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Can you eat cooked salmon while breastfeeding?

Can You Eat Cooked Salmon While Breastfeeding?
When it comes to nutrition during breastfeeding, many new mothers are understandably concerned about what foods are safe to consume. One common question is whether cooked salmon is a safe option. The good news is that cooked salmon is not only safe but also highly beneficial for breastfeeding mothers.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is recognized for its rich nutritional profile, which includes high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins. These nutrients are crucial for both the mother and the developing baby. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are known to support brain development in infants and can also help improve mood and cognitive function in mothers.
Safety Considerations
While breastfeeding, it is important to be mindful of the types of fish consumed. Salmon is listed among the “Best Choices” by the FDA due to its low mercury levels, making it a safe option for nursing mothers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also supports the consumption of salmon, noting that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks associated with mercury exposure.
To ensure safety, it is essential that the salmon is cooked properly. The recommended internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria or pathogens are eliminated, making it safe for consumption.
Frequency of Consumption
Health professionals generally recommend that breastfeeding mothers can safely enjoy fish, including salmon, two to three times a week. This frequency allows mothers to benefit from the nutrients in fish while minimizing any potential risks associated with mercury.
Conclusion
In summary, cooked salmon is a nutritious and safe food choice for breastfeeding mothers. Its low mercury content and high levels of beneficial nutrients make it an excellent addition to a breastfeeding diet. As always, ensuring that the salmon is cooked to the appropriate temperature will help maximize safety and health benefits for both mother and baby.

How much salmon can I eat while breastfeeding?

Eat 8 to 12 ounces of seafood each week.
Many types of seafood are safe to eat while breastfeeding — and seafood is good for your baby’s brain development. It also has healthy fats that are good for you and your baby.

What foods stop breast milk production?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

Can you eat cooked salmon when 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.

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding for a gassy baby?

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.

Can salmon upset breastfed baby?

While nursing, you can safely enjoy two to three 4-ounce servings of salmon a week.

What foods are babies sensitive to in breastmilk?

Babies love the flavors of foods that come through in your milk. Sometimes, though, a baby may be sensitive, not allergic, to something you eat, such as dairy products like milk and cheese. Soy, eggs, wheat, corn, beef and nuts are also common causes of food sensitivity.

What foods decrease milk supply?

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 I eat cooked seafood while breastfeeding?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding eat 8 to 12 ounces (2 to 3 servings) per week of a variety of fish lower in mercury. Fish should be eaten in place of other protein sources, such as some meat and poultry.

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.

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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