Alcohol and BFing

haylo33 · June 2014

I'm going on vacation next week and I'm curious what others are doing. I haven't had anything to drink since I am breast feeding. I'm not a big drinker but wouldn't mind having a drink with dinner while away. In my BFing class, that particular LC said if you can feel the effects of the alcohol, it isn't safe to breast feed. She seemed to think 1 drink while eating (not on an empty stomach) was perfectly ok. I know they sell the strips to test but it would be a waste of money because I would use them twice. What are you all doing? Not drinking at all? Pump and dump? Is it ok for 1 drink?

PattyTC · June 2014

I feed or pump right before then have 1 drink with dinner. I drink lots of water with it and make sure to not feed again for atleast 2 hours. Those are the guidelines my friends and family have used so I followed their advice. I also don't do this every night so others might have more insight. Kelly's mom also has advice on drinking and breastfeeding.

gutsysneakers · June 2014

I drink probably every day - either a beer or glass of wine. I've avoided the hard stuff. I make sure to drink after a nursing session. If DD wants to eat again after I've drank, then I make sure I'm not feeling the effects. If I am, DH will feed her a bottle of pumped milk. I haven't pumped and dumped or use test strips - just my best judgement.

momo214 · June 2014

I've been having a glass of wine or a beer on occasion. Usually with dinner. I'm not much of a beer drinker so I don't even finish a bottle and I have keep my wine glasses small. I was told in our BFing class that a glass or two is ok. I have no worries about one glass with dinner. I don't make a habit of it though.

yogasailmomma · June 2014

Jcrewgirl85 said:
I drink probably every day - either a beer or glass of wine. I've avoided the hard stuff. I make sure to drink after a nursing session. If DD wants to eat again after I've drank, then I make sure I'm not feeling the effects. If I am, DH will feed her a bottle of pumped milk. I haven't pumped and dumped or use test strips - just my best judgement.

This exactly. Have the drink right after feeding and then have water and wait and hour or 2. It's all about the timing!

MissLadyTay · June 2014

I have a drink (light beer) with dinner every day. LC said it's perfectly fine. I don't wait to nurse either. She said there's no need with a glass of wine or a beer. She did say no liquor.

dogsombrero · June 2014

I agree with PPs that a drink or 2 with the right timing is fine. I EP so I pump prior then pump a few hours after. I have the strips and tested an hour after 1 drink as an experiment and it was fine. It sounds like you aren't planning to overdo it so enjoy yourself on vacation!

mrsbtobe20122 · June 2014

Jcrewgirl85 said:
I drink probably every day - either a beer or glass of wine. I've avoided the hard stuff. I make sure to drink after a nursing session. If DD wants to eat again after I've drank, then I make sure I'm not feeling the effects. If I am, DH will feed her a bottle of pumped milk. I haven't pumped and dumped or use test strips - just my best judgement.

This exactly

yepyepsms · June 2014

I limit to one or two, drink lots of water but do not pump and dump. I still nurse as long as I don't feel buzzed/drunk. If more than 1-2 drinks or drunk I would use freezer stash and wait to nurse until I felt the affects wear off.

haylo33 · June 2014

Ok thanks everyone!! I don't really like beer or wine. Some of you have said no liquor... So no mixed drinks? I'm a piña colada/daiquiri type of gal

usernewname · June 2014

What does alcohol taste like? It's been too long. I've forgotten

Jillzy86 · June 2014

My Lactation Specialist said one glass of wine or one beer right after BF and to wait 2-3 hours to feed again. I have been storing up for a night out with my DH for our anniversary next week and for a vacation coming up in a few weeks. I don't plan on going wild but having a back up stash will give me a nice piece of mind.

KBowen715 · June 2014

I've gotten such mixed reviews. Pedi and OB said one small glass a week, wait 5 hours and then feed. I think that's overly conservative and was probably advised to avoid liability. I agree with PPs. If a small glass occasionally while pregnant is okay, surely it is while BFing.

If you're drinking liquor, stash up for a day and give that, and knock yourself out. Pump and dump only to not mess with your supply- not to expedite removal from your system.

springbeduk2 · June 2014

Why is liquor in a mixed drink worse than beer/wine as long as you following the same other principles (don't feed or pump to use if you feel effects, drink lots of water, etc?) Doesn't make sense - alcohol is alcohol. I can see that you shouldn't do shots, and might even ask for mixed drink to be made a little weak so that it will actually be only one drink's worth of alcohol, but none at all ... please say it ain't so!!

gutsysneakers · June 2014

I don't think there is a difference. I think I'm just making myself feel good by sticking to wine/beer.

apinkpelican · June 2014

My LC said one beer, glass of wine, or 1oz of liquor. Think mixed drinks are just difficult if you are out. Unless you make it yourself you don't know how much alcohol is used. One strong cocktail could really have 3 oz (3 drinks worth) of alcohol. She said what others say, enjoy after feeding and wait 2 hrs if possible before feeding again

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