Breastfeeding and alcohol! FTM!!

mintonbaby01 · September 2015

First time mom here expecting my little man December 2nd! Before I was pregnant I would have wine occasionally with the girls just a glass! Any tips for breastfeeding and drinking and what have you found to be the safest method? I have a breast pump so if I need to pump and dump I can! But was just seeing what everyone else's opinion is on it! Any tips? And how often is okay? I have heard multiple things! Thanks ladies!

kepoole · September 2015

I always paid attention to how much I drank. For every beer, or 4oz glass of wine I would wait an hour, then pump/dump. There are a lot of helpful websites about it(at least 7 yrs ago there were) and I didn't drink often either

BCIndychick · September 2015

I had heard that you wouldn't want to drink and feed within 3 hours of each other. Idk if that is really true. However there are test strips at Babies R Us that test breast milk for alcohol. I plan on asking the lactation consultant at the hospital.

lainey419 · September 2015

You do not need to pump and dump after drinking. The alcohol leaves your milk gradually, just like it does your blood. The general rule is that alcohol has left your milk 2 hours after a drink. The amount of alcohol in your milk is very low after one drink. Even after two drinks, baby is not likely to be affected at all. It is fine to nurse during or after a drink, for most people. If you are legally safe to drive, you are safe to nurse. Obviously, it shouldn't be a regular thing, but moms don't need to deprive themselves of enjoying a drink or two, or deprive baby of breastmilk.

Cmagno · September 2015

Yep safe to drive, safe to nurse. Don't pump and dump unless you drink a lot. With DD I never pumped and dumped and BF for 20 months, and definitely enjoyed a glass of wine or two from time to time ;-)

amy0804 · September 2015

With both of my first two, I drank in moderation while nursing. One or two glasses of wine is fine. I only did the pump and dump if for some reason I was drinking a more substantial amount (like at a party or something of that nature). I agree with the overall common sense of if you feel ok to drive no need to pump/dump. If you wouldn't drive them you should probably pump/dump.

tewinkle27 · September 2015

Don't waste your milk by pumping and dumping! If you're safe to drive your safe to nurse!

kittyberet · September 2015

amy0804 said:
With both of my first two, I drank in moderation while nursing. One or two glasses of wine is fine. I only did the pump and dump if for some reason I was drinking a more substantial amount (like at a party or something of that nature). I agree with the overall common sense of if you feel ok to drive no need to pump/dump. If you wouldn't drive them you should probably pump/dump.

If I went to a party or out I used the milk screen tests to test alcohol in my milk then pump and dump if needed. I agree 1-2 drinks didn't show up on those tests (I was super paranoid at first).

armywife8289 · September 2015

If this is redundant sorry! I didnt read any one elses comment..Basically all you need to know is having a glass will not hurt your baby if u feed after. Only 1 glass (5oz) I don't recommend it! Or do it often. So if you mess up its not as risky as pregnancy and alcohol! 1oz of 80 proof, 2oz of 40proof, 12oz beer, 5oz wine. Wait 1 hour to breast feed. I always fed my baby, drank a glass and was good for 2 hours! If I had any more I had a bottle of good milk ready!! Its very nice to enjoy this time for your self!!! I always made sure my son was nap ready or I was going out so it was time away!

mintonbaby01 · September 2015

Thank you for the responses! First baby so I'm just super paranoid! But I really appreciate it! (:

fashiongirlsteph · September 2015

It takes 3 hours to metabolize a glass of wine per my breastfeeding class.

SCKD · September 2015

I always saw pumping and dumping differently than most. I think a lot of women would do it to just be rid of the "tainted" milk. I would pump and dump because my breasts were full and uncomfortable. If baby is hungry and you would normally be feeding them, you may want to pump the milk and potentially dump it so as not to become engorged. I always heard though if it's safe to drive, it's safe to feed baby. Use your best judgement as a mommy. If you feel uncomfortable feeding baby, don't. Just make sure you have pumped milk on hand for when you want to drink

angelicmommy · September 2015

Thanks to OP for asking the question... needed the answer myself, and thanks to all the helpful answers!

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