Q&A: Alcohol and Nursing

Q Could you please tell me if it is ok to have 1 drink of alcohol a day if you're breastfeeding?

A Alcohol does cross into the breastmilk. The amount of alcohol that crosses over is dependent on many factors, such as the mother's and baby's weight, the alcoholic product consumed, and metabolism rates just to mention a few. Without detailed blood tests it would be impossible to judge just how much alcohol gets into any one woman's breastmilk which is why it's always best to abstain from alcoholic beverages while nursing.

During the holidays it may be difficult to not take a drink and if you should, and want your breastmilk to be safe for your baby, you can delay nursing by 6 - 8 hours after drinking to give the alcohol a chance to leave your system. On the other hand, having made a conscious decision to do what's best for your baby by breastfeeding you may also want to continue to do what's best by watching those things which may be harmful and staying away.

Shari

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Shari is the mother of 4, ages 11 months to 13 years. She is a LLL Certified Lacataton Consultant. She provides all mothers who want to breastfeed with information and encouragement.

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