Is it safe to drink fish oil while breastfeeding?

Taking fish oil while breastfeeding will bring many health benefits to mom and baby. However, the irrational use of fish oil will also cause many problems for you.

During lactation , you need to provide enough nutrients for your baby to grow and be healthy every day. With the desire of your  baby to develop a good brain,  many mothers have used fish oil during lactation. However, will this job be as effective as expected? Invite you to find out.

Should fish oil be taken while breastfeeding?

Fish oil has many benefits for both you and your baby. Fish oil contains DHA, which can be absorbed into breast milk and passed on to your baby. If you are not allergic to fish products and fatty acids, it's okay to take fish oil during this period.

Benefits for babies if mothers take fish oil while breastfeeding

Omega 3 fatty acids contain a large amount of DHA, which is important for your baby's development and growth. DHA helps develop cognitive abilities and language skills. In addition, it also helps increase resistance and improve digestion. In particular, DHA also plays an important role in helping baby's skin and eyesight develop healthy.

Essential fatty acids (EFA) help in the production of prostaglandins, help control inflammatory diseases and improve the immune system. Besides, these fatty acids are also essential for the development of the baby because it supports the development of nerves and senses. The absorption of DHA in the form of fish oil in breast milk is important because it helps to convert essential fatty acids into its active form.

During the first year, the baby's brain develops three times faster than normal. The essential fatty acids present in breast milk will help the brain develop better.

Benefits of fish oil for mothers during lactation

Fish oil contains omega 3 that's good for your health because it's a heart-healthy fat. If you regularly consume omega 3, you can reduce your risk of postpartum depression and improve your mood.

Dosage

Fish oil is beneficial for both you and your baby while breastfeeding, but too much can be harmful. Your doctor will advise you on the daily dosage. Each fish oil capsule contains about 300-500mg. Therefore, it will be easier to adjust the dosage according to your doctor's recommendations.

You should also avoid taking raw fish oil while you're breastfeeding because of the risk of mercury poisoning from certain marine fish species.

Where to avoid taking fish oil while breastfeeding

During the breastfeeding period, you should not take fish oil in the following cases:

Patients with hemorrhagic disorders should not take fish oil because they can worsen the condition.

Avoid taking fish oil if you have diabetes or have hypoglycemia.

Caution is advised when taking fish oil if you have low blood pressure, cholesterol problems, asthma , heart disease, liver disease or a family history of colon cancer .

You should consult your doctor carefully before taking fish oil while breastfeeding to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Track your health while taking fish oil. If you feel uncomfortable or your baby behaves strangely, see a doctor immediately.