Is it safe to eat peanuts and peanut butter while nursing?
Allergies to peanuts affect around 1% of the population. One out of four allergic individuals has severe allergy, with severe respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Avoiding peanuts and peanut products during the third trimester of pregnancy and during lactation has been recommended, particularly if your baby is at risk for food allergies. Seriously consider avoiding peanuts and peanut products during lactation if: • Any immediate family members (mom, dad, brothers, sisters) have a history of food allergy, asthma or eczema. • Any relative has a history of peanut allergy. • Your baby has asthma, eczema or food allergies. • Babies who are allergic to eggs and have eczema appear to be particularly at risk. If no one in your family (including baby, of course) has a history of food allergies, asthma or eczema, you’re probably fine eating peanuts yourself, but you can also play it safe and avoid them. Allergists recommend that children don’t get peanuts or peanut products until at least 3
