truth:

Moderate caffeine is safe.

WHO & AAP allow 300 mg/day, equal to:
✔ 1–2 cups coffee
✔ 2–3 cups tea

Only avoid if baby becomes unusually fussy but this is rare.

🌼 Myth 5: “Mothers must drink milk to produce milk.”

Truth:

Milk does NOT increase breastmilk.

Hydration does.
Your body produces milk even if you never drink cow’s milk.

If you like milk, drink it.
If you don’t, skip guilt.

🌼 Myth 6: “Eating sweets increases milk supply.”

Truth:

No food instantly increases supply not sweets, laddoos, or ghee.

Milk supply depends on:
✔ frequent feeding/pumping
✔ good latch
✔ emptying the breast
✔ hormones

Sweets increase calories, not milk.

🌼 Myth 7: “You must avoid eating fish or non-veg while breastfeeding.”

Truth:

Fish, chicken, and eggs are excellent sources of protein.

Just avoid:
❌ high-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel)

Otherwise, a normal non-veg diet is perfectly safe.

🌼 Myth 8: “What the mother eats directly causes colic in the baby.”

Truth:

Colic happens due to:

• immature digestive system
• overstimulation
• growth
• temperament

It is rarely caused by maternal diet.

Only 2 foods occasionally cause sensitivity:
✔ dairy
✔ soy

And even this is uncommon.

🌼 Myth 9: “You must drink huge amounts of water to make milk.”

Truth:

Your body needs normal hydration, not gallons.

Drinking excess water can cause:
❌ bloating
❌ nausea
❌ decreased milk supply (Yes overhydration can reduce letdown!)

Drink when thirsty.
Not more, not less.

🌼 Myth 10: “You need a special postnatal diet; normal food is not enough.”

Truth:

Your regular home food is perfect.

Simple daily foods provide:
✔ carbohydrates
✔ proteins
✔ iron
✔ calcium
✔ vitamins

You do NOT need expensive supplements unless medically advised.

🌼 Myth 11: “Ghee increases milk supply.”

Truth:

Ghee is nutritious, but it does not increase milk.

It supports:
✔ skin healing
✔ energy
✔ joint health

But supply depends on breast emptying, not ghee.

🌼 Myth 12: “Breastfeeding mothers should avoid leafy vegetables.”

Truth:

Green leafy vegetables are rich in:

• iron
• calcium
• folate

They GIVE nutrition; they do not cause “gas” in breastmilk.

🌼 Myth 13: “Eating mangoes or jackfruit gives stomach upset to baby.”

Truth:

These foods are completely safe.

If YOU tolerate them well, your baby will too.

🌼 Myth 14: “You must eat for two.”

Truth:

Breastfeeding increases only 400–500 calories per day.

Eating “double” leads to:
❌ unnecessary weight gain
❌ sluggish digestion
❌ fatigue

Eat balanced, not excessive.

🌼 Myth 15: “Breastfeeding mothers cannot diet.”

Truth:

Strict dieting is not recommended,
but healthy weight loss is completely safe.

Focus on:
✔ protein
✔ fruits
✔ vegetables
✔ whole grains
✔ gentle exercise

Milk supply does NOT drop with mindful nutrition.

💛 A Gentle Message for You

Your diet during breastfeeding should feel nourishing, comforting, and joyful — not restricted or fearful.

You don’t need to follow 10,000 rules.
You only need to listen to:
✔ your hunger
✔ your comfort
✔ your body
✔ your baby

As your lactation professional, I want you to know:
A well-fed mother makes well-fed milk.
You are doing beautifully, mama. 🤍

Disclaimer

The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.