new year and drink??

Ashley - posted on 12/29/2008

My friend and I have used those test strips from Babies R Us several times (although the first time my milk smelled like vodka after a big night out, so I really didn't even need to test, ha). I used one the other night after coming home from a Christmas gathering--it had been about 2 hours since my last drink, I felt sober and the strip said my milk was fine. It's just nice to have that strip there to tell you it's a-okay to nurse (but really--one glass of wine plus one hour and you should really be okay!) Even if you get tipsy fast, I think it shouldn't take your body that long to metabolize just a glass.

Jenna - posted on 12/28/2008

My lactation consultant at prenatal class actually recommended it to increase milk supply in the early days of an infants life. She told us there is nothing wrong with having a drink or two immediately following a feed. My son is 12 weeks, since he was about 4 weeks old I have had about 1 drink a week. I either used stored supply for his next feed or have my drink immediately folllowing his last feed so I have a couple hours to get it out of my system.

Amber - posted on 12/28/2008

They sell the test strips at Babies R Us. I have never used them but they caught my eye.

Alexandra - posted on 12/28/2008

My pediatrician told me that I could have a glass of wine a day. And do I Almost everyday I have my wine with dinner! My pediatrician just had a baby too and he said his wife has her wine with dinner! Also I heard that there are alcohol strips you can get to test your milk to see if your milk is safe for your baby otherwise "pump and dump".

Noelle - posted on 12/27/2008

My lactation consultant said for each glass of wine/1shot of alchohol it takes an hour to be fully metabolized. This does not mean you cannot breastfeed for an hour though:) She also said You are the only detector for if you should nurse or not. The body was created to let you know when is ok and not. Know how?...It's wonderful really. If you are not feeling your alchohol neither will baby. It will not be an issue for your little ome at all. So just know if you are starting to feel it dont nurse. Pumping and dumping doesnt work though because if you are buzzed and you decide...Oh i'll just pump right now and then when you are done you still feel your alchohol it is still not ok to nurse. Hope this helped:) To make sure you can call la leche league in your area:)

Jennifer - posted on 12/27/2008

I was told that the alcohol from 1 drink will metabalize out of your breast milk within 2-3 hours of drinking it.

Jennifer - posted on 12/27/2008

I also remember hearing that beer is great for milk production...but again, if you haven't had a drink in a while, just be someplace safe where you don't have to drive because you will get tipsy with less alcohol! As Lyndal posted...I, too endorse NO alcohol during pregnancy. I'm a teacher and have taught too many kids with fetal alcohol syndrome. Why take the chance?

Lyndal - posted on 12/27/2008

2 drinks is Ok, my GP encouraged a glass of red at night to help the baby sleep!



I actually pumped and dumped after a planned big night out, and the alcohol content was rather high, it smelt like OP rum. I hate to think what a hungover baby would be like.



Be warned, I got very tipsy on half a glass of red wine when #3 was 6months old. I also endorsed NO alcohol during pregnancy.

Kathryn - posted on 12/27/2008

Go ahead, You can drink a glass or 2 of wine and nursing is fine. If you drink more than wait!! Pump and dump is a myth. The alcohol needs to get out of your system so if you do drink more than you should, yes pump it out and throw it away. and then wait a couple more hours (depends on consumption) and then nurse.

Allie - posted on 12/27/2008

I have been having the odd glass of wine or beer since my son was born and feeding as usual. He is absolutely fine and still feeding at 13 months.Do what feels right for you and don't let anyone impose rules on you about how you feed your child. Happy new year.

Kirsten - posted on 12/26/2008

I have a half glass of wine a couple of times a week, normally after baby is in bed for the night (and likely to sleep a 4-hour stretch). This hasn't affected him at all.

Debbie - posted on 12/26/2008

from Dr Jack Newman

A mother should not drink alcohol while breastfeeding. Not true! Reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. The mother can take some alcohol and continue breastfeeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for breastfeeding mothers.

http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Breastf...

Shannon - posted on 12/26/2008

I drink on average a glass of wine about once a week myself, and my son is fine... anything over that one glass though, and I highly recommend you pump and dump for a good 12 hours....

Ashley - posted on 12/26/2008

I think it is recommended to wait several hours before nursing after drinking alcohol. If you are concerned you could always pump and dump.

Alena - posted on 12/26/2008

thank you for your replies...i think i`ll be drank after one glass..after 1year NON drinking..lol..

Jennifer - posted on 12/26/2008

I would nurse first...then have a glass of wine or champagne...it would totally be safe! (Just don't go overboard!)

Julia - posted on 12/26/2008

why not?! go for it. even if you are pregnant, one glass of wine or champagne will not harm you or your baby. BUT know that many doctors recommend absolutely NO drinking while pregnant. Anyway, I had a glass of wine maybe once a month throughout my pregnancy and my son is healthy, strong and full of smiles!
so celebrate! enjoy :)