breastfeeding

FRIDAY MYTH BUSTER: “A mother should not drink alcohol while breastfeeding.”

Mamma Chard

“Not true! REASONABLE alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. The mother can take some alcohol and continue breastfeeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for breastfeeding mothers.”      ~Dr. Jack Newman

Toasting during the holidays with occasional small amounts of alcohol does not create a need to pump & dump milk after drinking alcohol, other than for mom’s comfort — pumping & dumping does not speed the elimination of alcohol from the milk. Breastfeeding 2 or more hours after consumption is advised. The alcohol content in the breastmilk decreases at the same rate as it decreases in the blood level.

**Chronic, regular, heavy, or binge drinking of alcohol is NOT advised.

**Co-sleeping is NOT advised if the breastfeeding mom or partner are under the influence of alcohol.

**Mothers who have been drinking alcohol should never let themselves be in a situation where they might fall asleep with the baby; on a bed, chair or settee (this would also apply to other carers who have been drinking alcohol).

**Drinking alcohol reduces the ability of the mother to be aware of the baby’s needs, whether she is breastfeeding or not. It is safest to ask someone else to care for the baby. ~ The Breastfeeding Network

**Click on the link below for more facts for the breastfeeding parent to make informed decisions:

Current research says that occasional use of alcohol (1-2 drinks) does not appear to be harmful to the nursing baby.
Per Hale (2012), “mothers who ingest alcohol in moderate amounts can generally return to breastfeeding as soon as they feel neurologically normal.”                                  ~Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC @  www.Kellymom.com

What about infant hunger cues?

Mamma Chard
How can you tell if the baby is hungry? Let’s go over infant hunger cues.   Early Hunger Cues

Early hunger cues happen when the baby is in light active sleep. The eyes will start moving as if dreaming, lips start moving, early waking up time to alert awake quiet state, and the rooting reflex activates searching for the breast. These all signal a fantastic opportunity to offer the baby the breast or bottle while he is calm.

If these cues are not recognized then the mid hunger cues will kick in. In this phase the infant will have increased body movement, stretching, putting hands to mouth (or anything that grazes the lips), and very active rooting in desperate search of nourishment on any person that is holding them. This is also a great time to offer the breast or bottle without further delay!

Sometimes all of these cues are missed even by the most attentive parents. It is important to note that every infant has their own threshold before they get to the late hunger cues. At this point he is quite agitated, frantically rooting side to side, crying and red faced. This is not an ideal time to put the baby to breast and have a good latch. Giving a bottle to the baby in this state may cause excess air intake resulting in gas or regurgitation. Calming a baby that has reached this state is often necessary before a successful feed can take place.  Skin to skin, sucking on a parents pinky finger with or without milk on it, rocking and changing rooms can all help to calm.

Waiting until the late hunger cues as a routine for feedings is not ideal. It can result in feeding and attachment problems as well as stress for both baby and parents. While new parents get to know their infants putting the baby to breast often will develop a good milk supply as well as create a strong bond and secure attachment. Bottle feeding with love and attention will nurture bonding and attachment.

Postpartum Doula support will help new parents to navigate hunger cues as well as the complete transition period of a new baby during the first days, weeks, and months. Contact me if you would like to arrange a visit!

Jacquie

Mamma’s Instincts,                                                                Postpartum Doula support that embraces your unique family~