New Years Eve is upon us again tomorrow and many of us mums might throw on some makeup, even a nice dress and be able to go out for a night on the town or even to a small party. But are you a mum who is still breastfeeding and worried about having a drink or two on your night out? You will be pleased to know that you are more than able to have a drink of choice and still nurse your bubs! There are a few things to consider before you begin drinking and after!

*Breastfeed bubs before you have your first alcoholic drink!

*Eat a good meal before you head out and while you are out.

*Have some water too! Alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks helps reduce the amount of alcohol in your breastmilk.

*Alcohol gets into your milk the same way as it gets into your bloodstream so thankfully its not there forever!

*Drink Responsibly

Ever heard of pumping and dumping? It is when women who are nursing use their pump and express milk and then throw it away. According to the Breastfeeding Association you no longer have to do this. (News to me since I breastfed!) They say, only time will take the alcohol out of your breast milk. But on the same note, if your breasts are feeling full but your baby isn’t due for a feed and you have just finished your drinks, I would say to express and dump instead of store it to feed bubs later. Also, express some milk ahead of time and freeze it incase you have a bigger night then you planned and need to feed your bubs!

Remember that it can take up to 2 hours from your first sip for the alcohol to leave your blood system which also means leaves your milk. So you decide, great I am going to have a couple drinks while out but remember, one standard drink will take 2 hours to be out of your breast milk, two drinks will take 4 hours and three drinks will take 6 hours. Just be conscious of your intake and remember bubs mummy milk is very important! There are obvious considerations to factor in as well such as

*How quickly you are drinking

*How strong of a drink you decide to have

*Your own weight and the effects alcohol may have

Enjoy your time out and the drink or two you may have! Also remember, being anursing mum doesn’t mean your life have to stop. Just means we have to have less to drink and change a few other things!

Happy New Years!

~Janell~

Further information from the breastfeeding association can be found athttps://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/safe-when-breastfeeding/alcohol-and-breastfeeding