Can You Drink Wine While Breastfeeding?

Last updated on January 11th, 2025

.Many new moms who want to breastfeed also want to enjoy a glass of wine at dinner or celebrations. This can be a contentious topic, as opinions vary widely among healthcare professionals and experienced mothers. Some believe that any amount of alcohol can be harmful to the baby. While others believe it is safe to drink wine while breastfeeding in moderation.

It’s important to consider factors such as the timing of your drink, the amount of alcohol you consume, and the age and health of your baby. Consulting with your healthcare provider can also provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.

Let’s dive deeper into the details and explore the guidelines and recommendations that can help you navigate this complex issue responsibly.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the safest way to avoid alcohol exposure to your baby is not drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. However, there is no known harm from having one standard drink per day at least two hours prior to breastfeeding. In the US, the standard drink sizes are:

• 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol
• 8 ounces of malt liquor with 7% alcohol
• 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol
• 1.5 ounces of liquor with 40% alcohol

Small amounts of alcohol are passed to the baby through breast milk. Exposing babies to too much alcohol can affect their growth and development. Alcohol can also contribute to decreased milk production over time.

Tips for consuming alcohol while breastfeeding

• Delay breastfeeding or pumping for approximately two hours for each alcoholic drink consumed to ensure the alcohol has time to leave your system. This waiting period allows your body to metabolize the alcohol, reducing the risk of passing it to your baby through breast milk.
• You could also pump breast milk before consuming alcohol. This makes sure your baby has a supply of milk unaffected by alcohol. By doing this, you can make certain that your baby has access to safe and nutritious milk while you enjoy your drink. Additionally, pumping beforehand can help maintain your milk supply.
• If you need to relieve breast fullness or prevent engorgement, you can pump and dump the milk. This means pumping out the milk and then discarding it, as it may contain alcohol. Pumping and dumping can help you stay comfortable. It can also prevent issues such as plugged ducts or mastitis, even though the milk should not be given to your baby.

Just like everything in life, moderation is key. You can absolutely enjoy wine responsibly and care for your baby. Having the facts and planning ahead will create a more gratifying experience. With so many things to think about already, take time to unwind and recharge.