2006-10-31 09:10:42 · 19 answers · asked by emilyanne 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
The majority of these people have NO CLUE what they are talking about and no research or resources to back up their opinions. Here are the FACTS about alcohol and breastfeeding.....
Alcohol is actually APPROVED BY THE AAP for use in breastfeeding women. The AAP classifies alcohol (ethanol) as a “Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding.”
It is recommended that nursing moms avoid breastfeeding during and for 2-3 hours after drinking (Hale 2002 - author of "Medications & Mothers' Milk" and THE expert on this topic.). There is NO NEED to pump & dump milk after drinking alcohol, other than for mom's comfort -- pumping & dumping DOES NOT speed the elimination of alcohol from the milk. Alcohol is eliminated from the milk in the same way it is eliminated from your bloodstream. NO REASON to pump and dump unless you feel engorged.
The general rule is, if you feel sober enough to drive, then you are sober enough to nurse. Or "if your head is clear, your milk is too." Less than 2% of the alcohol consumed by the mother reaches her blood and milk.
It is FINE for you to have a drink, in moderation, if you choose to do so. Don't let people try to place all these cultural restrictions on you when there is NO SCIENCE behind what they are saying to back it up.
2006-10-31 12:03:14 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
My doctor said one drink now and then was OK. Just don't get drunk and don't drink everyday. I am still breastfeeding. But if you are that worried and must have a drink then pump before you go and make sure you have enough milk for the rest of that night. Then pump the next morning and toss it. That way the baby doesn't get any and you can have your drink. Either way it's your choice...do what makes you comfortable.
2006-10-31 18:23:49 · answer #2 · answered by ♥just me♥ 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Drinking more than one alcoholic drink can be bad for baby. However, one alcoholice drink a month is not going to do much. Now, if you have one drink a day then yes there could be problems.
If you choose to drink- pump like crazy. Make sure you have a day's worth of milk to give your baby after you have been drinking. Also, you want to pump that day when you should be feeding your baby. That way, your milk supply doesn't decrease in any way. If you have anymore questions, feel free to email me- I'm still nursing my daughter and I have gone out twice and she has been fine (but it's not like I nursed her right after I came home- I saved up milk for awhile).
2006-10-31 17:20:00 · answer #3 · answered by Frostie 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes it should be avoided because what ever you take in will go to the baby. It would be like the baby has drank some alcohol. You don't want that because it could hurt the baby.
2006-10-31 17:11:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
I can't believe anyone would even have one drink of alcohol while breastfeeding. How selfish! Research shows that no amount of alcohol is safe while pregnant or nursing.
2006-10-31 18:28:47 · answer #5 · answered by sally 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It's OK to have one beer or one glass of wine. No more.
You will find that baby sleeps very well after that first beer too!
2006-10-31 17:17:56 · answer #6 · answered by DJ 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Our Dr. told us that a glass of wine or a wine cooler every once in awhile would be fine.
2006-10-31 17:25:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Um, yes. Avoid alcohol while breast feeding. Follow the same dietary guidlines as a pregnant woman.
2006-10-31 17:18:45 · answer #8 · answered by rottymom02 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Yes, of course. Whatever you eat or drink will influence the outcome of the milk you pass along to your child.
2006-10-31 17:13:17 · answer #9 · answered by 07jaggrad 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes, everything you eat is processed by your body and will be excreted in the milk produced.
2006-10-31 17:18:48 · answer #10 · answered by wallcritter 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋