What you drink your baby drinks too. When you drink, alcohol goes directly into your breast milk.
Getting drunk at any time when you are parenting a small baby can put your baby in danger. The best option is to avoid alcohol altogether when you are breastfeeding. If you do drink there are precautions you can take to protect your baby.
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby; it is also good for your health. However, when you drink alcohol it passes directly into your bloodstream and breast milk.
If you drink alcohol
If you drink alcohol, wait two hours for every standard drink before breastfeeding.
- One standard drink – wait two hours.
- Two standard drinks – wait four hours.
- If you are planning to drink for a special occasion, express milk beforehand and feed this to your baby while there is alcohol still in your system.
Even if you feel slightly drunk or tipsy it’s better to avoid breastfeeding.
Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.