How does Food pass through Breastmilk?
My friend was recently telling me about her breastfeeding escapades. One day, when her daughter was 4 months old, she had a very bad craving for durian. So, she bought a box and ate about 10 pieces.
A few hours later, post breastfeeding her daughter, her daughter’s mouth smelt like durian. She was surprised and got her husband to smell her daughter’s mouth and it did smell like durian.
She also realised her milk supply increased post-consuming the durian. This shows that durian is a milk increasing galactagogue for her. Galactagogues are substances believed to help increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers and this varies from women to women.
One thing my friend realised is that post the durian consumption, her daughter’s milk intake increased drastically. She would wake up every 2 hours at night to drink the milk. If she does not get her milk supply, she cries out loud.
And my friend realised, she has a durian monster at home!
a. How does the taste and scent of food transfer to the breast milk?
When a mother eats certain foods especially strongly flavoured ones, the aromatic compounds enter the bloodstream and subsequently the breast milk. This will subtly change the milk’s smell and taste.
Some of the common foods that influence breast milk are:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Spices (e.g., curry, cumin)
- Mint
- Vanilla
- Alcohol
- Some fruits and vegetables (e.g., carrots, citrus)
b. Does the change in breast milk taste and scent affects the intake?
Yes – some of the changes observed are:
- Many babies increase their suckling time and drink more milk if the mother has more garlic.
- Exposure to many different flavours through milk may cause babies to be more open to different foods when they start weaning.
c. Is it harmful for breast milk to have these changes in taste and scent?
No. Flavour changes in breast milk are normal and safe. The only exceptions are if:
- The baby has a food allergy, though allergies are rarely passed through breast milk.
- The parent notices the baby is unusually fussy or cranky after a specific food.
- Some babies who are sensitive may develop colic.
d. What passes into breastmilk?
- Actual odours in the air (like cooking smells or perfumes) do not pass into breastmilk.
- Only digestible compounds from foods eaten such as garlic, onion, spices, vanilla, mint, and herbs can enter the milk.
- Fat soluble nutrients like vitamin A, D, E, K can enter the milk.
- Certain foods like dairy, spicy foods, cruciferous veggies and beans can cause children to become fussier.
e. Does medication and supplements pass through breast milk?
Yes, they do.
- Prescription medicines like Panadol, antibiotics and BP medication can pass through the breast milk.
- Herbal supplements and high dose vitamins do pass through breast milk as well.
- Breastfeeding is to be stopped immediately if a mother takes chemotherapy drugs, immune suppressing drugs, hormonal drugs and recreational drugs like cocaine.
f. How about coffee – does it pass through breast milk?
Yes, it does.
- Sources of caffeine are coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda and chocolate
- Small amounts do not cause much effect to the baby but too much caffeine may cause the baby to be irritable and have trouble sleeping.
- General guideline: limit to about 1–2 cups of coffee a day.
g. How about alcohol – does it pass through breast milk?
Yes, it does.
- This can affect’s baby’s sleep and development.
- Guideline: Wait at least 2–3 hours per drink before breastfeeding. Pumping does not remove alcohol faster—time does.
All in all, during breastfeeding it is important to monitor baby’s behaviour when certain new foods are taken. It is also observed that certain foods especially herbal supplements can trigger rashes or small bumps on a child’s skin. This is a normal occurrence and it is nothing to worry about.
