What is an effect of alcohol intake in the mother who breastfeeds?

Answer 1

Generally speaking the alcohol should volatalise before it can become part of breast milk, but if alcohol consumption in a new mother, whether nursing or not, is worrying you it is important to quickly consult a doctor.

Answer 2

Yes you can. Well done for asking the question - it shows you are a thoughtful and caring mother.

Traditionally, women were given Milk Stout (a black beer) in the first week after delivery to help bring their milk in. It worked because it was a liquid, full of Vit Bco (which is good for the nerves) and the alcohol relaxed her enough to allow the milk to 'let down'.

Like everything else in life, drinking alcohol, if done at all, should be done in moderation. It is not safe for a baby to be in the care of a drunken mother. But a little alcohol when being sociable with friends won't harm the baby.

Society makes it hard for women to breastfeed, and it really is the best thing for mother and babies, so I would think twice about putting too many restrictions on breastfeeding mothers because they might then feel that they can't enjoy normal life and just give up. That would be very sad for both a mother and a baby. If you keep to the 'moderation in everything' rule, you will be fine.

The only exception to that is that you should tell your doctor you are breastfeeding before he prescribes you a medicine, because some really should not be taken by a breastfeeding mother.

Answer 3

When you drink alcohol it will be in your system after 2 hours and baby can get it while breastfeeding. Baby will have fetal alcohol disease syndrome.

Answer 4

Some of the alcohol will pass over into the milk, and no one really knows how much or how little alcohol is dangerous to a baby.

Answer 5

No. However, the baby will ingest a very tiny amount of alcohol in the milk.