Eating Eggs During Breastfeeding – Is It Safe?

During pregnancy and lactation, a woman takes extra steps to ensure that she is supplying her baby with enough nutrients for his growth and development, but eating certain foods, such as eggs, which are usually considered very nutritious and safe, can prove to be detrimental for the baby’s health. Eggs are a versatile food and very healthy, but if you are in your nursing stage, you might want to think twice before including them in your diet. Read on to find out if can eat eggs while breastfeeding.

Can Breastfeeding Mothers Eat Eggs?

Eggs, as we all know, are a great source of protein, and you can eat them while nursing your baby. You can consume them 3 or 4 times a week. You can eat eggs, but you should consume cooked eggs alone. Eating raw eggs is not recommended while breastfeeding. Furthermore, in your nursing phase, you must make sure that your daily calorie intake is increased by 500 to meet your baby’s nutrient requirements, and these calories should come from a wholesome diet.

Benefits of Eating Eggs While Breastfeeding

Consuming eggs while nursing your baby is a healthy option as eggs contain loads of health benefits which are mentioned below:

• Eating eggs while breastfeeding will help increase the good cholesterol levels in your body, which will help lower the risk of heart ailments like heart attack, stroke and other health problems.

• Eggs are fully loaded with vitamins, nutrients and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, calcium, zinc, etc., which can be very beneficial for your health in your nursing stage.

• Eggs also contain an essential compound known as choline which is vital for many bodily functions.

• Eggs are also beneficial for the eyes; eating eggs can help prevent macular degeneration and cataract.

• Eggs are also a storehouse of essential amino acids which is required by the body for essential functioning.

Can You Eat Raw Eggs?

It is not advisable to consume raw eggs while breastfeeding or even otherwise. Consumption of raw eggs or even undercooked eggs can lead to an increased risk of developing salmonella, which causes fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and nausea. Raw eggs are used in the preparation of homemade sauce, salad dressings, tiramisu, frostings, etc. If unfortunately, you are affected with salmonella, it will remain in your intestine and won’t enter your breast milk. But it can lead to dehydration, which is also not good while breastfeeding, as dehydration will reduce the supply of milk in your body.

Egg Allergy – Things to Keep in Mind

While it is considered safe to consume eggs while nursing your baby, you need to consider the following points:

• It is advisable to get your baby tested for allergies before you include any possible allergy-causing foods such as eggs in your diet while nursing your baby.

• If you consume eggs during breastfeeding and notice symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, rashes, breathing problems, hives, asthma, etc., in your baby, it could be a sign of an egg allergy in infants. If you witness any of these symptoms, then consult a doctor and stop eating eggs and wait until the condition improves.

• In case your baby is severely allergic then you need to keep a note of all other foods you consume.

• A lot of packed foods and candies contain egg which can also cause allergic reactions in your baby.

• Completely avoid mayonnaise, salad dressings that contain egg, batter-fried items, and other store-bought foods.

• Drink plenty of water while nursing to keep your body hydrated and to eliminate all the toxic components from your body.

If you are in your nursing phase, you can consume cooked eggs (if your baby doesn’t have an allergy, of course). But it is suggested that you consult a doctor with regards to including them in your diet. Have a healthy diet during breastfeeding and your baby will be fine!