Breastfeeding and Alcohol

Are you dying to have a margarita? Or perhaps a glass of wine? But wondering how the alcohol will effect your baby.

I love Dr. Jack Newmans view on drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. Read it here. See #5 Want to check the alcohol level in your milk before allowing baby to consume it? check out these breastmilk alcohol strips:

My personal opinion is this. One drink: one beer, one mixed drink, one glass of wine, when timed properly around a feeding should pose no problems. BUT, If you are to drunk to drive then you are too drunk to breastfeed. Buzzed = no driving = no breastfeeding. Sober = breastfeeding ok.

Here is how it could be negotiated:You nurse your baby before having 1 drink of beer, wine or 2 ounces of liquor. You stop drinking and if you feel sober when it is time to feed then you can allow the baby to nurse. If not, pump and dump. Have more than one drink? Then pump and dump until you no longer feel the effects of the alcohol. We usually say 2-3 hours per drink. So, 6 beers would be 12-18 hours of pumping and dumping.Moderation is the key, just like with your diet.

Consuming large amounts of alcoholic beverages regularly can be detrimental to you and your baby, can reduce your milk supply and hinder your ability have milk let down. Not good.

But drinking while breastfeeding in moderation, will likely cause no ill effects. But my saying is "if in doubt, throw it out". Follow your instincts .

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