Is it okay to eat canned tuna while breastfeeding?

The Safety of Eating Canned Tuna While Breastfeeding
As new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding, dietary choices often come under scrutiny, particularly when it comes to fish consumption. One common question is whether it is safe to eat canned tuna during this crucial period. The answer, while generally affirmative, comes with important caveats.
Moderation is Key
According to the FDA, it is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume canned tuna, but moderation is essential. The agency recommends limiting intake to 6 ounces (approximately 170 grams) per week. This guideline is designed to help mothers enjoy the nutritional benefits of tuna while minimizing potential risks associated with mercury exposure, which can be harmful to both the mother and the breastfeeding infant.
Understanding Mercury Risks
Canned tuna, particularly varieties like albacore, can contain higher levels of mercury compared to other fish. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can affect brain development in infants. Therefore, while tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids—beneficial for both maternal health and the baby’s brain development—it’s crucial to be aware of the type of tuna consumed. Light canned tuna typically has lower mercury levels than albacore, making it a safer choice for breastfeeding mothers.
Nutritional Benefits
Despite the concerns surrounding mercury, canned tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for cognitive development in infants. These nutrients can support the baby’s brain health and are often recommended as part of a balanced diet for breastfeeding mothers. Thus, when consumed within the recommended limits, canned tuna can be a nutritious addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet.
Public Perception and Misinformation
Amidst the wealth of information available online, many new mothers express anxiety about consuming tuna while breastfeeding. Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal a mix of fear and confusion, with some mothers opting to avoid tuna altogether due to concerns about mercury. This highlights the importance of relying on credible sources for dietary advice during breastfeeding, as misinformation can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
In summary, it is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to eat canned tuna, provided they adhere to the FDA’s guidelines of limiting consumption to 6 ounces per week. By choosing lower-mercury options and maintaining a balanced diet, mothers can enjoy the benefits of tuna while ensuring the health and safety of their infants. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended, especially when navigating dietary choices during breastfeeding.

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 foods make breastfed babies gassy?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can breastfeeding moms eat canned tuna?

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.

Are there any foods to avoid when breastfeeding?

While it’s recommended to completely avoid fish high in mercury and some herbal supplements, foods like alcohol, caffeine, and highly processed products can still be consumed but in limited amounts. If your baby has symptoms like eczema or bloody stools, it may be due to something in your diet.

Is canned tuna safe during pregnancy?

Safe Amount of Tuna While Pregnant
Here are the safe amounts of tuna while pregnant: Canned or pouched light tuna (skipjack): Up to 12 ounces per week. Albacore or yellowfin tuna: Up to 4 ounces per week. Big-eye tuna: Avoid3.

Does fish pass through breast milk?

Fish and mercury
Yet most fish contain some level of mercury. When a mother eats fish, the mercury in the fish can be passed into her breast milk. However, the benefits of breastfeeding may be greater than the possible adverse effects of exposure to mercury through breast milk.

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.