After 9 months of politely saying no to every cocktail and toast, is it ok to finally say yes if you are breastfeeding?
How harmful could it be to have one glass of wine, pop open a beer, have one Cosmo. Being a new mom is, well, stressful. You could sure use a little libation to take off the edge. Or, perhaps raise your glass to cheers in victory of a milestone. Besides isn’t is recommended to have a glass of wine a day?
Studies have shown breastfeeding or not, all alcohol is best consumed responsibly in moderation.
Most sources say that drinking is left up to the discretion of the mother, and most medical professionals have suggested all birthing parents to avoid alcohol for the first 3 months postpartum.
Of course, we are discussing taking part in an occasional drink. Not daily drinking or getting drunk regularly. To be clear we are talking about a glass, not, a bottle of wine. A beer, not, a six pack.
The alcohol that enters your blood stream measures the same as the alcohol that enters your breastmilk. Even though one drink may not affect you it could affect your babies sleep pattern or appetite. An infants’ liver is not mature enough to process alcohol. Regular ongoing consumption has been seen to cause developmental delays.
Being informed about these possibilities is important when making a decision to partake. As, said before the choice is truly up to the parent who is breastfeeding.
Speak to you physician get their take on it if you are truly concerned. You and only you know what is best for your baby and what is safe for your body. Pay attention to cues if you may be planning on drinking perhaps switch your baby over to formula for that time as to ensure they will not be receiving any breastmilk during this period of time.
It is never a bad idea to take precautions.
