Hello!

I heard someone say that you shouldn’t have soft cheeses like Camembert or Brie while you’re pregnant. Does anyone know why that is? Does that still hold after birth while you’re breastfeeding?


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  • Yeah, you’re right. I think soft cheeses carry higher risk for bacteria that can affect you and baby?


  • I know if it’s a cheese like Brie and Camembert it because of the outer of it. Can cause listeria?!


  • There is a risk of Listeria which could harm and unborn baby. Bacteria can’t be passed through the breastmilk so is ok once baby is out.


  • I think that it is do do with the risk of bacteria in the cheese. Also, I think that soft cheeses are prone contamination easily. For example, if a hard cheese develops a mould then that part of the cheese can be cut off but is a soft food develops a mould, the mould is more likely to spread through out the cheese and can not be isolated.


  • They can contain listeria and cheeses from overseas can be unpasteurised. OK to eat while breastfeeding.


  • risk of listeria, its ok whilst breast feeding


  • I avoided cheese during my pregnancy’s as listeria bacteria can pass across the placenta and reach the baby. I also avoided shell fish.


  • Food poisoning in pregnancy has a high risk to the unborn baby, things that were ok when you weren’t pregnant are high risk in pregnancy as pregnancy causes your immune system to lower. Food authority.nsw.gov.au has some useful information. Ok to eat all these things post pregnant/breastfeeding. I had hubby bring me soft cheese to the hospital after bub was born :)


  • I thought all cheese was pasteurised in Australia?


  • They can carry Listeria. I heard it is ok to have them if cooked as this kills the bad germs


  • Yes best to stay away from soft cheeses during pregnancy. It’s fine when breastfeeding. Eat fresh prepared food.


  • It is because of the listeria in the products which could harm bubs. It is fine to eat when breastfeeding so enjoy!


  • Totally agree with the infomation given in the last post, but if it were to be used in cooking and served hot it should kill the bugs in it. Buut as they say if you can its always better to be on the side of eating safely and stearing clear of some foods.


  • Soft cheeses (and quite a few other foods including deli meats, salami, raw eggs and raw egg products, and soft serve ice-cream) can be susceptible to bacteria growth, and listeria in particular. Listeria can be very harmful to your baby during pregnancy. I have read it is safe to eat soft cheeses while breastfeeding (I’m not a fan of them so didn’t myself) but to be sure check with your midwife doctor or child health nurse.


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