You may be wondering if you can eat runny eggs while breastfeeding. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think, and the internet is full of conflicting advice that may leave you feeling frustrated.
You’re a new mom and you have a lot of questions about what you can and can’t eat while breastfeeding, you want healthy foods in your maternal diet but should you avoid eggs?
It’s hard to know what’s safe to eat when you’re breastfeeding, especially because different people will give you different advice. Some people will tell you that you need to eat lots of protein, while others will tell you that runny eggs are off-limits.
Can Breastfeeding Moms Eat Eggs?
Overall, yes, you can eat eggs while breastfeeding. In fact, they are a great source of protein and other nutrients that are essential for both you and your baby. Cooked eggs should be eaten as part of a well balanced diet when you are in the nursing phase.
Can Breastfeeding Moms Eat Runny Eggs
NO, it is not advised that a mother with a nursing baby eats runny eggs. While many individuals enjoy a runny yolk, children under the age of five should eat their eggs thoroughly cooked and the bacteria can be present in the breast milk.
The key is to eat eggs that are cooked properly. If you are a breastfeeding mother you should avoid runny eggs, as they may contain harmful bacteria that can make you and your breastfeeding baby sick.
Tips for Preparing Eggs for Breastfeeding Mothers
If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast option that is packed with protein and nutrients, try cooking some eggs. Here are a few tips for preparing them safely while breastfeeding:
– Use pasteurized eggs. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and makes the eggs safe to eat. You can find pasteurized eggs at most supermarkets. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recommends using pasteurized eggs whenever feasible.
– Cook your eggs until they are firm, not runny. This will help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
– Use a clean, sanitized surface to prepare your eggs. This will help reduce the risk of bacteria transfer.
– Avoid eating eggs not cooked properly, so avoid runny eggs. Raw and undercooked eggs may contain harmful bacteria that can make you and your baby sick.
Health Benefits Of Eggs For Breastfeeding Moms
Eggs are a great source of protein and other nutrients that are essential for both you and your baby. Eggs are much better than highly processed foods as they are one of a group of amazing nutrient rich foods. Avoid eating in large quantities though the yolk is high in cholesterol. If you are trying to increase your milk supply by drinking coconut water or oat milk to improve milk supply, eating eggs alongside will help as part of a healthy diet.
Eggs are versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making them a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They’re also affordable, which is another plus.
The choline in eggs is especially important for neurological development in infants. Choline also helps with fetal brain development during pregnancy. It’s recommended that pregnant women and breastfeeding moms get 450-550 mg of choline per day. One egg has about 125 mg of choline, so eating two eggs would give you almost half of the daily recommended.
The benefits of eggs include:
- Protein – Eggs are a high-quality source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs.
- Choline – Eggs contain high levels of choline, an important nutrient for neurological development in infants, choline also helps maintain liver function.
- Selenium – Selenium is a mineral that is important for thyroid health and immune function. It can also help protect against cancer.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Eggs are a good source of omega- fatty acids, which are important for brain development and cognitive function.
- Vitamin D – Eggs are one of the few food sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth, and it can also help protect against autoimmune diseases and cancer.
- B Vitamins – Eggs are a good source of B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B12. These vitamins are essential for energy production and a healthy nervous system.
- Bioactive compounds – Eggs also contain bioactive compounds that can promote health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Ovotransferrin – One of these compounds is ovotransferrin, a unique protein that can help improve immune function and reduce the risk of infection.
How Eggs Can Help Breast milk Supply
Breastfeeding mothers need plenty of protein to maintain a good milk supply. Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, making them an ideal choice for nursing moms. In addition to their protein content, eggs also contain other nutrients that can benefit breastfeeding mothers and their babies, including choline, selenium, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
Why Avoid Raw Eggs While
While most eggs are safe to eat, you should avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs while breastfeeding. Raw and undercooked eggs may contain harmful bacteria that can make you and your baby sick. The USFDA recommends using pasteurized eggs whenever feasible to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
A breastfed baby will benefit from the nutrients and bioactive compounds in eggs. Eggs are a good source of protein, choline, selenium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. They also contain ovotransferrin, a unique protein that can help improve immune function and reduce the risk of infection.
If you are concerned about the safety of consuming raw eggs, you can cook them until they are firm, not runny. This will reduce the risk
Risk of Egg Allergy When Breastfeeding Consuming eggs
There is a small risk of developing a food allergy to eggs. An egg allergy is of the most common allergies in children, so it is important to watch for signs of an allergy. If your baby develops a rash, swelling, vomiting, or other symptoms after eating eggs, consult with your pediatrician.
This allergy can be present via breast milk. If you think your baby might have an egg allergy, consult with your pediatrician.
The Bottom Line
Can breastfeeding moms eat eggs? Yes, they can – but they should not eat raw eggs or runny eggs which give an increased risk of bacteria, salmonella infection or food poisoning. Eggs are a good source of protein and other nutrients, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways to make them safe for breastfeeding moms to eat. They will boost your immune system and make sure you and your baby are getting enough nutrients in your diet.
