is omega 3 safe for breastfeeding?

Consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids have been associated with various health benefits, such as a lowering of cholesterol, decreased risk of heart disease, and lowered blood pressure. Some nursing Moms want to know if supplementation of Omega 3s during breastfeeding is safe.
 

Interestingly, some women in native cultures consume a lot of Omega 3s in their natural diet, in the form of seafood. In other traditional cultures, lactating mothers are given a special diet. The current research we have states that breastmilk doesn't change much from woman to woman, whether she is on a special diet or not. Samples of the milk of women living in industrialized nations and those who live on a subsistence diet are found to be nearly identical. 

There is some evidence, however, that Omega 3 fatty acids can benefit both Mom and baby and they will show up in breastmilk. In one study of 77 lactating women reported in Pediatrics magazine, consumption of Cod Liver Oil was associated with higher levels of 3 polyunsatured fatty acids in Mom's milk.

The researchers concluded that supplementation with Cod Liver Oil was appropriate for pregnant and lactating Moms. You can get these nutrients through your diet if you prefer. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, white beans, kidney beans, and eggs from hens fed a diet high in Omega 3s (check labels of different brands of eggs at the grocery store).

If you're concerned about mercury exposure, check out mercuryaction.org for guidelines on eating fish safely. Fish that eat other smaller fish like shark, albacore tuna and swordfish should probably be avoided. Smaller fish like herring and sardines are likely to have low or no mercury in their tissue.

If you like the convenience of supplements, try Cod Liver Oil. My favorite source is Nordic Naturals. It's the only brand I've tried that has a pleasant taste. You can get it HERE.