What fish can I not eat while breastfeeding?

Understanding Fish Consumption While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often seek to maintain a healthy diet that supports both their own well-being and that of their infants. Fish can be a nutritious part of this diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain development. However, not all fish are safe to consume during this period, primarily due to concerns about mercury and other harmful substances.
High-Mercury Fish to Avoid
One of the primary concerns regarding fish consumption while breastfeeding is mercury contamination. High levels of mercury can adversely affect an infant’s developing nervous system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid certain types of fish known for their high mercury content. These include:
– Shark
– Swordfish
– King mackerel
– Tilefish
These fish are notorious for accumulating high levels of mercury due to their position in the food chain and their long lifespan. Consuming these types of fish can pose significant risks to both the mother and the breastfeeding infant.
Recommendations for Safer Choices
While avoiding high-mercury fish is crucial, the FDA also emphasizes the importance of including fish in a breastfeeding diet for its nutritional benefits. Mothers are encouraged to consume low-mercury fish such as:
– Salmon
– Sardines
– Trout
– Catfish
– Pollock
These options are not only safer but also provide essential nutrients that can enhance the quality of breast milk.
Local Fish Consumption
For mothers who enjoy locally caught fish, it’s advisable to limit consumption to no more than once a week. This is particularly important as local waters may have varying levels of contaminants. Checking with local fisheries for specific advisories can help ensure safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while fish can be a healthy addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet, it is essential to be mindful of the types of fish consumed. Avoiding high-mercury varieties and opting for safer, low-mercury options can help ensure both the mother’s health and the infant’s development are supported. By making informed choices, breastfeeding mothers can enjoy the benefits of fish while minimizing potential risks.

Why can’t I eat tuna 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.

Which fish increase breast milk?

You can boost the DHA in your milk by eating fish 2-3 times per week. The best sources of DHA are: salmon, bluefish, bass, trout, flounder and tuna. Do not eat tile fish, swordfish, shark and king mackerel.

What fish should babies avoid?

Fish to avoid
While all fish contain some mercury, certain types have higher amounts than others. Too much mercury can lead to toxicity and be a severe health concern. For babies, it’s best to avoid high mercury fish, such as ( 22 ): bigeye and bluefin tuna.

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 fish to avoid while breastfeeding?

The USDA and FDA recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding moms stay away from shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish — those are the ones known to have high mercury levels. Instead, choose low-mercury fish, such as salmon, pollock, catfish, shrimp and canned light tuna.

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.

Which fish is good for feeding a mother?

DocasaHexanenoic Acid (DHA) is an important omega 3 fatty acid needed by babies for brain development. You can boost the DHA in your milk by eating fish 2-3 times per week. The best sources of DHA are: salmon, bluefish, bass, trout, flounder and tuna.

Can a baby breastfeed after eating fish?

Fish can be a part of a healthy diet. The omega-3 fats found in fish are heart-healthy and beneficial to your health. However, certain fish contain high levels of unhealthy chemicals, like mercury. High-mercury fish is unsafe for you to eat during pregnancy and while you’re breastfeeding.

Which fish has the most mercury?

Fish that contain higher levels of mercury include:

• shark.
• ray.
• swordfish.
• barramundi.
• gemfish.
• orange roughy.
• ling.
• southern bluefin tuna.

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.