Pizza is a staple food enjoyed by many, but can you indulge in a slice while breastfeeding?
The short answer: yes, you can!
However, as a breastfeeding mother, you may have concerns about how your diet affects your baby’s health. In this article, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of enjoying pizza while breastfeeding, as well as provide tips for making a healthy and safe pizza at home. So, let’s dig in and satisfy those pizza cravings!
Importance of a Balanced Diet
While breastfeeding, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet to provide your baby with all the necessary nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. Eating a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, can help you achieve this.
Avoiding certain foods that can be acidic or cause gas in the baby can also help prevent discomfort for both you and the baby.
Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
In addition to the unsafe food items such as raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs, it’s essential to avoid consuming too much caffeine and alcohol while breastfeeding. These substances can pass through breast milk and affect your baby’s sleep patterns and development.
Nutritional Needs While Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding, it’s essential to meet your own nutritional needs as well as your baby’s. You need an additional 500-600 calories per day to produce enough milk for your baby. It’s also important to consume enough calcium, iron, and vitamin D to maintain your own health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help you meet your nutritional needs while breastfeeding.
Nutritional Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
| Nutritional Needs | Daily Recommended Amount | Recommended Foods |
| Calories | Additional 450-500 calories | Lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products |
| Protein | Additional 25 grams | Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu |
| Calcium | Additional 1000 milligrams | Low-fat dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods |
| Iron | Additional 9 milligrams | Lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, fortified cereals |
| Folate | Additional 500 micrograms | Dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, lentils, fortified cereals |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Additional 200-300 milligrams | Fatty fish (such as salmon and tuna), nuts, seeds, fortified foods |
Why Restaurant Pizza Is Not Good for Breastfeeding Mom.
Here are some factors:
- The rate of digestion of pizza. (It could be an hour or two before you digest the pizza, so your baby may not getting affected.)
- The ingredients used. (Alcohol is a known irritant to the digestive system. Restaurants pizza dough often uses beer. )
- The type of pizza you’re interested in eating. (Frozen pizza is not recommended; the cheese and crust are extremely high in acidity.)
What else might be on the pizza? (Stir fried vegetables, oil and pepperoni may irritate your baby’s sensitive digestive tract. Cheese may be somewhat supportive, but it’s still a high fat food which can be irritating to the baby’s intestine.)
This however does not mean you can’t have pizza while breastfeeding. You can make your own pizza at home so that you can go light on your pizza sauce.
Also, use a low-fat cheese as this will help you stay within the recommended daily amount of fat for your baby.
However, if your baby is allergic to any kind of dairy it would be best to not have cheese while breastfeeding.
Making Healthy Pizza at Home
If you’re craving pizza while breastfeeding, you can make a healthy version at home. Using whole wheat crust, low-fat cheese, and plenty of vegetables can make pizza a healthy and delicious option. You can also try adding protein sources like chicken or shrimp for added nutrition. If you’re concerned about the acidity of tomato sauce, you can try a white pizza or a pesto sauce instead.
Here is a list of safe items to consider having on your pizza which will not be acidic for breast milk:
- Low-fat mozzarella cheese
- Low fat feta cheese
I would also like to add a list of unsafe items to consider having on your pizza which may be acidic and cause your baby discomfort or even pain. They are:
- Tomatoes -enjoy it as a side item, not on your pizza.
- Pineapple or any other fruit or vegetable which is acidic in milk .
- Cherry tomatoes in tomato sauce or other sauces that contain mainly tomatoes
- Vegetables like eggplant, green peppers, and mushrooms. These vegetables are considered acidic for breast milk.
- Heavy cream and/or butter which are high in fat and may be irritating to the stomach.
- Pepperoni, spicy sausage, or any fatty meats (due to the oil that may be used to fry the pepperoni.)
This list is not all inclusive and the items mentioned may vary from baby to baby.
No one can tell you for sure whether or not you can eat pizza while breastfeeding. You have to decide for yourself if it is safe to do so. You can use a thin layer of sauce and a small amount of cheese (as opposed to using thick sauce and loads of cheese).
Breastfeeding and Weight Loss
If you’re a breastfeeding mom, losing weight may be a concern, but it’s crucial to do it safely and healthily. Don’t even think about crash dieting or starving yourself – not only can they tank your milk supply, but they’re terrible for your health. Instead, aim to make nutritious food choices and get active to support your weight loss journey while keeping your milk supply strong.
FAQ
Can I Eat Pizza While Breastfeeding?
Yes, you can eat pizza while breastfeeding. However, it’s important to make sure that the pizza is made with healthy ingredients and in moderation. Avoid toppings like raw meat and unpasteurized cheese that could cause foodborne illnesses, and limit your intake of acidic foods that could upset your baby’s stomach.
How long does food stay in breastmilk?
The length of time that food stays in breastmilk can vary depending on the type of food and the mother’s metabolism. Generally, it takes about 2-3 hours for food to be digested and show up in breastmilk. However, some substances, like caffeine, can take longer to clear from breastmilk.
Can a mother drink Coke while breastfeeding?
Yes, a mother can drink Coke while breastfeeding. However, it’s important to consume it in moderation, as excessive amounts of caffeine can lead to irritability and sleeplessness in both the mother and baby. Additionally, the high sugar content of soda can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
Can I eat pepperoni postpartum?
Yes, you can eat pepperoni postpartum. However, it’s important to choose high-quality pepperoni that is free from preservatives and additives. Additionally, it’s recommended to limit your intake of spicy or acidic foods, as they can cause discomfort for some babies.
Does pizza cause gas in breastfed babies?
Pizza itself may not cause gas in breastfed babies, but some of the ingredients commonly used in pizza, such as dairy and spicy toppings, can cause gas and discomfort in some babies. If you notice that your baby is experiencing discomfort after you eat pizza, try eliminating certain ingredients or reducing your intake of pizza.
Note: This article is not meant to replace proper medical advice from a qualified doctor. Please keep in mind that these are guidelines. If further questions about your breastmilk allergies or your babies diet are needed, please seek the advice of a medical professional.
This is meant to provide a brief overview of how pizza, while breastfeeding, can be incorporated into your diet. It is not meant to take the place of medical advice or diagnosis. If you have further questions about the safety of eating pizza and your baby’s dietary needs, you should seek out the advice of a medical professional.
You may also like to read:
Can I Eat Noodles While Breastfeeding?
Here are more breastfeeding tips that will make breastfeeding enjoyable.
