Drinking and breast feeding

[Cheeseandapple]

The Gp has just told me that the guidance is NO drinking while breast feeding. I thought there was some leeway eg one glass, wait a few hours etc.

What do people ACTUALLY do? I'm definitely not a heavy drinker but was looking forward to a glass or two or wine over the summer.

Thanks

Bump 🤞🏻

www.laleche.org.uk/alcohol-and-breastfeeding/

I imagine the official NHS line is no alcohol, as it isn't possible to prove safety (can't experiment on babies!).

In reality if you are sober enough to hold your baby you're sober enough to feed. Just don't bed share.

Safe enough to drive, Safe enough to feed isn't it?

I've had 2-3 glasses of wine while BF.

Hardly anything actually goes through to the milk. It's mainly absorbed through your blood.

I drank. Obviously not loads - why would you with the night wakings?! But the midwife and the health visitor said to me that the concern wasn't really the alcohol in the milk but your capability of looking after the baby. And clearly things like co-sleeping are completely out if you have a drink. But i often sat feeding with a glass of wine in hand!

Just to say, and I’m sure this is a totally outdated view, that my, soon to retire and hugely experienced health visitor, told me 18 years ago that having a sherry at 6.30pm would be a good way to relax, and my mellow mood would help DC to sleep.
It worked but I am sure it is not the ‘right’ thing

If you can hold your baby you can feed your baby xx

Just finished our NCT course and the breastfeeding lady said absolutely do not worry about a few small glasses of wine or equivalent.

Perfect thanks everyone! Really appreciate that x

I drink as much as I like short of getting drunk. So 3 glasses spread out over a meal or an afternoon, etc. is fine for me. I’ve never pumped or offered a bottle and I drink probably 3-4 times a week (obviously not necessarily 3 glasses every time though!). Unless it’s tipping into chronic alcohol misuse or you’re drunk and passing out or co-sleeping, you’re fine.