Shrimp is one of the favorite seafoods for most people. But if you are wondering whether you can have shrimp when breastfeeding, continue reading to find the answer. Lactating mothers need to be extra careful about what they eat. Besides antibodies, the baby receives all its nutrients from you that get passed on through the breast milk. Therefore, at times, most mothers may need to sacrifice some of their favorite foods to protect their babies. For example, seafood or things that normally induce allergy in some people may also cause a reaction in your baby if taken in higher amounts. You may have to stick to consuming a specific amount of shrimps during lactation to avoid any potential adverse effects on the baby. Read on to know more about shrimp consumption by nursing mothers, including its benefits and side effects.
What Is Shrimp?
Shrimp accounts for almost 25% of the seafood consumed in the US, (1). Shrimp is a rich source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids and is highly nutritious (2). Shrimps are crustaceans, just like crabs and lobsters, which means they have an exoskeleton. Although the words “shrimp” and “prawns” are often used interchangeably, prawns inhabit freshwater habitats, and shrimp predominantly inhabit saltwater habitats. Shrimp is considered low in methyl mercury and hence can be consumed by a breastfeeding mother once in a while (3).
Is It Safe To Eat Shrimp While Breastfeeding?
Though shrimp is comparatively safe while breastfeeding, you should limit the consumption to 12oz. each week. Breastfeeding mothers can eat two to three servings of fish a week, including shrimp (3). If you happen to consume more fish in a week, you can limit or reduce the consumption the next week to balance it out. To conclude, it is okay to consume shrimp while breastfeeding in a limited amount. Also, make sure to check the signs of shellfish allergy in your baby and stop eating shrimp if your baby is irritable or shows any signs of a possible allergic reaction.
How To Purchase Shrimp While Breastfeeding?
Like any other seafood, make sure to purchase shrimp from a well-known and hygienic store. The store should offer a fresh supply or speak to the fish dealer to have a fresh supply every time. While purchasing shrimp, you would also want to decide if you want fresh shrimp or the frozen kind. Frozen shrimp has a longer shelf life than fresh shrimp, and you can store it for a day or two. Color is a good indicator of the quality of the shrimp. Unless it is a spotted shrimp, you should not see any rings or spots on the skin—these may signify that the shrimp has gone bad.
Why Should You Limit Eating Shrimp While Breastfeeding?
While it is a great source of omega-3 and fatty acids, shrimp contains mercury and other heavy metal contaminants, which can pass into your breastmilk. Excessive exposure to mercury through breast milk can harm babies’ nervous systems (4). Also, certain foods in mothers’ diets, like shrimp, can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and even cause allergic reactions in babies. Consult your pediatrician immediately if the baby becomes fussy or develops rashes, diarrhea, or congestion (5).
Side Effects Of Eating Shrimp While Breastfeeding
Breastfed babies sometimes develop allergies to foods that their moms eat. Common allergies in babies include soy, wheat, dairy, corn, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish, including shrimp. Signs of allergic reactions in babies include (5)
Frequent vomiting and spitting up
Belly pain, bloating, and excess gas Bloody and mucus-filled stools Hard stools (constipation) or diarrhea Skin rashes Wheezing and difficulty breathing Shock
If you see any of these signs in your baby, seek emergency medical advice and be sure to avoid the possible offending food in the future. If the problem continues, keep a list of everything you have throughout the day and share this “food diary” with your baby’s doctor. Your doctor might be able to help pinpoint the problematic food.
