Haha - just kidding. Just because you enjoy a cocktail here and there, doesn't mean you are an alcoholic - just a normal mom. A reader's question prompted this topic.....alright, alright - I don't really have readers - my sister just asked about it. Anyway, she was wondering about the rules of drinking while breastfeeding. The common expression "pump and dump" comes to mind, but actually that is a common misconception. Pumping and dumping your breast milk after a cold frosty doesn't actually solve the problem. Because of how alcohol is eliminated from the body, it is pretty much impossible to accelerate the process. Unlike the bladder, your breasts are not trapping alcohol in them - the alcohol is continuously diffused back into the bloodstream. So, that means it's just a waiting game.
Another common misconception is that everyone metabolizes alcohol at the same rate. Not true - it is based many things, but mostly weight.
Here is the chart to calculate how long you need to wait to feed. Remember: one drink = 12 oz beer, 5 0z of wine, or 1.5 oz of liquor.
Also remember: if you are drinking, someone else needs to be watching your child - I once thought I could fly down a flight of stairs due to being under the influence. If I was holding a baby at the time, who knows what would have happened!!!!
Don't be cheap - hire a babysitter!
References: Chart 1: "Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding: Will it harm my baby?" Gideon Koren, MD, FRCP
Another common misconception is that everyone metabolizes alcohol at the same rate. Not true - it is based many things, but mostly weight.
Here is the chart to calculate how long you need to wait to feed. Remember: one drink = 12 oz beer, 5 0z of wine, or 1.5 oz of liquor.
Also remember: if you are drinking, someone else needs to be watching your child - I once thought I could fly down a flight of stairs due to being under the influence. If I was holding a baby at the time, who knows what would have happened!!!!Don't be cheap - hire a babysitter!
References: Chart 1: "Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding: Will it harm my baby?" Gideon Koren, MD, FRCP
I might have to disagree with your stament about getting someone to watch your child while you drink. I think a reasonable person can consume a beverage and still be provide all necessary support to their child. Now, if you choose to have drink, after drink, after drink that is another issue all together.
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