Pregnancy can feel like you're just following a giant list of no-nos, but so can breastfeeding. You have to monitor how much you drink,make sure to replace skipped feedings with pumping to maintain your milk supply, and schedule your cigarette breaks around your nursing routine. Many moms even worry that what they eat will affect their baby, especially spicy meals like hot wings or jalapeños. So can you eat spicy food while breastfeeding or are you free to throw the cayenne pepper all over your meal?
It's one of the most asked questions pertaining to breastfeeding and, apparently, it shouldn't be. KellyMom noted that while some strong flavors, like garlic, have been known to pass into the breast milk, there is no evidence that those who eat spicy foods have gassy, fussy, or upset babies. In fact, KellyMom suggested that there are no foods you have to avoid while breastfeeding, not even your favorite spicy meal. Unless you notice an obvious reaction in your little one after eating certain foods, anything and everything is fair game.
According to Baby Center, enjoying spicy food could possibly influence your breast milk a small amount, but your baby might like the varied taste and even breastfeed more than usual. The only thing to keep in mind, the website noted, is if spicy food causes you discomfort or heartburn, then you might want to take a break. But as far as it negatively affecting your baby or your breast milk? Not so much.
If you feel like your baby is having problems after you eat spicy food, Parents noted that you should check on your baby's stools. Dr. Paula Meier told Parents that it is very, very rare for a baby to develop an issue because of their mother's breast milk. Fussiness and gassiness in babies can be caused by a wide variety of things, so don't start cutting your favorite foods out of your diet just to solve an issue. If you love your spicy food, enjoy, so that you can be happy and continue breastfeeding successfully.
