Eat honey. Yes, you can safely eat honey if you’re breastfeeding. It’s a good question and one many moms ask, since babies shouldn’t eat honey (before age 1) because of the risk of botulism. This rare but dangerous type of poisoning happens almost exclusively in infants and affects the nervous system, causing weakness and breathing problems.
Honey can contain botulism spores that release toxins when eaten. A baby’s immune system isn’t mature enough to keep this toxin from developing. A mom’s immune system, however, can handle these spores before they pose any risk to her health or her baby’s. There’s no risk that botulism toxins will be passed from you to your baby through your breast milk.
Similarly, when you’re breastfeeding you can eat many foods that were off the menu during pregnancy – such as sushi with raw fish, unpasteurized cheese, and rare meats.
During pregnancy, your immune system is naturally weakened so that it won’t attack your baby (which your body sees as an intruder). This also makes it harder for your immune system to fight off any harmful bacteria or parasites that certain foods may contain. When you’re breastfeeding, however, your immune system can fend off potentially dangerous foodborne pathogens and keep them out of your breast milk so they won’t reach your baby.
That said, some substances are passed through your breast milk and can be problematic for your baby. Common foods and herbs to avoid while breastfeeding include more than moderate amounts of alcohol and caffeine; high-mercury fish such as swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel; and marijuana. It’s also possible your breastfeeding baby could have gas or another reaction to foods in your diet – though this is unusual.
Benefits of eat honey
Honey is mostly made up of sugar, so it’s best to consume in moderation. But it may have an edge among natural sweeteners, as it contains a number of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, zinc, iron, and antioxidants.
Honey has been traditionally used and studied for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Some research suggests it may:
- Suppress coughs
- Relieve some symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions, such as diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis
- Promote wound healing, particularly burns (note: this is true of medical-grade eat honey, not the kind you can buy at the grocery store)
- Offer neurological benefits, including as an antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and memory-booster
When you breastfeed, you’re eating to nourish your baby and yourself. Aim for a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. Eat what you love – exposure to a range of different foods may even help your baby learn to enjoy a wide variety of flavors. And if you enjoy honey, don’t hesitate to add a dose to your morning yogurt or tea.
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