What to avoid eating while breastfeeding?

* Alcohol: Alcohol can pass into your breast milk and affect your baby's behavior, sleep, and development.

* Caffeine: Caffeine can also pass into your breast milk and lead to irritability, sleep problems, and other issues in your baby.

* Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can both affect your baby's sleep.

* Fish high in mercury: Mercury is a heavy metal that can damage your baby's nervous system. Fish that are high in mercury include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tuna steak.

* Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs: These foods can contain harmful bacteria that can make your baby sick.

* Unpasteurized milk and juice: Unpasteurized milk and juice can contain harmful bacteria that can make your baby sick.

* Certain herbs and spices: Some herbs and spices, such as garlic, onion, and peppermint, can change the taste of your breast milk and cause your baby to refuse to nurse.

* Allergenic foods: If you have a family history of food allergies, you may want to avoid eating foods that are common allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and cow's milk.

* Foods that cause you to feel sick: If you eat a food that makes you feel sick, it is possible that your baby will also feel sick.

You should also avoid any food that your baby is allergic to. If you are unsure whether or not a food is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating it.

Your doctor or a registered dietitian can provide you with more information on what to avoid eating while breastfeeding.