Eggs and breastfeeding

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Eggs are the perfect food for breastfeeding mothers – not only are they quick and easy to cook when time is at a premium, but they are packed with nutrition to help maintain your health at this critical time.

Are eggs good for breastfeeding?

Yes, eggs are an ideal food for breastfeeding mothers. As well as being high in protein, they contain a wide range of nutrients, many of which are particularly important for you and your baby, including folate, vitamin D, iodine, selenium, choline and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, they can be used for both snacks and main meals, making them ideal in the first few weeks and months of your baby’s life, when mealtimes can be unpredictable.

Eggs, allergy and breastfeeding

There is no reason for women who are breastfeeding their babies to avoid eggs or other allergenic foods unless they themselves are allergic to them. See also: the NHS page about breastfeeding and diet.

In fact, there is emerging evidence that mothers who eat eggs when breastfeeding may help protect their babies against future egg allergy.

For more detailed information for health professionals, see our detailed page on breastfeeding and allergy.

Can I eat runny eggs when breastfeeding?

Yes, you can eat runny eggs while breastfeeding. The latest advice from the Food Standards Agency confirms that even people in vulnerable groups can safely eat runny eggs, as long as they have the British Lion mark on.

Can I eat raw eggs while breastfeeding?

Yes, the Food Standards Agency advice is that British Lion eggs can be eaten raw, even by people in vulnerable groups.

Why you can trust this page

All information checked by an independent Registered Nutritionist/Dietitian.

The egginfo.co.uk website is provided by the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC). BEIC is recognised by Government and Parliament as the representative voice of the UK egg industry.