So you’re breastfeeding your little one and wondering, can I eat peanuts while breastfeeding?
You can still enjoy some of your favorite snacks. Peanuts, for example. You’ve heard conflicting advice about whether nuts are okay for a breastfeeding diet and need clarification.
The surprising truth is yes, you can eat peanuts while breastfeeding. Peanuts can be part of a healthy diet for you and your baby. Here’s why:
Are Peanuts Safe to Eat While Breastfeeding?
Are peanuts safe to eat while breastfeeding? The short answer is yes; peanuts and peanut products are wonderful for breastfeeding mothers and their babies in average amounts.
Peanuts are not only safe, but they’re nutritious.
They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. The proteins in peanuts and fats are essential for your baby’s growth and development.
As for potential allergies, avoiding or limiting peanuts during breastfeeding does not appear to reduce the risk.
The latest research shows that exposing infants to peanuts early on, even through breast milk, may help prevent peanut allergies.
Might also be a good time to do some extra research, like can you have sushi while breastfeeding?
Eating peanuts in moderation
While peanuts are safe and nutritious, you still want to eat them in moderation.
Have a handful of peanuts, a few tablespoons of peanut butter, or a small peanut snack once a day or every couple of days. Some good options include:
- 2-3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter on bread, fruit or celery
- A small bag of roasted peanuts (about 1 ounce)
- Peanut trail mix (watch the sugar content, though!)
- Peanut granola or peanut snack bars
As with any new food, watch your baby for any signs of a reaction the first time you eat peanuts.
But in all likelihood, both you and your baby will benefit from adding this nutritious and delicious food to your diet. Enjoy your peanuts, mama!
How Much Peanut Consumption Is Okay for a Breastfeeding Mom?
So you want to keep enjoying peanuts while breastfeeding, huh? The good news is you absolutely can – in moderation.
As with most things, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
• Up to 6 ounces of peanuts daily is safe for most breastfeeding mothers. That’s equal to about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of whole peanuts. Any more than that, the peanut proteins could potentially pass into your breast milk, causing an allergic reaction in your baby.
• Watch for signs of peanut allergy in your baby, like rashes, hives, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your baby shows these after you’ve eaten peanuts, talk to your pediatrician. They may recommend eliminating peanuts from your diet to be safe.
• Crushed or powdered peanuts may be more likely to end up in your breast milk, so opt for whole peanuts when possible.
• Don’t eat peanuts right before breastfeeding. Have them as a snack in between feedings instead. This gives your body more time to digest the proteins before the next feeding.
• Make sure to stay hydrated and continue a balanced diet with plenty of other healthy proteins and fats. Peanuts can be part of a nutritious diet for a breastfeeding mother but shouldn’t make up most of what you eat.
• Trust your instincts. If at any time you feel uncomfortable eating peanuts or think your baby is reacting to them, eliminate them from your diet. Your baby’s health and your peace of mind should be the priority.
With some basic precautions, most breastfeeding moms can feel good enjoying a moderate amount of delicious peanuts! But when in doubt, always talk to your baby’s pediatrician.
Tips to Introduce Peanuts to Your Breastfed Baby
You can start introducing peanuts once your baby is around 4-6 months. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Go Slowly
Start with a minimal amount of peanut butter or peanut powder mixed into a pureed fruit your baby already enjoys. Only give 1-2 teaspoons at first.
Wait 3-5 days and watch for any reaction before trying again. If there is no reaction, you can slowly increase the amount over the next few weeks.
- Start with a thin smear of peanut butter on their finger or a spoon to lick. See how they do and build up from there.
- Mix a little peanut powder or peanut butter into yogurt, oatmeal, or a pureed fruit. Thin it out well at first.
- Whole peanuts are a choking hazard for babies, so avoid those until they are older.
Watch Closely
Even if your baby had peanut butter before with no issue, they could still develop a peanut allergy. Look for any rash, hives, swelling, or other reaction signs during the next few hours after trying peanuts.
Call your doctor immediately if you notice a reaction or if your baby seems irritable.
Don’t Give Honey
Never give honey to an infant under 12 months.
It may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can germinate in a baby’s immature gut and cause botulism. Wait until 12 months to introduce honey.
Talk to Your Doctor
If your baby has eczema or a family history of food allergies, check with their doctor before starting peanut products.
They may recommend allergy testing or other precautions. It’s best to introduce peanuts under the guidance of your doctor in these situations.
By following these tips, you can safely introduce your baby to peanuts while continuing to breastfeed.
Start slow, watch closely for reactions, and check with your doctor for concerns. Enjoy this new adventure in solids with your little one!
Conclusion
So there you have it, mama. Now you know the truth about eating peanuts while breastfeeding your little one.
The research shows that peanuts are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in your baby when consumed in average amounts.
Unless you or your baby’s father have a known peanut allergy, eating peanuts in moderation should be perfectly fine for the vast majority of breastfeeding mothers and babies.
However, as with any new food, start slowly and be alert for any signs of a reaction in your baby.
If you notice a reaction, stop eating peanuts immediately and talk to your baby’s doctor.
But chances are, you can enjoy your favorite peanut butter and nuts without worry. So grab a spoon and dig in—your peanut craving has the all-clear.