It seems there is always a new diet that becomes “trendy” or popular in the media, many of which tout “healthier” or “clean” eating. It is important to consider that such diets may have negative effects on the pregnant mother or her developing child.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. As such, the safety of caffeine-containing drinks during lactation can raise a lot of questions for new mothers. Post-partum fatigue and frequent sleep interruptions while caring for a new baby can lead moms to seek out energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages to help with alertness during the day.

For most lactating mothers with ADHD, the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks of concurrent treatment with stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medications. Few patients with ADHD require management that may be a contraindication to breastfeeding.

The nutritional imbalances and potential foodborne illnesses from homemade infant formula could be life-threatening. For mothers who are unable to provide breast milk for their infants, commercial infant formulas are the safest alternative.

Vitamin K is an essential intervention recommended for all newborns to prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), and has been part of newborn care since 1961. Unfortunately, parental refusal of neonatal vitamin K has been increasing. Furthermore, higher refusal rates are associated with an increase in cases of VKDB and intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), which can be life-threatening or result in neurological impairment. Before delaying or refusing the vitamin K injection, consider the horrible outcomes of this decision.

While this issue has come to the forefront in light of the question of COVID-19 vaccination, it is the same dilemma we have with almost every new drug with regard to pregnancy and lactation. We agree with the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s mantra: it’s time we protected these women through research, not from it.