Scientists believe that a mom's diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding not only has immediate benefits or risks to the baby but can also influence their future eating habits [1]. This is how it happens.
From plate to breast milk: how does it happen?
When a mom eats, food is broken down in her stomach and intestines and absorbed into the bloodstream. This blood reaches the capillaries in the breast, where substances enter the alveoli and mix into the milk.
This is why nursing moms should avoid alcohol and certain medications.
When does food affect milk taste?
The taste of food starts affecting milk after a couple of hours and can last all day.
If mom eats certain foods, like garlic or vanilla buns, for several days, the taste can stay in the milk for a few days. If she ate them throughout pregnancy, the odors might remain in the milk for 1 to 4 months [1].
Does mom's diet affect the density and fat content of milk?
Apparently not. The foremilk is always more watery, while the hindmilk is thicker and fattier [2].
Could a baby refuse to nurse if mom eats something unfamiliar?
Unlikely. Milk is still milk, and the baby needs it. However, strong flavors in mom's diet can change the baby's feeding behavior. Babies who get milk with different flavors tend to suck longer and more willingly [1].
The more flavors a baby experiences through breast milk in the first 6 months, the more interested they will be in trying different foods later [2].
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