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Breastfeeding Questions - Alcohol and Breastfeeding
I have been breastfeeding my 2nd daughter for 6 weeks now and have read that you should not drink alcohol directly before a feed. What is the reason for this? Also, how much alcohol is accepted and what type of alcohol, i.e spirits, wine?
Congratulations on your new baby and well done for breastfeeding her!
Yes, you can drink alcohol but it passes into breastmilk very quickly so that is why you are advised to breastfeed first before drinking alcohol. However, because breastmilk is made on supply and demand, once the alcohol has left your bloodstream, it is safe to feed your baby a few hours after a drink.
Very little alcohol actually gets into the milk but babies livers are very tiny and cannot get rid of alcohol very easily - so be careful about drinking and feeding your baby soon afterwards.
Generally, it is recommended you drink no more than 2 units of alcohol when breastfeeding. And it doesn't matter whether you drink 2 units of wine, spirits or beer as long as you don't breastfeed until it has left your system.
Have a look at the following article for further information:
Smoking, Alcohol, Medication and Breastfeeding
I hope this helps.
Best Wishes,
Sinead