Featured Breastfeeding Articles & Help
Alcohol And Breastfeeding: How Much Can You Drink?
Alcohol is a substance that is concentrated in the breastmilk. A newborn baby’s liver is tiny, so even one drink is going to be detrimental to the baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that ”"Breastfeeding mothers should avoid the use of alcoholic beverages, because alcohol is concentrated in breast milk and its use can inhibit milk production. An occasional celebratory single, small alcoholic drink is acceptable, but breastfeeding should be avoided for 2 hours after the drink”
Daily consumption of alcohol while breastfeeding has been linked with low weight gain and slower motor development in babies.
To be on the safe side, alcohol ought to be avoided all together, breastfeeding is a short-lived period in a mother/baby relationship and the health and well being of the baby can outweigh the social pressures of having a drink.
Milkscreen: Home Test to Detect Alcohol in Breast Milk 8 Pack
If you do choose to drink, take the baby’s age into account: a newborn baby’s liver is much smaller than an older baby’s, and alcohol will have greater detrimental effects. Be sure to not breastfeed for at least two hours after your drink, and limit your consumption to one or two standard drinks a week at most.
Please allow me to debunk some common myths about breastfeeding:
- Alcohol does NOT increase breastmilk supply, infact it can inhibit supply.
- Pumping and dumping does not speed up how fast alcohol leaves your system. It takes approximately 2 hours for the average woman to get rid of one standard drink from her system – so 4 hours for 2 drinks, 6 hours for 3 etc.
Breastfeeding Articles and Help
Nipple Care 101
Looking after your breasts and nipples will help your breastfeeding experience get off on the right foot. Here are some quick tips, to assist you avoid breast and nipple pain:
- Practise good attachment – a poorly attached baby, means breastfeeding will hurt, and can result in irreparable damage to your nipples. If you need assistance, consultalt a Lactation consultant (sooner rather than later) if the problem lies with your baby, consider gentle corrective techniques, such as chiropractic
- Invest in a good fitting bra. Breastfeeding boobs, need support. Update your bra as your breasts grow or shrink.
- Allow your nipples to air dry after each feed. You can express a little milk onto them to assist healing any forming blisters or cracks. (Good attachment ought to help you avoid these to begin with)
- Hydrolised Lanolin (ie. Lansinoh) is a good cream for soothing, and helping nipples become supple. (it also makes a great nappy barrier cream, and lipbalm…)
- Sunshine helps any minor cracks heal.
- Keep a good watch for blocked ducts. If you notice any tenderness, or lumps, massage GENTLY under a hot shower, and if you can’t move the lump along – speak with a lactation consultant (sooner rather than later)
- Don’t wear a tight bra to bed. If you need the support, invest in a crop top, or special sleeping bra. (Tight bras, constrict milk ducts, and can cause blockages)
Remember, if it doesn’t feel right – it probably isn’t. Seek support and help from a professional, and keep asking until you get an answer that helps you.
Photo Credit: Raphael Goetter