LAIT IT BE
Our advice to let go & have peace of mind
Que boire pendant les fêtes de fin d'année quand on allaite ?
We often start with funny catchphrases, but sometimes we have to be serious, like today, to remind you that alcohol abuse is dangerous for everyone's health; whether you are breastfeeding or not.
This article was reviewed by Julie Longy, IBCLC lactation consultant.
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In a few days' time, the glasses will toast to family reunions and the New Year.
And in your head, the famous question will pop up: "Am I allowed to have a drink while I'm nursing?" There may be these answers like“Oh, it's just a small glass, it won't hurt you” followed by the famous “you know, in my day...” and the little intimidating comments “Well decide, because I don't want to waste a glass of this good wine”. Thank you dear uncle.
To help you to have a good evening, without feeling guilty, we have sorted out all the unclear information you may have read/heard about breastfeeding and alcohol consumption.
In this article, you will learn the basics of Lait it be:
🧘🏽♀️ The benefits of yoga exercises and recommended poses for pre and postnatal
💭 Meditation and breathing techniques
🥛 The best advice from the team to be well, and lait it be
Do I have to use a breast pump if I want to drink alcohol?
No. It all depends on what kind of party you are planning and what you want to do. You can bring your baby with you and do the usual feedings, but with a certain timing and moderate drinking (we explain later in the article).
If you plan to have more than 2 drinks in the evening, then it is best to pump your milk beforehand and give it to your child in a bottle (or other container). The best option in our opinion (and the one that will give you the most peace of mind) is to arrange for a babysitter to watch after your child. Your alertness will naturally be impaired by alcohol consumption; you won't be as aware of it after two drinks, and this is crucial.
Does alcohol consumption affect your lactation?
Yes. Alcohol has an effect on the two hormones responsible for your lactation, oxytocin (which triggers the release of milk) and prolactin (which plays a role in milk production). In contact with alcohol, oxytocin decreases while prolactin, boosted by the euphoria of inebriation, increases. This is why, if you decide to "skip" breastfeeding (by offering your baby pre-pumped milk, for example), you should plan to pump and dump your milk, to avoid engorgement.
Can I speed up the elimination of alcohol from my body?
No. Alcohol passes into the milk in the same way as it passes into the blood. It is only passing through; only time will remove the alcohol from your milk. In other words, pumping your milk, drinking lots of water and/or resting will not speed up the elimination of alcohol from your body.
How long does it take for the alcohol to leave my milk?
The elimination of alcohol from your blood, and therefore from your milk, will vary depending on several factors:
• The amount of alcohol consumed
• How quickly you drank the alcohol
• Your weight
• Whether or not your stomach is empty.
On average, the concentration of alcohol in milk per drink is at its highest about 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and it will take 2 to 3 hours to be sure that the alcohol has completely left the body. The waiting time obviously increases with the number of drinks consumed.
Refer to the chart below to find out how much time should pass between your drink and the next feeding, depending on your weight & number of drinks.
To summarize 🥂
If the party is planned and you want to have more than one or two drinks of alcohol, pump your milk beforehand to be able to give your milk (free of alcohol) to your baby. The best option is to call a babysitter for your baby ♥️
If your baby is present:
☞ Drink in moderation (one or two drinks) to maintain your vigilance and have the proper reflexes in case of a problem
☞ Preferably, drink just after pumping
☞ Make sure you don't have an empty stomach when consuming alcohol (the elimination is longer otherwise)
☞ Wait at least 2 to 3 hours after consuming a glass of alcohol to breastfeed your baby
☞ If you do not have to breastfeed your baby during the evening, plan to pump and dump your milk, to avoid engorgement.
• Lie down on your bed with your feet shoulder-width apart (if you are pregnant, you can sit on a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart).
• Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose, mouth closed (5 seconds).
• Focus on the image and sensation of your belly rising and your lungs filling up with fresh air.
• Hold this position (for 2 seconds)
• Exhale slowly through your nose (5 seconds).
• Repeat this cycle at least 4 times
Make the most of the end of year celebrations! Cheers Fam!
Your festive wardrobe💃🏽
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29€
Other tips from the team for Lait It Be 🥰
If yoga is not your thing (have you even tried it? 😏), we asked some of the moms on the team to give us their best (other) tips on how to have the most peace of mind before / during / after a baby arrives.
References
• Alcohol-info-service: https://www.alcool-info-service.fr/alcool-et-vous/alcool-grossesse/allaitement-alcool
• Study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, 2005
• Leche League https://www.lllfrance.org/vous-informer/fonds-documentaire/allaiter-aujourd-hui-extraits/1692-allaitement-et-tabac-alcool-drogues-etc