Alcohol And Breastfeeding

Can I drink alcohol while breastfeeding ?

Drinking Alcohol and breastfeeding…are the two compatible? Research says that the occasional drink (about twice a week) is acceptable.

Less than 2% of the alcohol that you have consumed is transferred through your milk to baby. Many moms feel that they need to pump and dump milk after drinking alcohol, but pumping does not speed up the elimination of alcohol from your breast milk.

- More than one drink can affect milk let-down

- Drinking while breastfeeding can cause breast milk production to decrease

- Babies have been noted to sleep less if they receive small amounts of alcohol

- Alcohol when breastfeeding low weight - Slower weight gain has been noticed in infants.

- Daily consumption of alcohol has been related to a decrease in motor skill development

- Your milk might taste differently, which could cause baby to drink less

- Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding, can result in drowsiness, excessive sleeping and mental problems in baby

- Excessive alcohol consumption can increase baby’s chances of SIDS “sudden Infant Death Syndrome”

- Excessive alcohol consumption while breastfeeding cannot just hurt baby physically, but also effects moms ability to look after baby properly

Moms with drinking problems should try abstaining from drinking until baby is weaned or only drink after feedings. Moms should not stop breastfeeding because of drinking alcohol as it is better to be drinking alcohol whilst breastfeeding than to be drinking and formula feeding. Baby will then still be receiving all protective properties from moms breast milk, which can protect him from infections and help with his development.

Can you drink wine while breastfeeding ?

Remember that most things can be good for you, if it is done in moderation. If breast feeding and alcohol consumption is done sensibly, then you won’t have any problems.

Alcohol and breastfeeding rules to go by

- If you feel tipsy do not breastfeed

- If you are going to drink, try drinking after you have breastfed baby

- Avoid alcohol during the first three months of baby’s life

- Breastfeeding after drinking alcohol - Wait at least three hours after drinking before breastfeeding

- Store your breast milk for baby if you know that you will be drinking

- Moms that are on pain medication after delivery should never drink alcohol

Moms that have a problem with breastfeeding and alcohol consumption and feel that they have a binging problem can get help here online.

Alcohol and breastfeeding ~ How To Give Up Alcohol

- Breastfeeding diet guidelines

- Toxins in breast milk

- Caffeine & breast feeding

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