After a nine-month struggle, you want back to your pleasure life, going outside with friends and drinking your favorite wine, beer, or spirits alcoholic beverage but don’t forget you’re breastfeeding mom. A little angel can’t survive without your breast milk. You can’t drink any amount of alcohol during pregnancy. However, the good news for lactating moms is that they can consume 1-drink a day with some precautions. However, we highly advise against it. If you’re really worried about your baby’s health, we recommend spending your money on health supplements such as prenatal supplements. The good news is that if you join supplement affiliate programs, you can get your supplements at a discounted rate and also start earning additional income.
Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding
You are frustrated and bothered due to a long, painful period without consuming alcohol; now, you may get a break and want to relax with one glass of alcoholic drink. In western countries, almost 50% of lactating moms consume alcohol usually or frequently. You can’t drink even a small amount during pregnancy while you can drink one glass of alcoholic beverage while breastfeeding.
The centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised the mothers that quitting alcohol is the safest option for nursing women. It not only affects your health but also impacts your baby’s health. Some women follow the false narrative that “alcohol increases the production of breast milk.” Although ancient health care providers advised breastfeeding moms to drink alcohol, later on, no scientific data supported this false belief. It may show adverse effects on your and your baby’s health.
You can drink safely by following some safety tips. Feed your baby before taking wine or beer one glass. If you’re in a party and enjoying beer, don’t breastfeed your baby. Wait for 3 – 4 hours until the alcohol level is down in your blood and the minimum amount pass to the breast milk and then to your baby. You can pump and store milk in the bottle before drinking alcohol and feed your baby whenever needed.
What effects does alcohol show on your baby?
Your baby is not safe if you drink excessive alcohol while breastfeeding. Your blood alcohol enters your breast milk and passes to your child. Unfortunately, the baby’s liver is less mature and unable to detoxify alcohol. Aftermath of this is, many diseases develop in your child, such as;
- Baby development & growth reduced
- Sleeping pattern altered
- Increase arousal
- Crying
- Less milk intake
- Poor weight gain
The impact of alcohol on the baby depends on what amount of alcohol breastfeeding mom’s drink. If moms consume one drink per day, this amount does not affect their baby; while you’re addicted and drinking a heavy amount of alcohol, this amount has adverse effects on your baby’s health.
How much alcohol can you consume while breastfeeding
You can consume one drink of alcohol while breastfeeding doesn’t exceed this standard limit; otherwise, you will be responsible for consequences. Though, different countries have different units of measurement for “standard drink.” It’s mandatory; you shouldhave knowledge about standard drinks if you drink alcohol while breastfeeding.
One “standard drink” in the United States carries 14 grams of alcohol which is present in;
- 12 ounces of beer, which is about 5% alcohol
- 5 ounces of regular wine, which is about 125 alcohol
- 5 ounces of spirits, which is usually about 40% alcohol
If you don’t restrain yourself and consume excessive alcohol while breastfeeding, your child may experience weakness, deep sleep, drowsiness, and a lower growth rate.
Conclusion
The safest option is to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy as well as while breastfeeding. Professionals advised breastfeeding moms if it’s harder for them to avoid alcohol, they can enjoy one drink per day that can’t danger to their baby. But if you exceed the standard limit, it can cause various severe health issues.
