Drinking while BFing

lexmtown · October 2012

I was just wondering what the rule is for drinking and nursing. LO is 4 weeks today and I haven't had any alcoholic beverage since he's been born because I wouldn't want it to affect him if I decided to have a glass of wine or something. Thanks :

coromble · October 2012

Have the glass of wine!!! You deserve it! The rule that most people have told me is "If you can drive, you can breast feed" so that is the rule I go by. If you are worried about it, you can drink right after you feed, that way the alcohol has some time to work through your system before you feed again.

Also - I don't really like beer, but my pediatrician TOLD ME to drink beer while nursing...the hops are good for milk production and it calms you down

ladyjenna13 · October 2012

coromble:

Have the glass of wine!!! You deserve it! The rule that most people have told me is "If you can drive, you can breast feed" so that is the rule I go by. If you are worried about it, you can drink right after you feed, that way the alcohol has some time to work through your system before you feed again.

Also - I don't really like beer, but my pediatrician TOLD ME to drink beer while nursing...the hops are good for milk production and it calms you down

I read that if you have a glass of wine/beer right after feeding, wait 2 hours before feeding again.

As far as the beer, a miller lite won't work, but a stout-type beer will, like Guinness or Smithwicks.

Irish family knows about such things:-)

tammynixx · October 2012

I was also told if I can't drive I can't breastfeed. I only have one drink and I use test strips just in case. Enjoy a glass a wine!

MeatballEsq · October 2012

Like PPs mentioned, I subscribe to the "first one is free" rule. One glass of wine or beer isn't going to get me tipsy to where I can't drive. I usually have a glass of wine after feeding or pumping so I have a few hours anyway.