Sushi is safe to consume during breastfeeding as long as it is consumed from a reputable restaurant that uses high-quality fish from reputable sources. If the origin of the fish is unclear, it is best to inquire with the restaurant staff. Pregnant women should avoid consuming raw fish because bacteria and parasites present a risk to the fetus.
However, there is little to no risk of these pathogens being transmitted through breast milk, so sushi can be consumed safely while breastfeeding. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid consuming any fish that contains high levels of mercury, whether the fish is raw or cooked. Mercury can potentially be transmitted to a baby through breast milk.
Even though the amount of mercury in breast milk would be negligible, infants are especially susceptible to toxins. Mercury can affect the developing brain and nervous system of an infant.
Are sushi and raw fish safe to consume while breastfeeding?
Numerous guidelines recommend avoiding sushi during pregnancy, but sushi enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that they can resume eating this dish after the birth of their child. Although sushi is safe to consume while breastfeeding, women should continue to avoid mercury-rich species of fish.
When can I resume eating sushi after childbirth?
Can You Consume Sushi If You Are Breastfeeding? The answer is affirmative. However, breastfeeding mothers should pay close attention to how their sushi is prepared. They should visit sushi restaurants that only use flash-frozen fish and only order sushi and sashimi made from low-mercury fish.
If you enjoy sushi, the most difficult aspect of pregnancy will be the diet. Sushi is not recommended for pregnant women due to the high levels of mercury in certain types of fish, which may harm the baby’s development. Some doctors still recommend total abstinence from sushi during pregnancy, despite the fact that moderate consumption of certain types of fish is permitted.
After the baby is born, you may rush to your favorite sushi restaurant to consume all the sushi you’ve been craving for the past nine months. Take a minute to read this article slowly. As a new mother, you are responsible for what your infant consumes through breast milk.
What are the risks of consuming sushi?
The Dangers of Sushi Consumption During Breastfeeding – Raw and free-range dominate the “health” revolution: raw (or lightly steamed) vegetables, free-range chickens (and eggs), and free-range cows (and milk). Sushi’s participation in the revolution was inescapable.
It is undoubtedly raw, and the non-farmed fish are undoubtedly wild. Due to the absence of preservatives and artificial flavoring (aside from what the consumer adds), it has become a traditional fallback food for consumers who wish to consume a healthy diet. The primary risk associated with sushi is that it is still considered raw food.
Due to this, any parasites that enter raw fish will remain there if the food is not properly prepared. Sushi must be flash-frozen prior to being shipped to the United States. Flash-freezing raw fish renders it too cold for parasites to grow and kills any parasites that may be present.
Nonetheless, there are some fish on the market that are considered sushi-ready because they are “fresh-caught” and have not been frozen. Such fish are more susceptible to parasite infestation. Normal freezer slow-freezing does not kill parasites and is insufficient to prevent their growth. Here are the potential risks associated with consuming sushi while breastfeeding.
First, anisakiasis is a parasite larva that, 24 hours after ingestion, causes symptoms similar to food poisoning. The tapeworm that causes diphyllobothriasis is found in sea bass, salmon, pike, and trout. It can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia (lack of iron).
These are exclusive to fish that have not been flash-frozen, which consumers cannot determine unless they inquire. In addition to these parasites, mercury poisoning is a risk whether or not the fish has been flash-frozen. In other words, mercury poisoning is the greatest risk a pregnant or breastfeeding mother faces.
The most common sushi fish, such as tuna and marlin, contain significant amounts of mercury. When released into the bloodstream, mercury is neurotoxic (attacks the nervous system). The affected individual may have difficulty with simple functions such as walking, hearing, and seeing.
How much fish can a nursing mother consume?
What types of fish are best for breastfeeding mothers? – Fortunately, there are numerous seafood options that are safe for breastfeeding women and contain less mercury. The ACOG actually recommends that breastfeeding mothers consume 8 to 12 ounces of fish per week.
- This equates to approximately two to three servings per week.
- The “best choices” list of low-mercury fish compiled by the FDA and EPA is extensive.
- It contains: Atlantic swordfish Atlantic sea bass Catfish Crustacean Herring Lobster Oysters Atlantic chub mackerel Flounder Salmon Scallops Shrimp Unique Tilapia Trout (freshwater) canned white tuna Whitefish In addition, there are a number of “good options” with mercury levels that tend to be somewhat elevated.
Included on the FDA and EPA’s list are halibut, striped bass, snapper, and albacore tuna. If you choose to eat from this list, do not consume more than one 4-ounce serving of fish per week.