What are the benefits of goat milk for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Is goat milk safe during pregnancy?

Pasteurized goat milk is considered safe. The NHS lists unpasteurized milk, including goats’ milk, as a food to avoid in pregnancy because it may contain Listeria, which can cause listeriosis and lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or serious illness in newborns. Pasteurization heats milk enough to kill disease-causing germs, and the FDA says pasteurization has minimal impact on milk’s nutritional quality.

What does goat milk offer?

Like cow’s milk, goat milk is a source of protein, calcium and other nutrients. Exact amounts differ by brand and by whether it is fortified, so compare the Nutrition Facts labels. Claims that goat milk is much healthier than cow’s milk for pregnant or nursing mothers are not backed by the official pages I checked, and the FDA concludes raw milk is not nutritionally superior to pasteurized milk.

What should you check on the label?

• The word pasteurized (or ultra-pasteurized) on the carton or cheese.
• Calcium and vitamin D: many cow’s milks are fortified, and goat milks may or may not be.
• Added sugar in flavored products.

What about goat cheese?

The NHS says pasteurized soft cheeses such as feta and mozzarella are safe in pregnancy. Soft goats’ cheese with a white rind should be thoroughly cooked whether it is pasteurized or not, while goats’ cheese without a white rind is fine if pasteurized. Hard cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan, and any cheese heated until steaming hot, are fine. When unsure, check the label or ask the shop.

Is goat milk safe while breastfeeding?

Pasteurized goat milk is a normal food for a nursing mother. Raw milk is still not recommended, and the CDC lists pregnant people among the groups at higher risk from raw milk. Goat milk proteins are similar to cow’s milk proteins, so goat milk is not a safe swap for someone with a cow’s milk allergy.

Common mistakes

• Choosing raw goat milk because it sounds natural.
• Assuming goat milk is safe for a cow’s milk allergy.
• Replacing prenatal vitamins or a varied diet with milk.

This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your midwife, doctor or dietitian about your own diet.