How Much Alcohal Is Okay to Drink When Breastfeeding

A wine cooler is going to be just fine. Like everything...moderation. ACTUALLY a little wine will even help the baby relax a little. Just don't go crazy!

S.

Hi M.,

I'm a trained breastfeeding counselor. You do not need to pump and dump. Alcohol metabolizes out of your milk at the same rate it leaves your blood. Alcohol is not stored in your milk. Although this rule varies greatly based on your weight, food intake, etc., in general, if you are sober enough to drive, you are o.k. to breastfeed. If possible, drink right after a nursing, so that by the next nursing the alcohol will probably have left your system. Less than 2% of the alcohol that you consume enters your blood or milk. An infant under 3 months have immature livers, so it takes about twice as long for them to process the alcohol.

Most doctors receive very little education in medical school about the entire structure, function, and diseases of the breast, let alone breastfeeding. Here's a great website for accurate answers to your questions on breastfeeding: http://kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/alcohol.html

I am sorry that people feel free to give misinformation on this important topic, but it looks like you weeded out that erroneous info.

One to two drinks of wine/beer will not do any harm. You certainly don't want to get tipsy. You might notice a heavier let down. A great book is the "Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers" He has a section on medicine and drugs and the amounts in breastmilk and the effects on baby. Do not give formula, that is unnesassary, if you are very concerned pump some milk before going out, to give to her. Relax momma, you are doing great, and good for you for nursing your little one.
T.

Have the wine cooler! One drink is not going to hurt. I used to drink a couple glasses of wine while breastfeeding and my daughter is fine! My doctor actually told me to drink a beer to help produce more milk. I'm sure a wine cooler doesn't do the same thing, but it won't hurt your daughter. People are so PC now-a-days!

My peditrician told me two small glasses of wine/2 beers is the max without having then to pump out the alcohol in your system. If you keep it to that minimum you should be good. As she says, A Happy Mommy makes a happy baby.

Go to the follwing link for a very informative article regarding alcohol and breastfeeding:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_alcohol-and-nursing-moms_3547.bc

Well, basically pump and dump is a myth. As long as you can feel the effects, so can your baby. You can get tests to test the content in your breastmilk.

It's really up to you. You can supplement formula. I think something like 3% of what you intake gets to your breastmilk. I say have a winecooler or two, mommie's mental health is important and baby will survive. Maybe sleep a little longer too!!

Hi Well frist of all none... but if your going to drink a little wine then pump your milk frist and or just give her formula. ;L. a

It's been a while for me since my only child is 6, but I'm pretty sure that one wine cooler is fine at least two hours before the next feeding. You'll definitely want to check with your doctor, but that was what my doctor told me about 5 1/2 years ago!

There are those who would say to abstain absolutely. I however with all of my children had an occasional beer or wine cooler and my children are all just fine! I would only do it at night when I knew there was going to be a long time between feedings and then I would only have one, MAYBE two.
I think it is a personal decision, but you may want to talk to your pediatrician as well.

not sure if it is ok or not but I have something funny to tell you about drinking and breastfeeding
my mom nursed a set of twins and when my brother and sister was maybe 6 weeks old my mom's brother got married and my mom drank a beer and that night during the night she could not move because she was so full my dad had to bring the babies to my mom...you got to remember this was in the 60's and the effect of alcohol on babies ws not known. I wish I would have been old enough to be able to laugh at her. it had to be hilarious. LOL

One drink should be fine, without having to pump or anything. Like one glass of wine or one beer. Anymore than that, then you should pump and dump your milk for a couple of feedings.

I strongly suggest not to drink any alcohol while you are breastfeeding. If you must drink alcohol, do not breastfeed at all. You can use formula but I prefer to use the formula if I am fully unable to breastfeed. It is best to hold off the alcohol until you are completely done with breastfeeding then you may go back to drinking wine cooler. Good luck!

I nursed my kids well over a year, and during that time I had a glass of wine with dinner every great while. Didn't seem to effect the baby, and I watched like a hawk. I think the hysteria comes from excessive drinking. But, if you're that worried go ahead and do a "pump and dump."