Drinking Alcohol and Breastfeeding

Drinking Alcohol and Breastfeeding

Many people believe that if you are a breastfeeding mother, drinking alcohol is off the table. This is not true, though. Light drinking a few times a week is usually fine. Know the facts about breast milk and alcohol, and you will be able to enjoy a beer or glass of wine without worry.

 

CBD and Breastfeeding, Alcohol and breastfeeding


The Myth of Pump and Dump

For a long time, there has been the idea that if you drank any alcohol at all, you would need to pump your milk and throw it away. This idea is based on several false assumptions. Your body does not make a quantity of milk that is then stored in your breasts in a static state. Your breastmilk is a living fluid that changes over time and as your body changes. Your body metabolizes alcohol over a period of time, this is why you can drink and then the alcohol will show up in your blood for a while after. But after several hours (depending on how much you drank, if you have eaten food, your body weight, etc.) the alcohol will not show up in your blood. Your body metabolizes alcohol in your breastmilk in the same way.  Alcohol will show up in your breastmilk for a while after you drink, and then it won’t after your body has metabolized the alcohol out.

 

How long it takes for the alcohol to disappear from your bloodstream and your milk varies widely. There are many factors, such as the mother’s body weight and what kinds of drink(s) she is having and how far apart they are spaced. A 160 pound mother having 1-2 servings of wine or beer and the same mother having 1-2 servings of higher concentration liquor based drinks will have much different blood and breastmilk alcohol levels.

 

Timing can be important too. If your baby breastfeeds every couple of hours, having a drink right after your baby nurses means that by the time they nurse again, your blood and breastmilk alcohol levels will most likely be back to zero.

 

A good general rule of thumb is that if you feel okay to drive, you are probably okay to breastfeed.

 

alcohol and breastfeeding

Sleep Considerations

An important thing to keep in mind is you should not bed-share with your baby if you are under the influence of any kind of mind-altering substance, including alcohol and prescription medications. Review bed-sharing guidelines and make sure you are being safe. Anything that would alter your ability to be aware of your baby during the night can be dangerous.

 

Breastfeeding mothers have a very special and unique awareness of their infants at night. However, this is only true if you are not under the influence. If you have had a few extra drinks or need to take a medication that alters your awareness, a crib or bassinet in the same room as you is a much safer option.

 

alcohol and breastfeeding

When You Do Need to Wait to Nurse

There are some instances when you do want to wait to nurse. Most of us have some times here and there when we want to drink more than 1-2 servings of alcohol. As long as this is occasional, it is nothing to be concerned about. You will need to wait to nurse your baby until you no longer feel the effects of the alcohol. You or someone else can feed your baby with a bottle and previously pumped breast milk in this situation.

 

As with many things having to do with breastfeeding, knowing the facts about alcohol and breastfeeding is very important. There are many misunderstandings about breastfeeding which can make it harder to be a breastfeeding mother. Arm yourself with reliable sources of information, such as this website and La Leche League International, so that you can make informed decisions about what is best for you and your baby. It is nice to know that you can relax with a few beers or glasses of wine and still do what is best for your baby.

 

Alcohol and breastfeeding

hope these tips support your breastfeeding success! 

 

Hug your sweet baby, and remember to let your love and your milk flow!

Maria

🌿

 

 

🌿Want More?!? Check These Out! 🌿
Breastfeeding Immediately After Birth
7 Tips for Breastfeeding Success
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Guide 
Breastfeeding 101- Best Breastfeeding Practices
Four Healthy Habits to Start on Your Baby’s First Day
 8 Things I Wish I Knew About Breastfeeding Before Giving Birth!


How to Treat Clogged Milk Ducts and Prevent Mastitis.
Why Do I Have a Low Milk Supply?
How to Increase Your Breastmilk Supply Quickly
Treating Nipple Thrush Naturally
How to Heal Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding
How to Achieve A Proper Breastfeeding Latch

Herbs To Avoid While Breastfeeding
Benefits of Fenugreek for Breastfeeding
Safe Herbs for Breastfeeding With A Cold
Breastfeeding While Sick


The First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding
Best Baby Carriers for Breastfeeding
Four Common Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions
Three Lactation Problems and How to Solve Them
Three Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

How to Include Your Partner While Breastfeeding


How Often Should I Breastfeed?
How to Wake a Sleepy Newborn to Breastfeed
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Normal Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies
 4 Signs Your Baby is Having a Growth Spurt


Breastfeeding A Baby with Tongue or Lip Tie

Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Section

Breastfeeding in Special Circumstances
Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples

    Breastfeeding a Pre-Term Baby
    Tandem Breastfeeding
    Breastfeeding Twins


    Do I Need A Breast Pump?
    Pumping Breast Milk to Return to Work


    Breastfeeding Nutrition
    Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding
    How to Know If You’re Dehydrated While Nursing
    Breastfeeding Boosts Babies' Immune Systems and Prevents Illness


    Breastfeeding Saves Sleep
    Safe Co Sleeping with Your Baby


    Tips for Breastfeeding While Pregnant
    Breastfeeding in Public
    Breastfeeding and Sex
    Breastfeeding and Birth Control
     The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Menstruation
    When Will My Menstrual Cycle Return After Having a Baby


    Five Benefits to Extended Breastfeeding
    How Breastfeeding Changes As Baby Grows
    Five Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby After Six Months
    Weaning Gently and Intuitively


    Is CBD Oil Safe for Breastfeeding and Lactation?
    Can I Drink Alcohol and Breastfeed?
    How My Breastfeeding Failure Was My Biggest Win
    Common Holiday Breastfeeding Issues and How to Prevent Them!
    Re-Lactation and Induced Lactation: Breastfeeding After a Break or When You Never Have
     
     
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    CBD and Breastfeeding

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