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ℹ️Myth BustedCurated

Medium-Rare Steak

Medium-rare steak is safe while breastfeeding! The recommendation to cook meat fully was a pregnancy guideline to protect the fetus — it doesn't apply once you're nursing.

Myth: The fully-cooked meat recommendation is a pregnancy-only guideline. Foodborne pathogens from rare beef do not transfer through breast milk.

During pregnancy, undercooked meat carries risks from pathogens like Toxoplasma, E. coli, and Listeria that could harm a fetus. While breastfeeding, these pathogens do not pass through breast milk. If you got sick from a rare steak, it would be unpleasant for you but wouldn't affect your baby through your milk. Enjoy your steak the way you like it!
Sources: CDC, AAP, FDA

Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.

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