Breastfeeding After Drinking Alcohol

Introduction

If you decide to breastfeed your baby, what steps should be taken to ensure that your baby gets the best food? While many mothers are aware that if pregnant to avoid alcohol is recommended, it seems that the guidelines for post pregnancy are somewhat unclear. After consultation with experts we have met certain essential elements on breastfeeding while drinking alcohol.

The effect of alcohol

aec The level of alcohol in the blood of the mother is very similar to levels in breast milk

Minutes aec Levels peak between 30 and 60 drink alcohol, or 90 minutes if you drink with a meal.

aec It takes two to three hours for one unit of alcohol (one glass of wine or half a pint of ordinary strength beer) to let the milk a nursing mother. The effect on your baby

aec Breast milk containing alcohol may disrupt your baby's sleep habits and the baby may become restless

aec Large amounts of alcohol can cause a sedative effect

aec Research shows that babies can take about 20% less milk if alcohol is present in breast milk. That's because alcohol inhibits "That the mother down", which releases the milk to the nipple.

Therefore, babies are likely to need food more often and may even go to 'nurse-strike "because of the altered taste of milk. In moderation Dr. Wendy Jones, a pharmacist who is enrolled in the Breastfeeding Support Network with the UK based breastfeeding said that it is safe for nursing mothers to drink alcohol "within the reason "- a position supported by La Leche League and the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs cons." A glass of wine occasionally is fine but binge or regular drinking above recommended levels by day two to three units alcohol is dangerous for both mother and baby, "says Wendy." It is better not to drink every day, but keep the alcohol for social occasions. "

However, if you drink alcohol in the recommendations at a social occasion, you may want to avoid breastfeeding. Wendy advises: "If you feel drunk, especially if you've drunk enough to vomit it is better not to breastfeed for 12 hours." The alcohol content in breast milk will not stay there once the alcohol passed from parent system. Therefore, "pump and dump to expel milk containing alcohol is not necessary. Know your limits According breastfeeding consultant and former maternity nurse, Geraldine Miskin For the first time moms often choose to avoid alcohol altogether, but those with children tend to be more comfortable, including alcohol in their diet. "They care little experience babies and children and know their limits, "she said. "Management needs of the family with a bad head will certainly not part of their plan.

However, if you have more than one child and a crazy day, without assistance - a glass of wine at the end of the day keeps you sane! "Geraldine suggests that mothers who want a drink should follow these guidelines;

aec drink alcohol with a meal, and shortly after a jump, so it is time to process the alcohol before the baby needs to feed again.

However, she recommends having at least two alcohol-free days per week: "This way, you will not get addicted" to a glass of wine at the end of a long day, which can quickly become two or three. " Abstinence is the best? Many have a very different view on alcohol and lactation. Janet Fyle professional policy advisor at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says that drinking in moderation is sending the wrong signal to mothers. "The RCN recommends abstinence during pregnancy and during