31/12/2024
Bubbles & Breastfeeding🤱🥂
A common question we get asked around this time of year is; Can I drink alcohol while breastfeeding?
The answer is YES, as long as you take some precautions to make sure your baby isn't affected:
- Remember that the percentage of alcohol in your milk is approx. equal to your blood alcohol content (BAC). So if there's alcohol in your bloodstream, it's also in your breastmilk, but once it leaves your bloodstream it's no longer in your breastmilk.
- It take approx. 30 minutes for alcohol to enter your milk & then 2 hours per standard drink for it to leave.
- Australian Breastfeeding Association's "Feed Safe" app can be used to help you monitor alcohol levels in your breastmilk.
- Pumping won't reduce alcohol levels any faster. Expressed milk will retain any alcohol found at the time of pumping.
- It's best to express milk to feed your baby prior to drinking alcohol.
- Make sure you have a safe sleeping space for your baby & if possible, arrange another carer who won't be drinking. Never sleep with your baby if you've been drinking alcohol.
- If, on occasion, things don't quite go to plan and your baby is hungry when you have been drinking, the risk of harm to your baby is likely to be low. There is no need to use formula.
You can find the Feed Safe app on the App Store & Google Play.
If you're unsure or have questions, you can always message the Warrnambool Breastfeeding Centre or call the ABA's 24/7 Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 2 686 (1800 MUM 2 MUM).
