Unlike the list of foods to avoid during pregnancy, the only food lactating parents are advised to avoid is fish with high concentrations of mercury (e.g., shark, swordfish, tilefish),[1] unless the infant has a metabolic disease requiring special dietary restrictions, or the parent notices certain trends between their dietary intake and their infant's behaviors/digestion/temperament.
Avoiding high-mercury fish does not imply avoiding fish all together. The FDA recommends 8 to 12 ounces per week of fish and/or shellfish low in mercury (e.g., anchovies, salmon, sardines, hake, clams) for lactating parents.
References
- ^Dórea JGExposure to mercury during the first six months via human milk and vaccines: modifying risk factors.Am J Perinatol.(2007-Aug)