Alcohol And Breastfeeding
Q: Do you know of any research on the impact of alcohol
consumption on a breastfed baby? I am wondering if light consumption (1/2 glass
of wine 2-3 times per week) is okay. I did drink small amounts infrequently
when breastfeeding my first two children but am feeling guilty about it this
time.
--M.K.
Dr. Donnica: The advice on this topic varies widely from old wives tales
that say that drinking beer (especially dark beer) can increase your milk supply
to La Leche League who say it can dry up your milk supply. The American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding alcohol because it does enter the
milk supply and does affect the baby. However, they go on to say that
drinking in moderation (less than 2 drinks daily) is better, of course, than
drinking more than moderately and that IF you are going to have a glass of wine,
just do it AFTER you nurse (nurse, put the baby to bed, then drink) rather than
before.
In my humble opinion, one half glass of wine 2-3 times per week is nothing to
worry about.
I also double-checked this answer on my favorite pediatric site, DrGreene.com.
Dr. Greene discusses this in terms of debunking the myth that having a glass
of wine might be related to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Smoking
near an infant, however, DOES increase the risk of SIDS. To read Dr. Greene's
discussion of this, click
here.
Best regards,
Donnica Moore, MD
Created: 5/25/2001 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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