Tiramisu is one of the most cherished and loved desserts, eaten all over the world during celebrations.
This sweet treat contains ladyfingers dipped in coffee and liquor, layered with a rich creamy filling between each layer.
It is often topped with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings to add that extra sweetness.
Because it can be decadent and contains raw eggs, many breastfeeding moms ask: can I eat tiramisu while breastfeeding?
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What is a Tiramisu Dessert?
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert, which means “pick me up” in the Italian language.
It is made up of ladyfingers dipped in coffee and liquor layered with a rich creamy filling.
The top layer is kept light by incorporating stiffly beaten egg whites into the filling mixture before layering it between the ladyfingers.
There are many different variations to this classic Italian dessert, but it is widely accepted that there should be mascarpone cheese and Marsala wine included.
Is Tiramisu Safe to Eat While Breastfeeding?
Generally, foods that are safe for pregnant women to eat are also safe for breastfeeding mothers.
The only difference in the diet of a breastfeeding mother is an increased need for nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins.
However, even though it is safe to eat while breastfeeding, you should always err on the side of caution.
Instead of eating too much tiramisu when craving this sweet treat, eat small portions in moderation.
Possible Side Effects of Eating Tiramisu While Breastfeeding
Raw eggs may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella that can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting in the mother.
If you ingest raw eggs and contract food poisoning, this could lead to dehydration and make it difficult for the baby to get the nourishment they need.
Eating raw eggs can also cause a temporary resurgence of antibodies that may trigger mastitis in some breastfeeding mothers.
The best way to avoid side effects is to eat small portions of tiramisu sparingly (sorry!)
Conclusion: You can eat tiramisu while breastfeeding, but you should never overindulge and ignore the potential side effects.
Some foods like Nopales should not be eaten when breastfeeding but tiramisu is safe!.
You can drink alcohol and the occasional drink won’t hurt a breastfed baby, but only a tiny amount in moderation.
Remember tiramisu includes alcohol and would be included in your alcohol level.
Whilst a slice on its own is fine, many women prefer to avoid any risk associated with un pasteurized eggs and the small amount of alcohol.
Raw Egg Whilst Breastfeeding
If you are allergic to raw eggs or dairy products, you might want to avoid eating tiramisu altogether.
It is always best for safety’s sake to consult with your doctor or allergist before consuming any new foods while breastfeeding.
A raw egg is not advisable as there is a small risk for breastfeeding women that salmonella may affect the baby.
Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
If you look at the main foods which nursing moms are told to avoid it’s caffeine, alcohol and raw eggs.
Tiramisu contains all three of these ingredients making it a food you would not want to consume in large quantities if you are breastfeeding.
Because the effects of caffeine on babies are still being studied, many breastfeeding experts advise mothers to eliminate caffeine entirely from their diets.
Alcohol passes directly into the breastmilk and will affect your baby almost immediately.
There have even been cases of babies being born with a dependency on alcohol because their mothers consumed excessive amounts while breastfeeding.
You should never share a bed with your baby if you have consumed alcohol, even in tiramisu form, as there is a strong association with sudden infant death syndrome.
Although there are no scientific studies which have proven that eating raw eggs causes any harm to nursing infants, many doctors recommend that you should not eat them at all.
What Is the Nutritional Value of Tiramisu?
This depends on the recipe and portion, so check individually, this is just a very rough guide!
The primary ingredients in tiramisu are raw eggs, mascarpone cheese and Marsala wine.
210 calories per serving Tiramisu Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 slice (136g) Servings Per Container 10 Amount Per Serving Calories 210 Calories from Fat 126 % Daily Value * Total Fat 14 g 22% Saturated Fat 8 g 40% Trans Fat 0 g Cholesterol90 mg 30% Sodium 92 mg 4% Potassium 71 mg 2% Total Carbohydrate 16 g 5% Dietary Fiber 0 g 0% Sugars 14 g Protein 3 g Vitamin A 8% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 6% Iron 2% *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higheror lower depending on your calorie needs.
What are the benefits of eating Tiramisu while breastfeeding?
There are no proven benefits of eating tiramisu while breastfeeding, but any nutritious food with the appropriate moderation is unlikely to cause harm.
Tiramisu can supply your body and your baby with essential nutrients which you may be lacking if you choose not to eat it in moderate quantities.
You can eat tiramisu while breastfeeding, in moderation, but pay attention to the nutritional value of what you are eating like eating noodles when breastfeeding is fine in small amounts. Be aware of potential side effects and allergies.
Breastfeeding mothers should never consider any food off-limits, and if you can eat raw oysters then certainly not tiramisu!
Educating yourself on moderation is more important than anything else when considering new foods while breastfeeding, especially if it’s an exotic dish like tiramisu.
Tiramisu is such an appealing and delectable dessert that it would be a shame to deprive yourself of its scrumptious flavor!
Sit down and have it with a lovely cup of lactation tea!
- Supports your breastfeeding, natural lactation, and breast milk supply, taste, and flow.
- 100% organic herbs, including Fennel, Anise, Marshmallow Root, Fenugreek, and Milk Thistle, to support lactation for nursing mothers.
- Caffeine-free.
- 100% organic
Is tiramisu high in alcohol?
Now that we’ve discussed the health benefits and guidelines for moderation, let’s talk about how alcohol can affect your breastfeeding experience.
While it is true that endorphins found in alcoholic beverages give you a buzzed feeling, they also serve to inhibit oxytocin production–the hormone responsible for inducing lactation.
So it would stand to reason that drinking alcohol in any manner would decrease your ability to produce and maintain a proper milk supply.
But what makes alcohol potentially dangerous for breastfeeding moms is not so much in how it affects their bodies, but in how it affects the baby who is feeding from them.
Alcohol crosses the placental barrier just as easily as it does when it’s inhaled through cigarette smoke, making him or her just as impaired even though they’re drinking through their mother’s breast instead of the usual methods.
Does tiramisu affect breast milk?
Alcohol aside, one of the biggest concerns for breastfeeding mothers is whether or not certain foods can affect their milk.
The answer to this question depends on what exactly is found in tiramisu.
The definition of “tiramisu” is vague at best, with many restaurants offering their own unique spin on the dessert!
But if you’re considering the traditional Italian recipe for tiramisu, there are no ingredients in it that should affect your breastfeeding abilities.
If you are interested in trying tiramisu while breastfeeding or during pregnancy, all of the necessary precautions have already been covered in this article.
But remember, these food guidelines apply to every mother regardless of whether or not she is breastfeeding.
As delicious as tiramisu is, it will never be worth risking your baby’s health over. Moderation is the key to everything when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so try not to push it! Maybe swap it out for a chocolate mousse!
This article was written by Sandra Baker – full time writer and the mother of four amazing kids (including twins!)
She’s also a breastfeeding counselor and has spent years helping new parents learn how to care for their children. When she’s not writing or caring for her children, Sandra likes to spend time reading and taking walks with her husband.