Drinking while breastfeeding?

[Teexie]

Originally Posted by alyxmegan I am just curious. I am not a big drinker and don't plan on becoming one any time soon. I am just curious about drinking while bfing. Would it be safer to formula feed if you are a heavy drinker or is it safe to drink while bfing. I mean someone who drinks a lot and can't just pump if they are going to drink that day. To be clear this is just out of curiosity thanks guys!

Yes, it would be safer to formula feed. Although really, taking care of a baby at all while drinking heavily on a daily basis isn't safe regardless of the feeding method.

[momma_dna]

Originally Posted by alyxmegan Like I said I don't drink. I was just curious about if an alcoholic with a baby should breast or formula feed.

Honestly, an alcoholic and a baby don't mix. She definitely should not breastfeed or try to take care of a baby or a child. If you know of one I'd strongly encourage you have her seek help and call child protective services/ social services.

[alyxmegan]

Originally Posted by momma_dna Honestly, an alcoholic and a baby don't mix. She definitely should not breastfeed or try to take care of a baby or a child. If you know of one I'd strongly encourage you have her seek help and call child protective services/ social services.

It's not a question based on anyone I know. I was just curious if breast milk with alcohol is better or if formula is. Thanks for all the advice and answers!

[leyash]

Originally Posted by alyxmegan It's not a question based on anyone I know. I was just curious if breast milk with alcohol is better or if formula is. Thanks for all the advice and answers!

Formula is better than breastmilk with alcohol.... :/

The alcohol completely cancels out anything remotely healthy that breastmilk could offer.

[austinandashlynsmommy]

There are just so many variables with this question..... to most people, its common sense that you don't get drunk and then breastfeed a baby, but in moderation with the right timing is a different story. I am ebf my 4 month old, and I see nothing wrong with the occasional glass of wine with dinner. I'm one if the lucky mom's whose baby is an incredible sleeper (sleeps 12 hours straight at night), so once in a blue moon, I may have 2-3 after she goes to bed and then I drink a tall glass of water before I go to bed as well. If by some chance she would wake up early, I have some expressed milk I'm the freezer as well. But that hasn't happened and I only have an alcoholic beverage once or twice a month anyway.

Eta: I don't even taste alcohol while pregnant. I have issues with seeing a pregnant woman drinking. :/

[hilaryisinked]

I drink a glass of wine on occasion. At night after my DD2 goes to sleep and won't be nursing in the next 2 hours. In moderation I have no problem with it. But no I don't think an alcoholic should breastfeed.

[leyash]

Originally Posted by austinandashlynsmommy Eta: I don't even taste alcohol while pregnant. I have issues with seeing a pregnant woman drinking. :/

You would have hated me the other night, lol. I had a sip, literally, not even a teaspoon of DH's beer. He said it was nasty, and wanted to send it back and ask for another, so he asked me to taste it to see if it was just him, or if it really was gross.

You should have seen the looks I got, lol.

ETA: I do NOT drink while pregnant, not even wine. I just don't feel safe about it. One sip, though... let's be realistic. Not even a millionth of a drop got to baby.

[leyash]

And yeah, I guess I could clarify my post above.

Drinking during EBF is acceptable, as long as it's in moderation, and baby is not getting the breastmilk that contains alcohol.

Chugging a 12 pack, and breastfeeding your baby in between beers is NOT acceptable, and formula would be better.

[UVASahm]

A alcoholic should probably not breast feed...

[austinandashlynsmommy]

Originally Posted by leyash You would have hated me the other night, lol. I had a sip, literally, not even a teaspoon of DH's beer. He said it was nasty, and wanted to send it back and ask for another, so he asked me to taste it to see if it was just him, or if it really was gross. You should have seen the looks I got, lol. ETA: I do NOT drink while pregnant, not even wine. I just don't feel safe about it. One sip, though... let's be realistic. Not even a millionth of a drop got to baby.

LOL that's totally different! I know women who would drink a beer or full glass of wine throughout pregnancy. That's unacceptable in my opinion.