Which additives & preservatives can be harmful during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?

When you're pregnant and after you've given birth to your baby, you want to have a diet that will support the health and development of your child. It’s important to ensure that what we eat and drink doesn't negatively impact the health of ourselves or our precious new babies. Children can potentially be affected by additives, leading to unsettledness, mood swings, temper tantrums, poor concentration and sleeping problems. By making sure to follow a sound regimen to support your growing baby and staying away from harmful substances is a common goal in most pregnancies. The majority of people are aware of the importance of avoiding tobacco, illegal drugs, and alcohol, but there are other harmful substances that deserve to be equally evaded that are not as widely discussed, but they should be!

Photo courtesy of Precious Little One

What are some of the food additives and preservatives to avoid during pregnancy or while breastfeeding your baby?

Some of these foods include:

• Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO Foods
  Although GMO foods are widely available; they are known to provide side effects such as allergies, nutritional problems and diseases. It is best to buy and consume organic products rather than to consume any GMO products.
• Pesticides
  Pesticides are commonly used on crops that are being sold commercially. Pesticides can have a dangerous effect on foetuses, especially during the development stages. Exposure to pesticides could lead to future health issues such as breathing difficulties, neurological defects and childhood Leukaemia.
• Artificial sweeteners
  The problem with artificial sweeteners is that they contain chemicals that the body doesn’t recognise. When the body tries to metabolise them, they can lead to health problems such as headaches, dizziness and strokes.
• MSG (Monosodium glutamate)
  MSG is a common component in processed food products. It acts as a flavour enhancer; which is commonly found in soups, snacks, seasonings & premade, takeaway salads or meals.

What approach should mothers have to food additives and preservatives during pregnancy?

Maintaining a healthy diet is extremely important during pregnancy and whilst mothers are breastfeeding their children. And what the mothers consume does pass through breast milk to children, so it's always ideal to consume as much fresh organic food and drink products as you can find and become a label checker – it takes a few minutes longer at the supermarket to check new products before buying to make sure they’re free of any preservatives and additives.

At Yummy Mummy Food Company, we’re really passionate about providing mothers with convenient foods which are natural and preservative free to help the healthy development of their baby and our entire cookie range is free of preservatives and additives that could potentially risk the health of you and your baby. Click here to view our cookie range and to find out how our cookies may assist with the development of your breast-milk and the nutritional development of your baby.