I'm a new mom and have just started breastfeeding. If I avoid certain foods during this time, can I lessen my daughter's risk of developing food allergies?
– Chemera

Doctors do not recommend avoiding foods while breastfeeding to prevent the development of food allergies. Recent studies have not found a lower risk of allergies in children whose mothers restricted their diets during breastfeeding.

However, if your baby already has a food allergy (like a milk allergy), you should avoid that food while you breastfeed. Proteins from the food can pass through your breast milk and cause allergy symptoms in your baby.

Studies are ongoing to see if eating particular foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding could offer some protection from food allergies.