Can You Eat Blue Cheese When Breastfeeding? A Full Guide

Are you a cheese lover who’s been missing the bold flavor of blue cheese during your pregnancy?

Well, the good news is that if you plan to breastfeed your baby, you can safely include small amounts of all types of cheese in your diet, including blue cheese.

In fact, blue cheese has some nutritional benefits that can be highly beneficial for lactating mothers. However, there are some types of cheeses that you should avoid while breastfeeding.

In this article, we’ll explore whether or not you can eat blue cheese when breastfeeding and provide some tips on how to maintain a healthy and balanced diet while nursing your little one.

Can You Eat Blue Cheese When Breastfeeding?

The short answer is yes, you can eat blue cheese when breastfeeding. In fact, blue cheese is a great source of calcium, which is essential for both you and your baby’s bone health. Blue cheese contains 33% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of calcium, making it one of the highest calcium-containing cheeses.

Additionally, blue cheese has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and gout, as well as promote healthy teeth. However, it’s important to note that blue cheese is also high in saturated fat, so it’s important to watch your intake and consume it in moderation.

While blue cheese is safe to eat while breastfeeding, there are some types of cheeses that you should avoid. Mould-ripened soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie should be avoided due to the higher risk of harmful bacteria affecting you and your baby. Other soft blue cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola, as well as Danish blue, should also be avoided.

The Benefits Of Eating Cheese While Breastfeeding

Eating cheese while breastfeeding can provide many benefits for both you and your baby. As mentioned above, blue cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is crucial for bone development and growth. Calcium is also important for maintaining healthy teeth in both you and your baby.

In addition to calcium, cheese also contains other essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit your breastfeeding diet. For example, blue cheese contains 56 micrograms of vitamin A per 1-ounce serving, which is important for maintaining healthy eyesight.

Furthermore, consuming cheese while breastfeeding can help manage certain health conditions such as osteoporosis and gout. This is because cheese contains nutrients that can help promote healthy bone growth and reduce inflammation in the body.

It’s important to note that while cheese can be a nutritious addition to your breastfeeding diet, it’s important to consume it in moderation. Cheese, particularly blue cheese, can be high in saturated fat and sodium, which can lead to health problems if consumed in excess.

What Makes Blue Cheese Safe For Breastfeeding Mothers?

Blue cheese is safe for breastfeeding mothers because it is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. A 1-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 150 milligrams of calcium, which is important for both you and your baby’s bone health. Additionally, blue cheese contains 56 micrograms of vitamin A for healthy eyes.

Despite its nutritional benefits, blue cheese should still be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat and sodium content. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and watch your intake of saturated fat to avoid any negative effects on your health.

Unlike some soft cheeses, blue cheese is safe to eat while breastfeeding because it is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills the listeria organism that can be harmful to both you and your baby. However, it’s still important to avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses and other dairy products that may carry listeria.

Types Of Cheese To Avoid While Breastfeeding

When it comes to cheese, there are certain types that nursing mothers should avoid. Mould-ripened soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie should be avoided due to the higher risk of harmful bacteria affecting you and your baby. These cheeses are more prevalent to avoid during pregnancy, but it’s still important to avoid them while breastfeeding.

Other soft blue cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola, as well as Danish blue, should also be avoided. The reason is that these cheeses are made in a manner that increases the risk of harmful bacteria affecting you and your baby. While false myths still exist about what a mother can or cannot eat while breastfeeding, it’s important to note that very little of what a mother eats travels through the breastmilk and is passed on to the baby.

It’s also important to note that the food you eat can influence the smell and taste of your breast milk. If you notice that your baby does not appreciate the breast milk due to the intense flavors derived from cheese with an unmistakable taste like Brie, it’s advised to wait a few months before going back to eating it usually. Instead, if your newborn does not react negatively, there are no problems, so long as you consume this rich cheese in moderate quantity.

In addition to these types of cheese, nursing mothers should also avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses (and other unpasteurized dairy products) as they can carry a bacteria called listeria monocytogenes. Cheese made in the United States must be made from pasteurized milk (pasteurization kills the listeria organism), but imported cheeses may be a problem.

How Much Blue Cheese Can You Safely Consume While Breastfeeding?

It’s recommended that you consume blue cheese in moderation while breastfeeding. A 1-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 8.15 grams of fat, of which 5.3 grams are saturated, and 395 milligrams of sodium. While the bold flavor of blue cheese may not be appealing to many, it’s important to keep in mind that it contributes essential vitamins and minerals to your breastfeeding diet.

A 1-ounce serving of blue cheese supplies 150 milligrams of bone-building calcium and 56 micrograms of vitamin A for healthy eyes. So, while you can enjoy blue cheese as part of your breastfeeding diet, it’s important to keep track of your daily intake to ensure you’re not consuming too much saturated fat or sodium.

As with any food, if you notice that your baby is reacting negatively to the taste or smell of your breast milk after consuming blue cheese, it may be best to wait a few months before consuming it again. It’s also important to remember that the food you eat can influence the taste and smell of your breast milk.

Tips For Maintaining A Healthy And Balanced Diet While Breastfeeding

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet while breastfeeding is essential for both you and your baby’s health. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

1. Increase your calorie intake: While breastfeeding, your body requires more energy to produce breast milk. It’s recommended to consume an additional 500 calories per day to meet these demands, but make sure these calories come from nutrient-dense foods.

2. Eat a variety of foods: Eating a variety of foods ensures that you and your baby get all the necessary nutrients. Aim for a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

3. Choose calcium-rich foods: Calcium is essential for bone health, and your body needs more of it while breastfeeding. Include calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods in your diet.

4. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for milk production and to prevent dehydration. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.

5. Avoid certain foods: Some foods can be harmful to you and your baby while breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and fish with high levels of mercury. Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert should also be avoided due to the risk of harmful bacteria.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you and your baby get the necessary nutrients while breastfeeding, including the benefits of blue cheese in moderation.