At this time of year, many women who don’t normally drink will have a few and those that drink regularly, have a few more. A recent study of 1006 Australians has been reported to show a 1/3 increase in alcohol consumption during the festive season. I know myself as a breastfeeding mostly non drinker, that I have had some alcohol just because it has been available to me and I have had family around to drink with. My baby is 16 months old and I can easily metabolise a glass of wine in between feeds. But are there guidelines for combining alcohol and breastfeeding? How long do you need to leave it between drinking and feeding? What about younger babies? Are there any risks to the baby if Mum has a drink or two then feeds?
It turns out we know quite a lot about how alcohol works in breastmilk. What we don’t know is how it affects a baby’s health, for that reason the safest recommendation is no alcohol for breastfeeding mothers. However- It is better to drink and feed than to not feed at all, even for one night out. So here is what you need to know if you plan to drink alcohol as a breastfeeding mother.
Continue reading “New Years Eve drinks and Breastfeeding Mamas”