Alcohol and BFing

[loulie]

OK so I know this is a broader than our DDC subject, but I trust you ladies's opinions, so i'm interested to know.... what stance do you take?

I read in another thread some of you talking about stella (mmmmm.... my favourite!) but do you think alcohol is ok while nursing?? Do you have a limit / time frame??

[judybean]

I'm not drinking yet... but I don't have a problem with some alcohol while breastfeeding. Not simultaneously though

Especially in the early stages of nursing (aka, what seems like all the dang time!), if I were to have a drink of something, I would try to drink immediately after bfing to increase the length of time that passes after alcohol and before the next feeding...

[linchi]

Here in France (and most of Europe) wheat beer (I think Hoegaarden is probably best known internationally) is recommended to improve your milk supply! I think judybean's suggestion of drinking right after a feed is probably a good one ! I read something about a 2h wait between drinking and feeding.

I picked up a box of Grimbergen Blanche today .

I probably wouldn't have very much (less than 1/2 a beer), especially the first few times, and I would definitely eat as I drank to reduce the alcoholic effects. But yes, my plan is to drink and make milk.

[NicoleS]

I will have up to 1 drink (I rarely finish one since having kids because I always end up having to do something and it gets warm and gross) and I will wait until after baby has eaten - even better if I can time it for after baby has gone down for the night since on a good night that will be our longest stretch between feedings.

[HappiLeigh]

I drink while breastfeeding (any time) but monitor my intake. I feel okay about it as long as I don't feel drunk.

[basje]

I'll be sucking them down too.

I'll be drinking in moderation and breastfeeding too. My doctor recommended that I drink some red wine for the health benefits after my postpartum blood transfusion. I think the key is not to get drunk. If you're worried about it though you can buy strips that test for the alcohol content in your breast-milk at Babies R Us or online. And if you do end up having to much to drink, pump it and dump it.

That said, I would not be worried in the least about having a beer with dinner.

[mtnmoonmama]

Originally Posted by HappiLeigh

I drink while breastfeeding (any time) but monitor my intake. I feel okay about it as long as I don't feel drunk.

Same here. I think the new 'rule' is that if you're okay to drive, you're okay to breastfeed. Alcohol enters and leaves the milk supply same as it does the blood stream, so no need to pump and dump either.

[ellairiesmom]

i feel very strongly that alcohol while bf'ing in moderation is perfectly fine. i had 3 LCs tell me to have a good beer or red wine with dd1 when i was having trouble getting her to latch. i also read tons of detailed articles about just how much alcohol goes into the breastmilk vs hours that pass (can't recall the exact calculation but could look it up again if need be) & I feel comfortable having 2 glasses of wine or 2 beers, with food, over the course of an evening in the beginning stages.

Risking being slammed...but I even feel comfortable having 2-4 drinks over the course of many hours once my babes are older too. Always with food & tons of water in between...I am not a thin girl & can easily handle a few without feeling drunk at all.

linchi-mmmmm...hoegaarden is yummy!

[Marylizah]

I will drink a glass of wine or a beer with dinner while bf'ing without the least bit of worry. In fact, it's a small, guilt-free pleasure I allow myself after long days caring for 2 small children!