Can i have a drink while breastfeeding? if so what do i have to do after?

Question

i dont mean baby on breast while im drinking...how long does it take to get out system? should i pump it out and throw away

Answer 1

Theres nothing wrong with drinking if you choose to breastfeed.

You should just plan a breastfeeding schedule by storing milk before drinking and waiting for complete elimination of alcohol from their breast milk after drinking.

How long it takes to run out of your system depends on how much you drink. To be safe, you may want to wait 24 hours, pump and throw out.

Answer 2

If you like beer, it'll help your production. I'm having a production issue and my OB said that she'd suggest having a Guinness because the yeast in it would help increase milk production. As for a different drink, the first answer was RIGHT ON!!

Also, you should try to feed the baby just before drinking, that way while you drink and wait for the alcohol ot metabloize a little, the baby won't be hungry. That's what I did when I had 1 wine cooler.

Answer 3

Rule of thumb is one drink (6 oz wine, a beer, 1 oz liquer ) takes 2 hours to get out of your system.

Depending on how old your baby is, and how sure you are of their "schedule" you can have a drink directly after nursing your baby and it should be out of your system by the time they are ready for their next feeding.

If you are really concerned about it, then don't nurse baby, feed them some previously pumped milk.  There is no need to pump and dump as it doesn't clear the alcohol from your system any faster.  The only reason to "pump and dump" would be to alleviate any engorgement.  If it's only one feeding that will be missed, then don't worry about pumping.  If it's more, maybe pump just to make sure you don't mess with your supply.

Many mom's will come on here and say  "Don't drink, why risk it", but sometimes we moms just really need a beverage.  Just don't go crazy and have a tonne. Just have one, and savour it!

Answer 4

It takes 72 hours for alcohol to dissipate from the body.  I suggest you discuss your wanting to drink with your doctor.

Answer 5

I went to a breastfeeding class this past week and the lactation consultant said that if you have just a drink, you're probably fine... but if you're going to party hard, you should pump and dump for two cycles and just use stored milk.  She also said that you can buy test strips that measure any alcohol content in your milk, but (as she pointed out) if you've drank enough to be concerned, it's probably best to just use stored milk.

Answer 6

per my lactation consultant as long as you don't feel any of the effects of the alcohol anymore your breastmilk will be free of alcohol. as long as the breastmilk is still in your body, it will be processed just like it is in your blood. if you still feel tipsy however you shouldn't feed the baby that breastmilk.  there is a test that i have seen on the internet to test your breastmilk for alcohol so you can be sure, i can't remember where i saw it... probably amazon.com

Answer 7

No need to pump and dump, that is a myth. Alcohol does not store up in your breast milk.

Alcohol metabolizes out of your breast milk at the same rate as your blood. If you are no longer feeling the effects of the alcohol, you are good to go. Rule of thumb: sober enough to drive, sober enough to breastfeed.

Answer 8

I never pumped on dumped... I looked at it like driving a car...

It usually takes about one hour for alcohol to metabolize out of your system.  I waited about 2 hours until I would feed/per drink.  Your milk will not stay "alcoholic" because alcohol metabolizes through your milk like it does your blood.

BUT if you are making a night of it... I would pump and dump so you don't mess with your supply.  

In short: Drink, wait 1.5-2 hours, feed.