What seafood is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Seafood Safety While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often seek to maintain a balanced diet that supports both their health and the well-being of their infants. Seafood can be a nutritious component of this diet, offering essential nutrients like high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vital micronutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc. However, not all seafood is created equal, particularly when it comes to mercury levels, which can pose risks to a developing baby.
Safe Seafood Choices
When it comes to seafood, low-mercury fish are generally considered safe and beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that nursing mothers consume fish that are low in mercury. Some of the safest options include:
– Salmon
– Tilapia
– Cod
– Catfish
– Flounder
– Herring
– Pollock
– Canned light tuna (in moderation).
These fish not only provide essential nutrients but also help in the development of the baby’s brain and eyes due to their omega-3 fatty acid content.
Seafood to Avoid
Conversely, certain types of fish are known for their high mercury levels and should be avoided during breastfeeding. These include:
– Shark
– Swordfish
– King mackerel
– Tilefish
– Marlin
– Bigeye tuna.
Mercury can accumulate in the body and may affect the neurological development of infants, making it crucial for breastfeeding mothers to steer clear of these high-mercury options.
Shellfish and Sushi Considerations
Shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, and lobster, are generally safe to consume while breastfeeding, provided they are sourced from reputable suppliers and prepared hygienically. Mothers should ensure that the shellfish is fresh and cooked properly to minimize any health risks.
As for sushi, it can also be safe for breastfeeding mothers, but caution is advised. Sushi made with cooked fish or vegetarian options is preferable. If opting for raw fish sushi, it is essential to choose high-quality fish from reputable restaurants to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Conclusion
In summary, seafood can be a healthy addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet, provided she chooses low-mercury options and avoids high-mercury fish. By making informed choices about seafood consumption, mothers can enjoy the nutritional benefits while ensuring the safety and health of their infants.

Can I eat crab while breastfeeding?

Include 8-12 oz of low mercury fish or shellfish per week. Examples include canned light tuna, shrimp, salmon, pollock, catfish, canned mackerel, tilapia, mahi mahi, scallops, crab, lobster, sardines and anchovies.

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 foods should be avoided while breastfeeding?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

• 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
• 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
• 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
• 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
• 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

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 seafood increases breast milk?

Salmon and sardines
Salmon is great for breastfeeding moms because it contains large amounts of DHA, a type of fat important for the development of a baby’s nervous system. Wild-caught, farm-raised or canned salmon is good for you. Both salmon and sardines can increase breast milk production.

What seafood has the least mercury?

Choose fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury such as salmon, trout, tilapia, cod, sole, sardines, shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish. For the most health benefits, choose fatty fish such as salmon, trout, herring, chub mackerel, and sardines. o These fish have healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

What foods are not good for breast milk?

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.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)

What seafood should I 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.

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.

Is lobster safe while breastfeeding?

Better choices include anchovies, black sea bass, catfish, clams, cod, crabs, crawfish, flounder, haddock, hake, herring, lobster, oysters, salmon, sardines, scallops, shrimp, skate, squid, tilapia, trout, freshwater Tuna and canned light tuna (including skipjac).