Can You Drink Raw Milk When Breastfeeding?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding · Last updated 28 October 2026
Better avoided. There's no breastfeeding-specific rule, but unpasteurised milk can carry bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter that can make anyone seriously ill. Choose pasteurised.
What the guidance says
Pasteurisation is heat treatment that kills the harmful bacteria in milk. Raw milk skips it, so it can carry Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter even from a clean farm. The FSA warns that raw drinking milk is riskier for vulnerable groups, which include young children and pregnant women. The breastfeeding guidance doesn't ban it, but we don't call it safe: a bad bout of food poisoning is hard when you're caring for a newborn.
You can also check the calorie content of raw milk alongside its safety information.
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Raw Milk: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Avoid |
Common questions
Is raw milk safe while breastfeeding?
Better avoided. There's no breastfeeding-specific rule, but unpasteurised milk can carry bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter that can make anyone seriously ill. Choose pasteurised.
Does raw milk pass anything harmful to my baby through breast milk?
Food poisoning bacteria don't normally pass into breast milk, but being ill yourself makes caring for and feeding your baby much harder.
What is the safer choice?
Pasteurised milk. If you do drink raw milk, buy from a registered producer and keep it cold; this is a risk for anyone.
Was this different during pregnancy?
Yes. In pregnancy our verdict was “avoid”, because of a risk to the unborn baby (see our pregnancy guide). Those reasons ended when your baby was born.
What should I avoid while breastfeeding?
The NHS list is short. Caffeine: try not to have more than 300mg a day (a mug of filter coffee is about 140mg, instant 100mg, tea 75mg). Alcohol: it is safer not to drink, but 1 or 2 units once or twice a week should be fine. Oily fish: no more than 2 portions a week. Shark, swordfish and marlin: no more than 1 portion a week. Peanuts are fine unless you're allergic. Most other foods that were off the menu in pregnancy, such as soft cheese, pâté, cured meat and runny eggs, are not restricted.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.