Can you eat canned tuna while breastfeeding reddit?

Can You Eat Canned Tuna While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely consume canned tuna has sparked considerable discussion among new parents, particularly on platforms like Reddit. As many mothers seek to balance their dietary needs with the health of their infants, understanding the implications of eating canned tuna is crucial.
Safety and Recommendations
According to the FDA, it is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to eat canned tuna, but moderation is key. The agency recommends limiting intake to 6 ounces (approximately 170 grams) per week. This guideline is primarily due to concerns about mercury levels found in certain fish, including tuna. Mercury can potentially pass into breast milk, which raises concerns about its effects on a developing infant’s nervous system.
Mixed Opinions and Concerns
On forums like Reddit, opinions vary widely. Some mothers express anxiety after consuming tuna, fearing they may have harmed their babies. One user shared their distress after eating canned tuna, highlighting the common worry among breastfeeding mothers about the safety of their dietary choices. Another mother, who exclusively pumps, sought advice about bringing canned tuna on a hike, reflecting the everyday dilemmas faced by breastfeeding parents.
Concerns about mercury are prevalent, especially regarding different types of tuna. For instance, while light canned tuna generally contains lower mercury levels compared to albacore or fresh tuna, many mothers still question the safety of consuming even small amounts. A mother who enjoyed toro sashimi and tuna sandwiches was left wondering about the implications for her breastfeeding journey, illustrating the confusion surrounding fish consumption during this period.
Nutritional Benefits
Despite the concerns, it’s important to note that tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for both mothers and their babies. These nutrients are known to support brain development in infants. Thus, while caution is warranted, the nutritional benefits of consuming fish like tuna can also play a significant role in a breastfeeding mother’s diet.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can eat canned tuna, but they should adhere to the FDA’s recommendation of limiting their intake to 6 ounces per week. The mixed opinions on platforms like Reddit reflect the anxiety many feel about dietary choices during breastfeeding. Ultimately, it’s essential for mothers to stay informed and consult healthcare providers if they have specific concerns about their diet and its impact on their breastfeeding experience. Balancing safety with nutritional needs is key to supporting both maternal health and infant development.

What foods cause clogged milk ducts?

Limit your intake of saturated fats to prevent blocked ducts (fried foods, bakery food, vegan cheese and margarines) and include foods naturally containing some lecithin like peanuts, wheatgerm, soy, cooked green vegetables and wholegrains.

Why is canned tuna not healthy to eat every day?

Eating excessive amounts of tuna regularly can lead to mercury poisoning due to its mercury content. The FDA recommends consuming no more than 2-3 servings (about 6 ounces) of low-mercury fish like canned light tuna per week.

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 canned tuna ok while breastfeeding?

Avoid: High-Mercury Fish
One food that you absolutely want to steer clear of while breastfeeding is fish high in mercury like tuna, swordfish and mackerel. Even in small amounts, mercury toxins can pass through breast milk to your baby and affect their brain and nervous system.

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 I 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 tuna okay for pregnancy?

Canned light tuna is listed among “best choices,” which means two to three 4-ounce servings per week are safe to eat during pregnancy, according to the agency. Albacore tuna is listed among “good choices,” which means one 4-ounce serving per week is safe to eat during pregnancy.

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

Is canned tuna safe in pregnancy?

Canned light tuna is listed among “best choices,” which means two to three 4-ounce servings per week are safe to eat during pregnancy, according to the agency. Albacore tuna is listed among “good choices,” which means one 4-ounce serving per week is safe to eat during pregnancy.

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.