Can I Eat Peanut Butter While Breastfeeding?
There are tons of questions moms have when it comes to breastfeeding. What you can eat while breastfeeding is a common one.
Women often wonder if what they eat might affect their breast milk and their baby.
You’re probably wondering about the safety of consuming peanuts and/or peanut butter while breastfeeding. Let’s explore…
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Can I Eat Peanut Butter While Breastfeeding?
Unless you or a close family member have a history of nut allergies, there’s no reason to avoid eating peanuts (or peanut butter) while breastfeeding.
DISCLAIMER: If you or your family have a history of food allergies or you're simply worried about your baby developing a food allergy, consult with your healthcare provider before introducing peanuts or peanut butter into your diet while breastfeeding.
If you do eat peanuts or peanut butter while breastfeeding, be sure to monitor your baby closely for any reactions.
Peanuts contain a protein that is transferred into breast milk. It gets into breast milk within 10 minutes after consumption and peaks after 1 hour.
After eating peanuts while breastfeeding, monitor your baby to see if they:
get extra cranky
develop a rash or itchiness
have diarrhea or nasal congestion
If you see any signs of a reaction, seek medical advice right away.
If you want to be extra safe you can always consult with your baby’s healthcare provider before introducing peanuts or peanut butter while breastfeeding.
Benefits of eating peanuts and peanut butter postpartum
healthy source of plant-based protein
contains healthy unsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids)
rich source of vitamins and minerals (niacin, phosphorus, and Vitamin E)
provides energy for postpartum
contains fiber to help you feel full
balances sugar levels in the blood
Current research on introducing peanuts while breastfeeding
Current research suggests that adding peanuts and peanut-based foods to your diet while breastfeeding MAY actually help prevent your baby from developing a peanut allergy in the first place. (for families who don’t have a history of food allergies)
A recent study indicates that babies whose moms ate peanuts while breastfeeding and were also introduced to peanuts by their first birthday had a lower risk of developing a later peanut allergy.
NOTE: Further research needs to be conducted to be sure of a causal relationship.
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