New Mom Secrets: I Drink and Breastfeed

on May 5, 2009 at 7:09 AM

It's hard being a new mom (or even an experienced mom to a new baby) and sometimes we do things we know we shouldn't, despite what all the experts say. But this is a safe place to share your secrets—we won't tell.

This Week's Secret:

"Sometimes I'll have a glass of wine and then nurse my son a little while later. I didn't drink at all throughout my pregnancy or for six months after I had him, but now he's nine months old, and I have some wine every once in a while with dinner. I feel so guilty when I'm nursing him to sleep. —anonymous

We all have secrets and opinions—so thanks to this brave mom for sharing her honest thoughts, and thank you for keeping this conversation nonjudgmental!

Past confessions:

I Took My Baby to a Bar

I Drove My Baby Without a Car Seat

I Forgot My Baby's Name!

I Leave My Twin Babies Home Alone

I Let My Baby Wear a Dirty Diaper

I Wish I Never Had a Baby

About the author Suzanne Murray

is the Parenting & Political editor at The Stir/Moms Matter 2012.

Filed Under: mom secrets

Comments (24)

scrmnmimi65

on May 5, 2009 at 8:09 AM

You would have to pump and dump before breastfeeding. Seriously, ya'll know this, right?

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JenB1983

on May 5, 2009 at 8:14 AM

Sorry scrmnmimi; but you're wrong. Alcohol metabolizes out of your BM like it does from your blood. Pumping won't help it "get out" any faster; only time. Pumping will only help the mom be more comfortable. On that; I nursed and drank(not much). I would normally enjoy my glass of wine either while my DS was nursing(therefore he got the milk before any alcohol got into it); or I would have my drink immediately after he went to sleep so I would have an hour or two before he woke up again.

kristinlimon

on May 5, 2009 at 8:40 AM

I drink and I nurse all the time. Never once have I pumped and dumped. No need to. Luckily for me my dd has slept through the night since about 6 months so I can have my drinks when I want them and not worry about her waking to nurse.

sk_tennyson

on May 5, 2009 at 8:47 AM

If you are sober enough to drive you are sober enough to breast feed. If you aren't sober enough to drive you do not have to pump and dump, just wait until you are sober enough. Alcohol metabolizes in breast milk and blood the same way.

Nonmember comment from Nikkii

Everything in moderation using your common sense right?

JessicaElena

on May 5, 2009 at 8:49 AM

there are test strips you can buy to see if you drunken enough for there to be alcohol in your breast milk. Just to be on the safe side or just to put your mind at ease. http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?id=prod5457579&CATID=100702&skuid=sku5456446&V=G&ec=frgl_510986&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku5456446

mamalinzie

on May 5, 2009 at 8:52 AM

No, you do not have to pump and dump.

TanyaR1024

on May 5, 2009 at 9:07 AM

Man the title sounded way worse than it was! I agree with the PP's. I wouldn't make it a habit of course but I think an occasional glass of wine or a beer here and there is not a big deal!