Drinking While Breastfeeding question

BabyMama52 · September 2011

Hi,

I'm still breastfeeding at 15 weeks and haven't had a drink in over a year. I want to have one at an upcoming family affair but I'm scared of passing the alcohol onto my baby.

What's the best way to do this?

Jenilyn and Matthew · September 2011

The general rule is: if you are okay to drive you are okay to breastfeed. One drink is not going to be passed to your baby. If you intend on drinking more than this, either get the alcohol test strips for BM, or you can pump and dump, or wait a few hours before feeding again. Enjoy your drink mama....you deserve it!

nic5606 · September 2011

One drink is not going to be an issue unless of course you are drinking a fishbowl margarita or something. Best to drink while nursing or immediately after. That way it will be out of your system by nursing time again. Enjoy!

LMBecky11 · September 2011

I was told in the classes I took before baby was born to drink directly after you feed the baby and that if you could feel the effects of the alcohol then don't feed the baby. Pump and dump until it wears off. I haven't drank yet while breastfeeding, but I would wait an hour or two if I didn't drink much and longer if I drank more.

rae_dylanzmom · September 2011

nic5606:
One drink is not going to be an issue unless of course you are drinking a fishbowl margarita or something. Best to drink while nursing or immediately after. That way it will be out of your system by nursing time again. Enjoy!

This. Although there's something funny about drinking while you nurse.

I can't cite you a source or anything, but I have heard 'pump and dump' is not necessary.