alcohol while breastfeeding

[bellybliss130]

Hi Elaine,

I wanted to let you know I had my baby 2 weeks ago and he is a beautiful healthy baby boy! Yay! Now onto my question. Lol!

My hubby and I went out for dinner the other night. I fed the baby before I went out and had a few beers shortly after I finished feeding the baby.

I assumed the baby would sleep longer but shortly after drinking the beer the baby woke up and wanted to feed again. So I fed the baby.

Now I feel incredibly worried that I breastfed while there was alcohol in my system. I read that breastfeeding when youve had some alcohol is hard on the babys liver and could cause developmental difficulties.

From now on I will pump if I am going to drink at all. I feel worried that I had a few drinks then breastfed. Do you think there is any harm done?

[heather1012]

I'm having pregnancy sings but every time I do a test it comes back saying I'm not pregnant is there any thing I can do find out what's going on and 2 years ago I had my tubs tied and now I think I might be pregnant

[layam2]

Hi Elaine, I'm confused and hoping u can give me some advice, I got married two years ago and now my hubby and I are trying to have a baby but no luck, and I took an pregnancy test after missing my period and it was negative but I haven't had my period! What must I do?

[bellybliss130]

Thanks Elaine,

My husband and I have started going to a mixed soccer league that we both participate in once a week and have several beers together after the game.

I have been feeding right before the drinks to try to lessen the amount of alcohol by the next feeding time.

Do you think that me having drinks once a week and breastfeeding is ok?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!

So WONDERFUL to hear from you and CONGRATULATIONS!

I'm so glad he's healthy!  I absolutely do not think that you did any harm to your young man.  If you had a few beers every night you might have problems, but on one occasion it will not do him a bit of harm.  I hope you enjoyed your time with your husband, and hope you two continue to spend time together both with and without your new addition.

Good luck!
Dr B