What fish can you not eat while breastfeeding?

Understanding Fish Consumption While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face a myriad of dietary choices, and one of the most pressing concerns is the consumption of fish. While fish can be a nutritious source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for both mother and baby, certain types of fish pose significant health risks due to their mercury content.
The Mercury Concern
Mercury is a toxic element that can accumulate in fish and seafood, leading to potential health risks for breastfeeding infants. High levels of mercury exposure can adversely affect a child’s developing nervous system. Therefore, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to be aware of which fish to avoid.
According to health guidelines, certain fish are known to have high mercury levels and should be avoided during breastfeeding. These include larger predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. These species tend to accumulate more mercury in their bodies due to their position in the food chain, making them particularly hazardous for nursing mothers and their infants.
Safe Fish Choices
While some fish are off-limits, many others are safe and even recommended for consumption. Fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon, sardines, and trout, can be beneficial. The FDA and EPA recommend that breastfeeding mothers consume a variety of fish, focusing on those that are lower in mercury. They suggest eating up to 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish per week.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
To ensure a balanced diet while minimizing risks, breastfeeding mothers should:
1. Avoid high-mercury fish: Stay clear of shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
2. Choose low-mercury options: Incorporate fish like salmon, sardines, and shrimp into your diet.
3. Limit consumption: Even with safer fish, moderation is key. Aim for 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish weekly.
Conclusion
In summary, while fish can be a healthy addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet, it is essential to be mindful of mercury levels. By avoiding high-mercury fish and opting for safer alternatives, mothers can enjoy the nutritional benefits of fish without compromising their baby’s health. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice during breastfeeding to ensure both mother and child remain healthy and thriving.

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 happens if I eat high mercury fish while breastfeeding?

Key findings. Mercury can pass from a mother to her baby through the placenta during pregnancy and, in smaller amounts, through breast milk after birth. Mercury exposure can affect the infant’s brain and nervous system development during pregnancy and after birth.

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.

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 lower breast milk supply?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

What fish should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Due to concerns over mercury poisoning in infants, women who are breastfeeding should avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and bigeye tuna.

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.

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.

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.)

Which fish has high mercury?

Fish that contain high levels of mercury include shark, ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna.