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Is Chinese food safe for breast feeding mothers?

Dr Sangeeta Saxena
Assistant Commissioner (Child Health), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Govternment of India

Q: I am a 26 years old breast feeding mother. I take Chinese food once in a week or two. I have heard that most of the Chinese food contains ajinomoto. Is it true that ajinomoto is not good for health? Will taking Chinese food affect my baby? What is an ideal diet for breast feeding mothers?

A:The Chinese are still alive. They are a living proof of the fact that ajinomoto day in and day out will not kill you instantly. You can take Chinese food once a week. Even though ajinomoto has been known to be carcinogenic, there are so may other things like traces of pesticides in our foods. You need to eat 300 calories over and above your third trimester pregnancy requirements of food. That means good eating. You should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of your babys life.