Can I Eat Ceviche While Breastfeeding? [What Studies Say]

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby and to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. But did you know that what you eat can also impact your breast milk?

One of the most common cravings I experienced after giving birth was ceviche (yes you can have cravings after pregnancy). I love the citrusy, fresh flavor of this dish and often craved it.

Can I Eat Ceviche While Breastfeeding?- It can be hard to navigate what is and isn’t safe while nursing your little one. In this blog post, I will answer the question “can I eat ceviche while breastfeeding?”

Let’s find out!

Can I Eat Ceviche While Breastfeeding?

It is safe to eat ceviche while breastfeeding. Ceviche is a dish made from raw fish that is cooked in citrus juice. The citric acid in the juice “cooks” the fish.

When breastmilk is mixed with stomach acid, it creates a powerful disinfectant that kills harmful bacteria. This makes ceviche a safe dish to eat while breastfeeding.

It’s important that the fish used in ceviche is fresh and of good quality. If you’re unsure about the quality of the fish, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

There are a few things to keep in mind when eating ceviche while breastfeeding.

First, eat small portions. Ceviche is high in sodium and can cause your breastmilk to be salty. Second, avoid eating ceviche every day. Eating large amounts of fish can lead to mercury poisoning…more on this later.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid raw fish because of the risk of foodborne illness. If you are pregnant and crave ceviche, you can cook the fish until it is opaque all the way through.

Ps. Make sure you also read my article: can you take probiotics while breastfeeding. You’ll learn additional things you can do to improve the quality of your baby’s nutrition and health.

Benefits Of Eating Fish While Pregnant

When it comes to eating while breastfeeding, there are a lot of things to consider. Will this food give me the energy I need? Will it help my baby get the nutrients they need? And, of course, is it delicious?

Thankfully, ceviche ticks all of those boxes. Ceviche is a dish typically made with fresh fish or seafood that has been marinated in citrus juice.

The acid in the citrus juice “cooks” the fish, and the result is a fresh and flavorful dish. Not only is ceviche packed with protein and healthy fats, but the citrus juice also contains a nutrient called citrate.

Citrate has been shown to increase milk production in nursing mothers. So, not only is ceviche delicious and nutritious, but it can also help you meet your baby’s needs.

Risks Of Eating Ceviche While Breastfeeding

While ceviche is generally safe for pregnant women and young children to consume, there are potential risks associated with eating ceviche while breastfeeding.

One of the main concerns is bacteria. When fish is cooked, any bacteria present is killed. However, when fish is left raw, as in ceviche, the bacteria can still be alive and may cause food poisoning.

In addition, the acid in the citrus juice can increase the risk of gastrointestinal upset. As a result, it is important to be cautious when consuming ceviche while breastfeeding.

Our two-month-old boy experienced issues with reflux and constipation when he was younger.

After many visits to the doctor we found out he was allergic to some foods and other foods like citrus made his reflux worse.

Your best option is to try ceviche in small quantities and see how you and your baby react. If you experience any gastrointestinal upset, it is best to avoid ceviche altogether.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the potential for mercury potioning. Most fish contain small traces of mercury, but some fish are higher in mercury than others.

Swordfish, tuna, sharks, and tilefish are all examples of fish that are high in mercury. These fish should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Try to stick with non-predatory fish like anchovies, catfish, tilapia, flounder, and salmon. These fish are lower in mercury and can be safely consumed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It’s important to limit the amount of fish you consume while breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that nursing mothers limit their fish intake to 12 ounces per week.

Will Eating Ceviche Affect My Milk Production?

As a nursing mother, you might be wondering whether or not you can enjoy ceviche without affecting your milk production.

Some people worry that the acidity of the citrus juice may cause problems with milk production, but there is no need to worry.

Eating ceviche will not affect your milk production. In fact, citrus fruits are actually known to increase milk production.

As I explained earlier, lime and other citrus fruits contain citrate, which has been shown to increase milk production in nursing mothers.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to boost your milk production, ceviche is a great option.

Best Types Of Ceviche To Eat While Breastfeeding

When choosing a ceviche recipe, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Avoid any recipes that call for cooked fish or seafood, as these can be difficult to digest.

Some of the best types of fish to use in ceviche include tilapia, halibut, cod, and salmon. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or tempeh.

Also, be sure to avoid any spicy sauces or seasonings, as these can cause indigestion. Instead, opt for a simple ceviche made with fresh fish, lime juice, and chopped tomatoes.

This delicious and healthy dish will provide you with the nutrients you need to keep your energy up while breastfeeding, and it will also help you meet your baby’s nutritional needs.

Can You Eat Raw Seafood While Breastfeeding?

As a new mom, you have a lot of questions. You turn to Google for answers and quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there.

One article says it’s safe to eat raw seafood while breastfeeding, while another article warns against it. You just don’t know who to believe!

I often experience the same issues which are why I learned to trust my research background and turn to actual studies for information.

When it comes to eating raw seafood while breastfeeding, there is actually very little research on the subject.

One study from 2006 found that Listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria found in raw seafood, can be transmitted to infants through breast milk.

However, the study did not find any evidence that this transmission resulted in actual illness.

As a result, the authors of the study concluded that there is no need to avoid raw seafood while breastfeeding.

While this research is encouraging, it is important to remember that it is only one study. More research is needed before we can say definitively whether or not it is safe to eat raw seafood while breastfeeding.

Eating raw seafood is perfectly safe while breastfeeding. Our bodies come equipped with ways to filter many of the toxins so it does not get passed down to our little ones.

Eating any food raw does increase the chances of bacteria so it’s critical to be cautious and only consume raw foods from reputable sources.

As always, consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. They will be able to give you personalized advice based on your individual health history.

Whether or not you can eat ceviche while breastfeeding is a personal decision.

There is no need to worry about the acidity of the citrus juice affecting your milk production, as citrate actually increases milk production.

Ceviche is a delicious and nutritious way to boost your milk production, and it can also help you meet your baby’s nutritional needs.

If you’re concerned about the risk of bacteria, be sure to choose a recipe that uses fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid any spicy sauces or seasonings.

Let me know if you have any questions and in the meantime, bon appétit!