How often do you drink whilst breastfeeding?

[Honey1234567]

Just interested in other people’s attitude and approach to alcohol and breastfeeding. I drink about 3 times a week, usually about 3 units so 9 units per week. First drink at about 8pm, DC doesn’t usually wake until 1am. What’s everyone else doing?

I drank a couple of glasses of prosecco once every few weeks/months before TTC whilst still breastfeeding my then one year old. NHS advice is one or two units is unlikely to harm a breastfed baby so your drinking in unsafe and very selfish.

www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/can-i-breastfeed-if-im/drinking-alcohol/#:~:text=When%20you're%20breastfeeding%2C%20traces,unlikely%20to%20harm%20your%20baby.

Please try to have less!

Don your hard hat op

Alcohol is present in breast milk at such tiny quantities. If you're safe to look after your child, you're safe to feed them.

Why? I can have understand having a couple of drinks at a special occasion but this much this often is unnecessary.

@Flittingaboutagain I don’t think drinking 2-3 units 3 times a week when most the alcohol in my blood will be gone by the time I feed my DC makes me selfish. Let’s remember this is a forum for mums to support one and other. I’d never put my child at risk.

I have a gin and tonic every night. Sometimes 2. I was told by my midwife and HV that the risk of drinking while breastfeeding isn't that the alcohol impacts your baby, it's that taking care of a baby while drunk isn't safe. I'm never drunk, but I do drink. You'd have to drink yourself to death to get your blood alcohol level to the point where the amount in your blood stream would impact your milk.

Well said

My midwife said that if you're sober enough to safely pick up the baby, you're fine to breastfeed.

Genuine question - why start the thread then? You’re comfortable with your drinking. Lots of other breastfeeding women drink similar. Some drink nothing and feel militant about it. No one is going to run a study to provide a definitive answer. The “debate” is only going to create a pile on.

@Moancup I have no issue with people having a difference of opinion. I am just interested as a lot of my friends bottle feed but don’t think words like selfish need to be thrown about.

By the time you have enough alcohol in your milk to affect your baby, you're at an almost lethal blood alcohol level.

As with so many things, it's about applying common sense. Don't get tipsy. Don't get to a point where you can't make safe decisions or (re)act appropriately. Enjoy your G&T!

A few glasses most evenings. It's fine. Enjoy.