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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider.


Can You Eat Sushi While Breastfeeding?

Your breastfeeding relationship with your baby is most likely to be enjoyable for everyone when you don’t have to sacrifice the foods you love to eat. If sushi is one of your favorites, you may be wondering, “Can you eat sushi while breastfeeding?”

Can You Eat Sushi While Breastfeeding?  BreastfeedingPlace.com #breastfeeding #sushi

Know Your Options

  • The word sushi actually refers to a Japanese food prepared with vinegared rice. There are many vegetarian and fully cooked sushi options which would be perfectly suitable (and healthy) for a nursing mother.
  • You may be wondering about the risks of eating the raw fish in sushi while breastfeeding. During pregnancy, some doctors recommend mothers avoid sushi because of the potential exposure to bacteria and parasites if the food is not stored, handled, and prepared properly. While breastfeeding, there is little risk of your child getting sick if you eat tainted sushi, but an ill mother is still not fun for anyone! As long as you are being served at a reputable and clean sushi restaurant, feel free to enjoy your sushi, raw or cooked! Japanese mothers have been eating sushi while pregnant and breastfeeding for centuries!
  • Don’t hesitate to check out how the fish is stored and prepared, ask questions of the sushi chef and staff, and make your concerns their priority. An honorable restaurant will have nothing to hide! One tip: Check out the restrooms before you eat. Chances are, if the facilities are clean, the kitchen will be, too!
  • If you take leftovers home, it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible and eat within 24 hours.

What About Mercury?

Mercury exposure is one aspect of eating fish that breastfeeding mothers should be considering. The Natural Resources Defense Council has a list of the highest and lowest mercury contamination in common sushi fish. (Their lists also tells you which options are the most environmentally friendly!) Yellowtail, mackeral, and swordfish have some of the highest mercury contents. Most menus will list which fish are in each sushi roll.

Can You Eat Sushi While Breastfeeding?

So the short answer to the question “Can You Eat Sushi While Breastfeeding?” is, yes! Ask for the kid-friendly trainer chop sticks if you have little ones who will serve themselves and bring along this adorable sushi baby board book to read to your child while you wait for the meal!

Do you love sushi? Did you know that you can eat sushi while breastfeeding?

Sharing at My Joy-Filled Life.


Devany LeDrew is a former kindergarten teacher turned write-at-home-mom. She's the mother of three, grieving the loss of one. She is passionate about gentle parenting, literacy education, grief outreach, and breastfeeding, of course! She writes at Still Playing School, as well as at a blog specifically about grief The Beauty of the Bereaved. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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