ℹ️Myth BustedCurated
Sushi (Raw Fish)
Good news — sushi and raw fish are safe to eat while breastfeeding! The pregnancy restriction on raw fish is about infection risk to the fetus, which does not apply once your baby is born.
Myth: Many new moms think sushi is still off-limits while breastfeeding, carrying over the pregnancy restriction. The raw fish concern is pregnancy-specific — Listeria and parasites do not pass through breast milk.
During pregnancy, raw fish is avoided because foodborne infections like Listeria and parasites can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus. After delivery, these infections do not transfer through breast milk. If you get sick from contaminated fish, it may make you miserable, but your breast milk remains safe. Choose reputable restaurants, stick to low-mercury fish (salmon, shrimp, yellowtail), and enjoy your sushi.
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
Was this helpful?