Learn more about mercury exposure and breastfeeding. Thus, lower mercury fish are a good choice for everyone. Mercury can be harmful to the brain and nervous system of any person exposed to too much of it over time. Eat 2 to 3 servings (between 8 and 12 ounces) of fish a week from the “Best Choices” list OR 1 serving (4 ounces) from the “Good Choices” list on this chart. 1 serving = 4 ounces of fish, measured before cooking.It is best to eat a variety of fish from the “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” categories on this chart. Try to avoid eating the “Choices to Avoid” fish or feeding them to children.If there is no advisory, eat only one serving and no other fish that week. If you eat fish caught by family or friends, check for fish advisories.This can have adverse effects on the brain and nervous system of the breastfed infant.īreastfeeding women (as well as pregnant women, women of childbearing age) should follow the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) advice about eating fish: Most fish contain some amount of mercury, which accumulates in fish flesh and can pass from mother to infant through breast milk. Seafood:Īlthough fish remains an excellent source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals for breastfeeding women, some care must be taken in deciding on the amount and types of seafood to consume. However, certain types of seafood should be consumed in a limited amount and some mothers may wish to restrict caffeine while breastfeeding. Mothers should be encouraged to eat a healthy and diverse diet. Generally, women do not need to limit or avoid specific foods while breastfeeding. Refer to guidance from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) for more information on vitamins, minerals, and calories needed while breastfeeding in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) Calculator for Healthcare Professionals can be used to estimate calorie needs based on sex, age, height, weight, activity level, and pregnancy and lactation status. The number of additional calories needed for an individual breastfeeding woman is also affected by her age, body mass index, activity level, and extent of breastfeeding (exclusively breastfeeding verses breastfeeding and formula feeding). An additional 330 to 400 kilocalories (kcal) per day is recommended for well-nourished breastfeeding mothers, compared with the amount they were consuming before pregnancy (approximately 2,000 to 2,800 kcal per day for breastfeeding women verses 1,600 to 2,400 kcal per day for moderately active, non-pregnant women who are not breastfeeding). Breastfeeding mothers generally need more calories to meet their nutritional needs while breastfeeding. Are there any special diet recommendations for mothers who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet while breastfeeding?ĭo mothers need more calories while breastfeeding?.Are there any foods that mothers should avoid or limit while breastfeeding?.Are there any nutrients that mothers should increase while breastfeeding?.Should mothers take a multivitamin while breastfeeding?.Do mothers need more calories while breastfeeding?.

Isoburn while breastfeeding