12/03/2025
Mamas-to-be, you have enough on your mind without worrying about a complicated diet list. If you plan to breastfeed, here's the good news: you don't need to follow rigid, specific diet requirements.
According to certified lactation consultant and nurse Shanna James from Telfair BirthPlace, the key is simply eating a well-rounded, balanced diet. Skip the fast food marathon and focus on nourishing your body.
Breastfeeding burns tons of energy—seriously, James compares it to running a marathon! Here are her simple tips for keeping your body fueled and hydrated:
💠Eat to Hunger, Drink to Thirst: Listen to your body.
💠Top Picks: Incorporate oatmeal, flax seeds, and lean proteins.
💠Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water! Coconut water is a great extra boost.
💠Rest Up! Getting adequate rest is just as important as your diet.
💠Take Your Prenatal: Continue taking your daily prenatal vitamin for extra nutrients.
❌ A Word on Calories: Now is NOT the time to cut calories. To support milk production, aim for 1,800 to 2,000 calories per day, depending on your activity level.
☕ Caffeine, Alcohol, and Spicy Food—What’s Okay? 🍷
You don't have to give up everything! It’s all about moderation and planning:
👉Caffeine: Aim for less than 300 mg per day. (About 2-3 standard cups of coffee).
👉Alcohol: Stick to one drink per day, and wait 2-3 hours before breastfeeding. BIG RULE: If you feel "warm and fuzzy" or wouldn't be able to drive, do not breastfeed.
👉Spicy Food: Your body is amazing at filtering things out! Spicy food won't make your milk spicy. However, if you notice your baby is irritable or has an upset tummy after you eat something, it might be worth cutting back on that food.
"Breastfeeding isn’t about giving up X, Y and Z. You can still do all those things, you just have to plan for it," says James.
James highly recommends taking a breastfeeding education class before the baby arrives. It gives you a great baseline knowledge of what to expect and sets you up for success!
Learn more and sign up for the Telfair BirthPlace’s monthly breastfeeding education class here: https://www.sjchs.org/resource-hub/blogs/blog-detail/living-smart-blog/2023/11/09/do-i-need-to-follow-a-specific-diet-while-breastfeeding