Alcohol Use
  • A woman who breastfeeds her infant must be aware that all chemicals that she puts in her body can be transferred to the infant when breastfeeding.
  • It is recommended that women not drink alcohol while breastfeeding.  If a woman chooses to drink, she should limit herself to two alcoholic beverages on special occasions.
  • If after delivery, a woman wants to drink alcohol, make sure the baby is not fed breast milk for at least 1-2 hours after each alcoholic beverage consumed.  Therefore, if you drink two glasses of wine, make sure your baby is not fed breast milk from the breast for about 2-4 hours.  If you know that you will be drinking later in the day, you can always pump breast milk for the baby before hand to ensure the baby will receive the best nutrition possible.
A woman who consumes excessive amounts of alcohol and then breastfeeds her baby may cause the baby to become sleepy, grow more slowly, and become physically weaker.  Alcohol consumption can also cause a decrease in the amount of milk a woman is capable of producing in a given period of time.

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Drug Use
  • Don’t breastfeed if you use illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, marijuana, etc.).
  • The chemicals found in illegal drugs will be passed on to the infant and may lead to serious health problems for the infant.
  • If you are using prescription medications, speak with your doctor to determine if those medications are safe to use while breastfeeding.
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Disclaimer:  This information is meant for educational purposes only and cannot replace medical advice.  Contact your doctor about any concerns you have.