Can you eat canned salmon while breastfeeding?

Eating Canned Salmon While Breastfeeding: A Safe Choice
For new mothers navigating the complexities of diet while breastfeeding, the question of whether to include canned salmon in their meals often arises. The good news is that canned salmon is generally considered safe and beneficial for breastfeeding mothers.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is a nutrient-dense fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for both maternal health and the development of the baby’s brain and eyes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding mothers consume fish, particularly those low in mercury, to support their own health and that of their infants. Canned salmon, being a low-mercury option, fits perfectly into this dietary recommendation.
Safety Considerations
While breastfeeding mothers can enjoy a variety of fish, including salmon, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Canned salmon is typically cooked during the canning process, which eliminates the risks associated with raw or undercooked fish. This makes it a safe choice for nursing mothers.
Moreover, health professionals advise that breastfeeding mothers should aim to consume 8 to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish each week, which includes canned salmon. This amount not only provides essential nutrients but also helps to minimize exposure to harmful substances like methylmercury, which is found in higher concentrations in certain fish such as shark and swordfish.
Raw Salmon and Other Preparations
Interestingly, breastfeeding mothers have more flexibility regarding the consumption of raw salmon compared to pregnant women. While raw fish is generally discouraged during pregnancy due to the risk of foodborne illnesses, breastfeeding mothers can safely enjoy sushi or sashimi made with properly prepared raw salmon. However, it is crucial to ensure that any raw fish is sourced from reputable establishments to mitigate health risks.
Conclusion
In summary, canned salmon is not only safe but also a nutritious addition to the diet of breastfeeding mothers. It provides essential fatty acids and proteins that support both maternal health and infant development. As with any dietary choice, moderation is key, and mothers should remain informed about the types of fish they consume to ensure a balanced and healthy diet for themselves and their babies.

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Can you eat canned smoked salmon when pregnant?

Therefore, pregnant women should only eat salt-cured foods like hot-smoked salmon in moderation. Pregnant women can safely eat hot-smoked salmon when heated to 165℉ or shelf-stable forms, but cold-smoked salmon puts you at risk of tapeworm and Listeria infections.

What foods lower breast milk supply?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

• Alcohol.
• Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
• Chasteberry.
• Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.

What fish should you 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.

Is canned salmon high in mercury?

Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore (“white”) tuna, has more mercury than canned light tuna.

Can you eat salmon 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)

Is canned salmon good for breastfeeding?

Salmon is great for breastfeeding moms because it contains large amounts of DHA, a type of fat important for the development of a baby’s nervous system. Wild-caught, farm-raised or canned salmon is good for you. Both salmon and sardines can increase breast milk production.

Is it OK to eat canned tuna while breastfeeding?

Tuna: if you are trying for a baby or are pregnant, you should have no more than 4 cans of tuna a week or no more than 2 tuna steaks a week. This is because tuna contains higher levels of mercury than other fish. If you are breastfeeding, there is no limit on how much tuna you can eat.

Is canned salmon safe during pregnancy?

When it comes to seafood, pregnant women should choose to eat the “best choices,” or those lowest in mercury and highest in omega-3 fatty acids. This includes: Salmon.

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.