A common question I read in my breastfeeding groups/get from clients is usually “can I enjoy a glass of wine while exclusively breastfeeding?” I get it, its been nine (ten actually) months with no wine and a taste would be nice. Maybe you’re finally getting that date night with your partner or you have an upcoming wedding…you know you want to continue to live and still exclusively pump or breastfeed. The good news is you can!!
I searched up three different sources for proof that you can skip the “pump and dump” and the alcohol strips, put away the mom guilt and enjoy a guilt free drink. We will talk about the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations first since they were the biggest buzz kill. The AAP says you can enjoy the occasional “celebratory” drink but you should wait 2 hours before nursing and pumping again. Excessive drinking is discouraged and can lead to developmental delays in the newborn/infant.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) gives a much more realistic look at alcohol and breastfeeding. They state 1 drink per day is not harmful but also supports that excessive drinking can cause developmental delays and affect sleep patterns. Dr. Jack Newman MD. FRCPC states “little alcohol comes out in the milk” which means you can enjoy that drink and then nurse! The most important bit of information shared by the CDC is this: NEVER bedshare if you have had even one drink.
Finally, my favorite website and the bible of nursing mothers, kellymom.com was the last website we will discuss. Kellymom states that 1-2 drinks are not harmful and you can continue to nurse. They state “mother’s who ingest alcohol in moderate amounts can return to breastfeeding as soon as they feel neurologically normal,” aka not drunk. No need to wait, just nurse or pump. The term “pump and dump” is a myth and not necessary if mom is drinking, even if you drink more than the recommended 1-2 drinks. Pumping and dumping doesn’t clean your milk, the only thing that will is your liver as its breaking down the alcohol. If you are drunk and pump for comfort certainly dump that milk, but don’t pump and dump just because you had one glass of wine. Once your sober that milk is safe!
I see so many moms asking about drinking, pumping, dumping, nursing and safety. As always, contact your local lactation expert or your child’s doctor with questions and concerns. If you ever wondered if it was safe to continue nursing I hope I took all of the guess work out of it for you. It’s safe, it’s okay, don’t pump that liquid gold and keep on going mama! You got this!
Birth with a Voice 