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Is raw honey good for breastfeeding?

Is Raw Honey Good for Breastfeeding?
The question of whether raw honey is safe for breastfeeding mothers has garnered attention, particularly among new parents seeking to maintain a healthy diet while nursing. The consensus among experts is that breastfeeding mothers can safely consume honey, including raw honey, with some important considerations.
Safety of Honey Consumption
According to various sources, honey is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. The primary concern with honey consumption revolves around the potential presence of spores from *Clostridium botulinum*, which can cause botulism in infants. However, these spores are too large to pass through breast milk, meaning that the risk of botulism transmission through breastfeeding is negligible. This allows nursing mothers to enjoy honey without significant worry about affecting their infants.
Nutritional Benefits of Raw Honey
Raw honey, in particular, is often touted for its health benefits. It is unprocessed and retains more nutrients compared to regular honey. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can be beneficial for overall health. For breastfeeding mothers, these nutrients can contribute positively to their diet, potentially enhancing their energy levels and immune function during the demanding postpartum period.
Precautions to Consider
While the consumption of honey is deemed safe, experts recommend that breastfeeding mothers take precautions. It is advisable to avoid giving honey directly to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism. Therefore, while mothers can enjoy honey, they should ensure that their babies do not have direct contact with it.
Additionally, mothers should opt for high-quality honey, preferably from reputable sources, to minimize any risks associated with contaminants or poor processing practices.
Conclusion
In summary, raw honey can be a healthy addition to the diet of breastfeeding mothers, providing various nutritional benefits without posing a risk to their infants through breast milk. As always, it is essential for mothers to remain informed and cautious, ensuring that their dietary choices support both their health and that of their 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.

Can breastfeeding moms eat raw honey?

One question that often arises among new moms is, “Can I eat honey while breastfeeding?” While it’s not recommended to feed honey to babies under a year old, it’s safe for new moms to enjoy this natural sweetener even if they’re breastfeeding.

What foods not to give baby?

Foods to Avoid for Baby

  • unpasteurized juice and cider.
  • unpasteurized milk and milk products.
  • raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish.
  • raw or undercooked eggs.
  • raw or undercooked sprouts.

Is raw honey good for newborns?

  • Introducing pure honey to a newborn’s diet is strongly discouraged and should be avoided for at least the first year of life, due to the risk of infant botulism.
  • Here’s why:
  • * Infant botulism: Honey can contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can cause infant botulism.

Is it safe to use raw honey?

Raw honey is generally safe as long as a person is not allergic to bee pollen. The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recommends that people not give honey to infants under the age of 1 because of the risk of infant botulism. Honey is safe from the age of 1 year upward.

Can I drink honey and lemon water 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.

Can I put honey on my nipples breastfeeding?

Medical-Grade Honey, Nipples, and Breastfeeding Infants
In fact, there are no published studies that have investigated its safety on nipples while breastfeeding. Oral infant exposure to MediHoney due to skin-to-skin transfer during breastfeeding is likely less risky than MediHoney applied to an infant’s open wound.

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 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.

Who should avoid raw honey?

Raw honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is especially harmful to babies or children under the age of one. It may cause botulism poisoning, which results in life-threatening paralysis ( 26 , 27 ). However, botulism is very rare among healthy adults and older children.

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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