Drinking while Breastfeeding

This article is NOT medical advice, please consult with your physician for medical advice.

Moderation is the key here - plain and simple.

Most experts agree: one drink whether that be a glass of wine, one beer or one mixed drink containing hard liquor, should pose no problem to the breastfeeding couplet. There are exceptions to this: those taking medications contraindicated OR those with pre-existing medical conditions.

In my personal situation, this is how I handled it. I would nurse my child just before consuming ONE adult beverage, like a margarita. (Come on, I live in Texas and TexMex food is made to go with margaritas) By the time it was time to nurse, I felt NO effects of the alcohol and nursed my child again. NO pumping and dumping.Now, had I still felt the effects of the drink, I would have pumped and dumped, that simple. And another tip, mom to mom, take it REALLY slow, if you have not had any alcohol in 9 months, the alcohol may effect you differently than pre baby.

Here is what Dr. Jack Newman has to say about alcohol and breastfeeding:
"5. A mother should not drink alcohol while breastfeeding. Not true! Reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. The mother can take some alcohol and continue breastfeeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for nursing"
Quoted from his article "More breastfeeding Myths".

Still not comfortable with the idea? Then this product is for you.

These strips check the alcohol content of your milk allowing you to decide whether or not to feed or pump and dump.

Back from Drinking while Breastfeeding to more Breastfeeding Articles

Back from Drinking while Breastfeeding to askthelactationconsultant.com