breastfeeding and alcohol

mandiixmayhem

So I know this has been posted before and I've tried looking online, but I can't find a solid answer. I want to have a beer, just one. How long do I have to wait before I can feed her........I honestly don't have a clue

melinda326

@mandiixmayhem It takes about half an hour before the alcohol starts to get into your milk, so while you are having a drink at home or just before would probably be safe if you have eaten something recently. Of course, a weaker drink would mean less alcohol in your system, but be aware that as long as the alcohol is in your blood, it is also in your milk. Just make sure you aren't feeling the effects of the drink before you nurse. If you are impaired in any way by the alcohol, it's in your milk and will affect your baby.

You say that you want to go out and have a couple drinks and mention pumping and dumping. You should know that alcohol in your milk doesn't remain there. It works the same as it does in your blood. Once the alcohol is out of your blood, it's also out of your milk. So only pump if you are going to miss a couple of nursings and want to keep up your supply or to relieve any engorgement you might have while you are away from your baby.
Theres also test strips at Babies 'R Us that I've seen that you can buy. You dip them in your milk and it tells you in there is alcohol still in the milk or not. I don't think its expensive.

natashalynn

My aunt, who's been a Dr for 20 years, said multiple drinks, wait 24 hours. If you have one, depending on your size, it takes about 4 hours to get out of your system.

mandiixmayhem

I only want one drink. And its just a beer. Just one single delicious beer lol. So if I eat dinner, feed her, then have a beer would an hour or two be okay?

momma_erica

I would get the test strips to be safe. I put a box on my registry lol, I'm ready to have a good cold beer too

yung_danz28

I was thinking the same thing. I was 5months on my 21st birthday. Then I plan to breast feed for atleast 4months so I'm glad to kno I can get a couple drinks in. Definitely gonna check out those test strips.

mandiixmayhem

I heard mixed reviews on those test strips....but maybe ill pick some up tomorrow. I wasn't even going to bother having a drink till she was closer to a year old (she's 7 weeks) but my husband brought me home my favorite beer

missthiggy

One is ok!!!! Feed her right before u drink and then plenty of water after ur beer and u and ur lo will be fine!!! Enjoy it! Im craving a chelada soooo bad this pregnancy and can't wait to have one!!! But just drink one!!!

Gen86

From what I've heard one beer is okay and can even help you with your supply.I've been encouraged by nurses many times on it but either way I wouldnt unless I was really craving like maybe twice when I was BF. One is okay, I wouldnt drink more than one though.