Generally, eggs during breastfeeding make for a well-balanced maternal diet. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and essential lipids to help you meet your nutritional needs during nursing. But since they also fall under allergenic foods, you may feel apprehensive about eating eggs while you are breastfeeding. However, you need to follow some precautions to ensure the safe ingestion of eggs during lactation. Read on as we tell you more about the safe intake of eggs during lactation, their possible health benefits, and their side effects.
Can Breastfeeding Moms Eat Eggs?
Nursing moms can eat well-cooked eggs. It is to be hard-boiled. Under cooked or raw eggs have a risk of salmonella contamination that can cause food poisoning. The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recommends using pasteurized eggs as much as possible (1). However, you may also buy eggs stored in a refrigerator, provided they are clean and the shells are not cracked (2).
Health Benefits Of Eggs For Breastfeeding Moms
Consuming well-cooked eggs regularly during the nursing phase might be beneficial in the following ways.
Possible Side-Effects Of Eggs When Breastfeeding
Consuming eggs during the nursing phase does not necessarily cause side effects in healthy breastfeeding mothers. However, if you have any health issues, then there may be the risk of encountering the following side effects. Sometimes, the baby may have an egg allergy from maternal egg consumption. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACCAI), the typical signs of an egg allergy that parents should keep an eye on are skin contact reactions, vomiting, stomach cramps, wheezing, diarrhea, redness of the face, and hives around the mouth (13). In extreme cases, an egg allergy may cause breathing problems leading to anaphylaxis. If you have any other health condition, then consult a doctor before consuming eggs. If you are asked to avoid eggs, then you should also avoid products that contain eggs. Examples of foods that may contain eggs are cakes, mayonnaise, ice cream, salad dressings, hollandaise, and sauces.
How To Buy And Store Eggs?
You can buy and store eggs safely by following some simple steps tips. Buying
Prefer pasteurized eggs. If not, buy eggs that were stored in a refrigerator. While buying, ensure that the eggs are clean and the shells are not broken or cracked. Store the eggs in a refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, but not in the freezer. It is advisable to store the eggs in their packaging and use them within three weeks.
Storing It is best to consume fresh food during lactation. However, if you need to store eggs for long, then you should observe the following precautions.
Hard cook the eggs in their shell. You may also peel them. However, in both cases, use these eggs within a week after cooking. Consume all the leftover cooked egg dishes within three to four days of their preparation. You can freeze eggs to use them for long, but do not store frozen eggs with their shells. Instead, beat yolks and whites together, and then freeze the mix. If required, egg white can be frozen separately. Frozen eggs can be consumed for a year. However, there may be a decline in their taste and nutritional value. Therefore, it is best to consume frozen eggs within a month or a few weeks from the date of their freezing.
Careful purchase and storage of eggs can minimize the chances of any adverse reactions.
Precautions To Take While Consuming Eggs When Breastfeeding
Eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria that can affect your health. Though it can’t pass to the baby via breast milk, staying alert against food-borne illnesses is crucial during breastfeeding. The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) recommends taking the following precautions when adding eggs to the diet (14).
