Drank whislt breastfeeding

[Missni]

Hello,

I probably derseve negative comments but please I couldn’t possibly feel anymore guilty.

My DD is now 10 months and I had been drinking a lot from she was around 2-8 months. Talking a bottle a day here. (Wine)
I suffered with high pre natal depression to the point I was considering ending my life.

When I gave birth I fell in love instantly however the depression and anxiety consumed me once again a couple of months later.

I can now admit I do suffer for alcohol depency and was drinking far more before and got worse during covid times until surprisingly falling pregnant ( I stopped as soon I found out at 7 weeks and didn’t touch anymore throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
I am now in therapy and haven’t drank since early November and I aim to keep that way.

I love her more than anything however now I am afraid I have caused some damage to my amazing girl.
Please be kind, Now I am sober and back to thinking clearly I am riddled with guilt.

I did not get blackout drunk nor was I incapable to look after her, and it was mainly in the evening 90% of the time. I felt I needed my old vice to get certain anxious fears out of my head.

She has just turns 10 months as of last week - Development wise she is doing well, she says mama, dada, uh oh and ball, claps, laughs, crawled at 6 months and is walking so confidently now since 9 months. This gives me some reassurance however I am worried about the future.

Does anyone know if what I have drank will hinder her in anyway?

thank you

[mikado1]

Jack Newman has done an extensive study on this, which you'll find on Google I'm sure. The percentage of alcohol that gets into bm is absolutely miniscule. Hope that you're OK. Best of luck 💐

[pinacollama]

As above, my understanding is that you’d have to drink an awful lot in one sitting to get to your breast milk. A lactation consultant I have worked with says that research shows even several multiple alcoholic drinks would make your milk as alcoholic as orange juice. Pre/post natal depression is awful and I’m so glad you’re receiving support. Well done for being sober since November!

[MrsTerryPratchett]

What an incredible gift you've given her getting sober.

OK now the guilt. Guilt is addiction's sneaky way to try to get back in. It is utterly useless and weirdly more likely to make you drink again then learn and grow.

Face it. Ask yourself if you really believe your DD is damaged in some way or is she actually perfect?

And talk to a counsellor, sponsor, HCP.

[Missni]

@Missni

Hello,

I probably derseve negative comments but please I couldn’t possibly feel anymore guilty.

My DD is now 10 months and I had been drinking a lot from she was around 2-8 months. Talking a bottle a day here. (Wine)
I suffered with high pre natal depression to the point I was considering ending my life.

When I gave birth I fell in love instantly however the depression and anxiety consumed me once again a couple of months later.

I can now admit I do suffer for alcohol depency and was drinking far more before and got worse during covid times until surprisingly falling pregnant ( I stopped as soon I found out at 7 weeks and didn’t touch anymore throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
I am now in therapy and haven’t drank since early November and I aim to keep that way.

I love her more than anything however now I am afraid I have caused some damage to my amazing girl.
Please be kind, Now I am sober and back to thinking clearly I am riddled with guilt.

I did not get blackout drunk nor was I incapable to look after her, and it was mainly in the evening 90% of the time. I felt I needed my old vice to get certain anxious fears out of my head.

She has just turns 10 months as of last week - Development wise she is doing well, she says mama, dada, uh oh and ball, claps, laughs, crawled at 6 months and is walking so confidently now since 9 months. This gives me some reassurance however I am worried about the future.

Does anyone know if what I have drank will hinder her in anyway?

thank you

I apologise for the many typos. Running on 2 hours sleep and anxiety fuelled (fast tired typing)

[Nicecow]

@pinacollama

As above, my understanding is that you’d have to drink an awful lot in one sitting to get to your breast milk. A lactation consultant I have worked with says that research shows even several multiple alcoholic drinks would make your milk as alcoholic as orange juice. Pre/post natal depression is awful and I’m so glad you’re receiving support. Well done for being sober since November!

This. Lactation consultant also told me it was fine. You can also get DC checked if you are worried. Well done on you for making that change!

[HappyAsASandboy]

Google Dr Jack Newman. He has loads of fabulous, evidence-based, breastfeeding advice.

His research would say there's no harm caused by the alcohol. He'd also say there's no need to feel guilty.

Congratulations on the arrival of your baby and on cutting the drink

[Sprogonthetyne]

I was told that if your sober enough to hold a baby then your sober enough to feed it. Only a tiny percentage of the alcohol makes it into your milk.

Well done recognising the problem and getting sober! You've done a brilliant thing to improve your and your DD's future.

[thelittlestbird]

I dont have any direct advice but as someone who is sober coming up to seven years and has also suffered chronic PND with my now-13 month old daughter - I wanted to send you a hand hold and a huge amount of compassion and grace. You are a wonderful mother and the person your daughter loves more than anyone else in the world. You are exactly what she needs, right now, just who you are. Sending you love.