Can I have raw tuna while breastfeeding?

The Safety of Eating Raw Tuna While Breastfeeding
As a new mother, navigating dietary choices can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to foods like raw tuna. The question of whether it’s safe to consume raw tuna while breastfeeding is one that many women ponder, given the potential health implications for both mother and baby.
Nutritional Benefits of Tuna
Tuna is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are essential for brain development in infants. These nutrients can be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers as well, supporting overall health and well-being. However, the type of tuna and its preparation method play crucial roles in determining its safety.
Mercury Concerns
One of the primary concerns with eating tuna, especially for breastfeeding mothers, is the mercury content. Certain types of tuna, particularly larger species like bluefin and albacore, tend to accumulate higher levels of mercury due to their position in the food chain. The FDA and EPA recommend that breastfeeding mothers limit their intake of high-mercury fish to reduce potential risks to their infants.
Raw Tuna and Food Safety
When it comes to raw tuna, such as that found in sushi, the risks are twofold. First, there is the concern of mercury exposure, which remains relevant regardless of whether the fish is cooked or raw. Second, raw fish can pose a risk of foodborne illnesses, which can be particularly concerning for breastfeeding mothers whose immune systems may be compromised.
However, if the raw tuna is sourced from a reputable establishment that follows strict food safety guidelines, the risks can be mitigated. Many experts suggest that moderate consumption of raw fish, including sushi made with tuna, is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, provided they are mindful of the type of fish and its mercury levels.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
For those considering adding raw tuna to their diet while breastfeeding, here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. Choose Wisely: Opt for lower-mercury varieties of tuna, such as skipjack, which is commonly used in canned tuna and sushi.

2. Source Matters: Ensure that any raw tuna is sourced from a reputable supplier that adheres to high food safety standards.
3. Moderation is Key: Limit consumption to avoid excessive mercury intake, balancing it with other safe fish options that are rich in omega-3s.
4. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods, and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your diet while breastfeeding.
In conclusion, while raw tuna can be a nutritious addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet, it is essential to approach it with caution. By making informed choices and prioritizing food safety, mothers can enjoy the benefits of tuna while minimizing potential risks to their infants.

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.

What foods can’t you eat when breastfeeding?

Foods to stay away from when breastfeeding include:

• Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep.
• Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods.
• Fish.
• Chocolate.
• Garlic.
• Peppermint, sage, and parsley.

Is it safe to eat tuna while breastfeeding?

It’s good to include 2 portions of fish per week, but when you are breastfeeding: limit swordfish, marlin or shark to 1 portion a week (because of the high levels of mercury in them) do not eat more than 2 portions of oily fish a week (like fresh tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines and pilchards)

Does tuna increase breast milk supply?

Salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, trout, mackerel and tuna are great sources of essential fatty acids and omega- 3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) improve mom’s nutrition status so that she can produce the hormones necessary for milk production. EFA’s are a key ingredient in breast milk.

Does eating raw food affect breast milk?

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 foods decrease breast milk?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

Can you eat raw tuna sushi while breastfeeding?

Although women are cautioned against eating sushi and other raw seafood (such as sashimi, oysters, clams, and mussels) when pregnant, there is no need to forgo this type of seafood when breastfeeding.

Can salmonella be passed through breast milk?

There are cases reported to be infected via direct nursing by a mother with (5) or without (9) mastitis. Nevertheless, breast milk that was improperly collected and left in room temperature for a prolonged period before storage has accounted for several Salmonella outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units (1, 4, 9).

What foods should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Avoiding certain foods, such as garlic, onions or cabbage, might help. Remember, there’s no need to go on a special diet while you’re breastfeeding. Simply focus on making healthy choices — and you and your baby will reap the rewards.

Is ahi tuna high in mercury?

King mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, tilefish, ahi tuna, and bigeye tuna all contain high levels of mercury. Women who are pregnant or nursing or who plan to become pregnant within a year should avoid eating these fish. So should children younger than six.