Many breastfeeding mothers are curious about what foods they can and cannot eat. Some common questions include “Can I eat smoked salmon while breastfeeding?” and “Is it safe to eat sushi while breastfeeding?”
It’s hard enough being a new mom, but worrying about whether or not you can eat your favorite food is just too much.
You want to make sure that you’re eating plenty of healthy foods, but you don’t want to take any chances with your baby’s health.
We hear ya mama!
This is a comprehensive guide that will answer all of your questions about Salmon and breastfeeding. This guide will help you make safe and healthy choices for both you and your baby. Let’s dive right in!
Can I eat smoked salmon when breastfeeding?
Yes! It is safe to eat smoked salmon and fried fish like calamari when breastfeeding.
However, it is important to remember that with all raw and undercooked meats you should only eat this food during pregnancy or while breastfeeding if your source of smoked salmon has been fully cooked.
This means that the fish has been processed until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds.
If you eat raw fish there are two health risks that you should be aware of.
The first is listeriosis, which is a type of food poisoning. Listeriosis can cause mild flu-like symptoms for up to three months. Symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhoea, nausea and aches throughout the body.
While it’s not always dangerous to your baby or yourself, it is still a good idea to sit out the symptoms.
The second risk is salmonella poisoning, which can also cause diarrhoea and vomiting as well as abdominal cramps.
These symptoms will normally appear within six to 72 hours of infection and will last around four weeks.
It is important that you exercise caution when eating any kind of raw meat or raw fish like oysters that is not fully cooked.
What are the benefits of eating smoked salmon while breastfeeding?
There are a ton of benefits associated with eating this deliciously healthy food.
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and selenium which makes it a nutrient-packed powerhouse.
What types of smoked salmon can I eat while breastfeeding?
Smoked salmon is described as any type of salmon that has been cured in salt water brine, cold smoked and then typically eaten raw. This includes:
– lox (smoked salmon that is traditionally served with bagels and cream cheese)
– chum (a type of salmon used in canned or dried form)
– pink (the red color comes from the species of sockeye used to make this type of smoked salmon)
– red (this type of smoked salmon is typically used in frozen form)
– silver (this type of smoked salmon has been marinated in salt, water and then cold smoked)
How much smoked salmon can I eat when breastfeeding?
There is no set amount that a breastfeeding mother should eat each day.
However, most doctors recommend that you stick to an amount that is equivalent to the size of your palm in order to avoid consuming too much.
It is low in saturated fat so it’s generally considered a healthy food!
What are some alternative ways for me to get my daily dose of smoked salmon?
If you’re not a fan of eating smoked salmon on it’s own, there are many alternatives for you.
You can try adding cooked salmon to your favorite green salad or you can mix it into a dish like risotto or pasta carbonara.
You can even make salmon cakes and serve them for breakfast with a poached egg on top!
Is salmon high in mercury?
Unfortunately, all fish do contain some amounts of mercury.
However, this does not mean that you should avoid eating them while breastfeeding.
The benefits outweigh the risks and there is no need to worry about mercury levels as Salmon is generally considered low in mercury so is safe.
What are some substitutes for smoked salmon?
If you’re not into cold smoked or raw fish, you can easily get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish that are high in them.
This includes mackerel, herring, rainbow trout and sardines.
Fish is good for you – but what about the risks?
The benefits of consuming salmon while breastfeeding far outweigh the risks associated with this delicious food but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with mercury levels in certain types of fish.
The main concern is for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and/or their babies because fetuses and infants are especially susceptible to the damaging effects of mercury
– As a result, they can suffer from
- – Impaired brain development
- – Delayed development
- – Problems with movement and balance
While there are health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids that can be obtained through the consumption of salmon, it is important to limit your intake to 6 ounces each week.
This means limiting yourself to one meal that is 6 ounces for a total of 3 meals per week.
Does salmon affect breast milk?
The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon are also commonly called “essential” because the body cannot produce them on its own.
It’s a super healthy food and will give your baby loads of benefits!
Does smoked salmon affect breastfeeding?
Salmon is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals which makes it an ideal choice to eat while breastfeeding.
Unlike pregnant women breastfeeding women can eat more foods like noodles when breastfeeding. A breastfed baby that is exposed to a wild range of healthy foods will have a much healthier diet.
Whilst pregnant women often have to restrict their diet, avoid spicy foods and deli meats, breastfeeding women can generally enjoy a much more varied diet.
Whilst some foods like gassy foods might cause the baby to be a little gassy, or even acidic foods might have a mild diaper rash, it’s generally considered better to expose your breastfed baby to a wide range of foods.
Pregnant women often have to avoid eating fish, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, hot dogs, and have a wide forbidden foods list, a breastfeeding woman can enjoy most of them, within reason!
There is very little to avoid while breastfeeding so eat cooked fish, king mackerel or just eat fish and other foods like smoked seafood!
Can I eat canned salmon or canned light tuna while breastfeeding?
Canned salmon is a good alternative to eating fresh salmon as it is easy to prepare and can be served as an entire meal.
However, make sure that you choose canned salmon that has been labelled as “wild” salmon because this type of fish tends to have lower levels of mercury than other types of fish.
Canned fish like other fish contains:
– Vitamin A: is essential for proper eye function.
– Vitamin B6: helps your body to absorb iron which is especially important while breastfeeding.
– Vitamin D: necessary for strong bones.
– Selenium: an antioxidant that may protect against cancer and other diseases.
Tell me the best fish for breastfeeding women.
The best fish for breastfeeding women include:
- -Sardines
- -Tuna (canned light tuna or canned tuna is best)
- -Salmon (especially wild salmon)
- -Trout
- -Mackerel
So, you can eat all of these to get good nutrients and minerals while breastfeeding. So, don’t worry! Enjoy your meal!! 🙂
These are all the low mercury fish.
The health and human services have suggested that the bacteria called listeria monocytogenes is a danger to pregnant women and mercury exposure can affect the nervous system, but this is not deemed to be an issue for nursing moms.
As ever, always speak to your healthcare provider who should have the latest information from the American academy of paediatrics and disease control on foods safe for breastfeeding moms and breast milk.
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.
