Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Is honey safe to eat while breastfeeding?

Is honey safe to eat while breastfeeding?

Is Honey Safe to Eat While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether honey is safe for breastfeeding mothers often arises, particularly due to the well-known risks associated with honey consumption in infants. However, the consensus among health experts is clear: honey is safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume.
Understanding the Risks
The primary concern with honey is its association with infant botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by the bacteria *Clostridium botulinum*. This bacteria can produce spores that are harmful to infants under one year old, which is why honey is not recommended for them. However, these spores are too large to pass through breast milk, meaning that breastfeeding mothers can safely enjoy honey without risking their baby’s health.
Benefits and Considerations
While honey does not enhance breast milk quality or supply, it can be a delightful addition to a mother’s diet. It can be used to sweeten beverages or soothe a sore throat, providing comfort during the often challenging postpartum period. Experts suggest that consuming honey in moderation—about a tablespoon or two per day—is generally considered safe.
Moreover, there are no known adverse effects of honey on breast milk production or quality, allowing mothers to enjoy this natural sweetener without concern for their breastfeeding journey.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can confidently include honey in their diets. While it is essential to keep honey away from infants under one year old, mothers can enjoy its benefits without fear of harming their babies. As always, moderation is key, and if there are any specific health concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable.

Can I drink honey and lemon while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding: Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist. Gargle some salt water.

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

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.)

What happens if my baby ate honey?

In infants, honey has a very small link to a disease called infantile botulism. It is an illness that causes weak muscles. But, the good news is that it is rare. The risk to your baby is very small.

Can nursing moms eat honey?

What about honey while breastfeeding? You can continue to eat honey, even though your baby cannot. Honey and some corn syrups pose a risk for babies under the age of 1 due to the potential for botulism, a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by the botulinum toxin.

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 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.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

What is not safe to do while breastfeeding?

Don’t drink alcohol when you’re breastfeeding. Alcohol includes beer, wine, wine coolers and liquor. If you do drink alcohol, don’t have more than two drinks a week. Wait at least 2 hours after each drink before you breastfeed.

What can I drink to lose belly fat while breastfeeding?

1) Drink At Least 8 Cups Of Water Every Day
And it’s especially important for breastfeeding moms. Water helps your body naturally shed unwanted pounds because water: Contributes to regular body functions, like circulation, digestion, regulation of body temperature, transportation of nutrients, and milk production.

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.

Leave a Comment