Q: Alcohol and Breastfeeding?
Posted
Sunday, January 20, 2008 5:16 PM
Q: Is it okay to drink alcohol while I'm breastfeeding? I've heard different points of view on this.
A: Well, you've heard different things because there are a few different opinions on this one. The American Academy of Pediatrics says alcohol in moderation (one or two drinks a week) is fine, while the March of Dimes recommends against drinking any alcohol -- they say it can restrict the flow of milk and delay baby's developmental milestones. If you do decide to drink, it's best to breastfeed before drinking alcohol, and then wait a few hours before nursing again. The old "pump and dump" -- throwing out the first batch of milk pumped after you drink alcohol -- really isn't necessary.
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