Can I eat sushi while breastfeeding?

Can I Eat Sushi While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether it’s safe to eat sushi while breastfeeding is one that many new mothers ponder, especially after months of dietary restrictions during pregnancy. The good news is that, generally speaking, sushi can be a part of a breastfeeding mother’s diet, but there are important considerations to keep in mind.
Quality and Source Matter
One of the primary concerns when it comes to consuming sushi is the quality of the fish. It’s crucial to choose sushi from reputable sources, such as well-reviewed restaurants or trusted grocery stores. This ensures that the fish is fresh and has been handled properly, minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses, which can be a concern for anyone, including breastfeeding mothers .
Mercury Levels in Fish
Another significant factor to consider is the type of fish used in sushi. Certain fish, particularly larger species like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, are known to have high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Mercury can potentially transfer into breast milk, posing risks to the infant’s developing nervous system. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid high-mercury fish and opt for safer alternatives, such as salmon or shrimp, which are lower in mercury and can provide beneficial nutrients.
Raw vs. Cooked Sushi
While many women avoid raw fish during pregnancy due to the risk of listeriosis and other foodborne illnesses, breastfeeding mothers are not at the same level of risk for transmitting these infections through breast milk. This means that if you choose to indulge in sushi, you can enjoy it as long as you are cautious about the type of fish and its source. Cooked sushi options, such as those made with eel or tempura shrimp, can be a safer choice and still satisfy your sushi cravings.
Health Benefits of Fish
Incorporating fish into your diet while breastfeeding can have health benefits for both you and your baby. Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development in infants. Therefore, enjoying sushi made with safe, low-mercury fish can be a nutritious addition to your postpartum diet.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, you can eat sushi while breastfeeding, but with some precautions. Focus on high-quality sushi from reputable sources, avoid high-mercury fish, and consider opting for cooked varieties if you’re concerned about raw fish. By making informed choices, you can enjoy your sushi while ensuring the health and safety of both you and your baby.

Can I eat sushi right before giving birth?

To help prevent listeriosis, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid eating sushi made with raw fish, among other foods like hot dogs, lunch meats, and unpasteurized milk. Furthermore, raw fish can result in increased mercury exposure to your baby.

What fish to avoid while breastfeeding?

You’ll want to avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as king mackerel, shark, swordfish, orange roughy, tilefish, and marlin. When you do eat fish, the safest choices are salmon, tilapia, cod, catfish, flounder, herring, and pollock.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

Should you avoid seafood while breastfeeding?

Most seafood contains mercury or other contaminants, however. Exposure to excessive amounts of mercury through breast milk can pose a risk to a baby’s developing nervous system. To limit your baby’s exposure, avoid seafood that’s high in mercury, including swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.

What foods spoil breast milk?

Here are 5 foods to limit or avoid while breastfeeding, as well as tips for how to tell if your diet is affecting your baby.

• Fish high in mercury.
• Some herbal supplements.
• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Highly processed foods.

Can I eat sushi during the 2 week wait?

Yes! Cooked fish — including cooked sushi — is an excellent, protein-rich option during pregnancy that comes packed with omega 3s.

Is it OK to eat sushi while breastfeeding?

Other Tips for Safe Breastfeeding
Again, a mom who eats sushi while breastfeeding does not put her baby in danger. Even if you eat sushi with raw fish, the risk of transferring pathogens through breast milk is very low. But if you want to be as safe as possible, we recommend pumping before eating sushi.

Is it OK to eat raw food while breastfeeding?

Any raw food can be a source of infection, and some species of fish contain a significant amount of mercury. Consumption of raw foods by nursing mothers does not pose a serious problem for breastfeeding infants, although there is the potential for the mother to suffer from food poisoning.

What food should I avoid during breastfeeding?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

• 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
• 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
• 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
• 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
• 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

How long after birth can I eat sushi again?

“You can order some rolls immediately after delivery if you’ve been wanting to eat raw fish,” says Ross. Consuming raw fish is a-okay while you’re breastfeeding, but nursing moms should be careful to avoid eating fish that’s high in mercury, adds Franke.