Understanding The Do's And Don'ts Of Breastfeeding and AlcoholOften new mothers have questions about breastfeeding and alcohol. Many women who breastfeed wonder if it's safe for their baby if they have an alcoholic drink. The answer to this question depends on the amount of alcohol that is consumed, and the time before or after breastfeeding, that the alcohol was drank. With this subject being so controversial, it's better for each breastfeeding mother to fully understand how alcohol affects the body, and the effects that it can have on the baby. This way the mother is fully capable of knowing when and how much they can drink, without harming the baby. How Much Alcohol Can I Have While Breastfeeding?Many women don't realize that when they have a drink of alcohol that it does get into their breast milk, via the bloodstream. After the drink is consumed it takes about 30 minutes for the alcohol to reach the milk. The stronger the drink, the more amount of alcohol goes into the bloodstream, and then into the breast milk. As long as the alcohol remains in the blood, it remains in the milk.Making sure that all the alcohol is out of the body before breastfeeding, will ensure that the baby does not get affected. A good rule of thumb is, if you feel the effects of alcohol and breastfeed your baby, the baby will also be affected. Experts define drinking heavily as having more than two drinks a day. It takes six to eight hours after consumption before the alcohol has left the system. Should I Dump My Milk After Breastfeeding and Alcohol Consumption?If you have plans that include having a few drinks and are wondering if the need to pump and dump is in order, understanding that alcohol does not stay in the breast milk forever, will help you plan accordingly. The need to pump is only required if you will be away for a couple of feedings, and you want to have a supply on hand, or if you need to relieve engorged breasts, due to being away from the baby.Planning ahead will help keep you and the baby happy. If you know you will still have some alcohol in your system when returning home, pumping the necessary amount before you drink will resolve the issue. Just understand that pumping is not necessary to remove milk that has alcohol in it. The alcohol leaves the milk naturally, when it leaves the bloodstream. Be Extra Careful When Nursing Babies Under 3 MonthsTaking extra precaution with newborns and babies under three months old should be done, when considering breastfeeding and alcohol. Before a baby reaches 3 months, their liver function is still limited. If alcohol gets into the bloodstream of a new baby that is less than 3 months, it could affect their liver, and cause problems, since their liver's can only process breastfeeding alcohol at half the rate of an adult. By the age of three months their liver's begin to function the same as an adult.What The Professionals Say About Breastfeeding And AlcoholProfessionals use to be very strict on the subject of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. Most advised to avoid all breastfeeding and alcohol consumption, while others suggested that an occasional drink would do no harm. Others thought that breast milk should be pumped and dumped following the 24 hours after drinking.Today, doctors have discovered that having an occasional drink, while breastfeeding, does not have to be avoided completely. Of course, using common sense, is always the best thing to do. An occasional drink once in a while is okay, according to professionals, but overindulging while breast feeding is a no-no. Nursing while intoxicated is strictly advised against, because this can cause problems with the baby. Understanding Alcohol and Breastfeeding Is The KeyAll experts do agree that moderation is the most important key to breastfeeding and alcohol. Moderation means keeping your alcohol intake to two drinks a day. They also suggest that alcoholics and heavy drinkers should avoid drinking until they have weaned their baby from breastfeeding. Studies have shown that women who drink heavily have a reduction in lactation.They also showed that babies can be affected by mothers who drink heavily and breast feed. Some babies when they reached the age of one, showed signs of motor development problems when their mothers breastfed them, while drinking heavily. Heavy alcohol consumption can also decrease, or even deplete breast milk supply. With a clear understanding of the effects of breastfeeding and alcohol, proper planning can be done to provide safe feeding, without the worry of the baby being affected. Just because a mother breastfeeds does not have to prevent her from enjoying a glass of wine in the evening, or an occasional beer or two, while socializing with her friends. Using moderation and refraining from heavy drinking by planning ahead, will make life easier for baby and you. Do you think it is ok for fellow moms to breastfeed and drink alcohol?Do you have a strong opinion either way? Share it! I've shared with you what I found in my research.
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