Last Reviewed: August 2011
Your Questions Answered
Questions about you
Eating and drinking habits
What kind of foods should I be eating when I am breastfeeding? Are there foods I should not be eating?
While you are breastfeeding you are using an extra 350-400 calories per day. The amount of extra food you should eat would be about two to three Food Guide servings a day. For example choose an apple and four crackers with cheese. Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods will keep your energy up. As a breastfeeding mother, you can enjoy the same foods and drinks that you are used to having. There are no special foods to avoid or that help breastfeeding. You should eat and drink according to your appetite and thirst. Most babies will not be bothered by a particular food. The only exception would be if your baby has food allergies/sensitivities, which is rare. See Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide (
PDF file, 552 KB) for more information.
Can I drink alcohol while I'm breastfeeding?
Having an occasional alcoholic beverage has not been shown to be harmful to a breastfed infant. It is known that alcohol can be present in breast milk. Excessive use of alcohol can affect milk flow and can have harmful effects on your baby such as poor motor development, changes in sleep patterns, low milk intake and a risk of low blood sugar.
You can pump or hand express milk ahead of time if you are attending an event where you are likely to have several drinks. Breast pumping (or hand expression) may be needed for relief if you have missed any feedings. See Expressing your breastmilk.
NOTE: It is not recommended that anyone drink alcohol excessively because of the risk of neglect or injury to a child.
Mocktail Recipes: Delicious Alcohol-free drinks
For more information on the risk and safety of medications, herbs, diseases and more during pregnancy and lactation see
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Questions about your baby
