Alcohol during breastfeeding: is it dangerous?

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Extract from the article: Breastfeeding is a special time for a mother and her child. It is a time of connection and nourishment for the baby, as well as a time when the mother must be aware of what she eats and drinks. This includes the consumption of alcohol. Does alcohol p

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Breastfeeding is a special time for a mother and her child. It is a time of connection and nourishment for the baby, as well as a time when the mother must be aware of what she eats and drinks. This includes the consumption of alcohol. Does alcohol pass directly into breast milk? What effects does it have on breast milk and the breastfed baby?

Alcohol and breastfeeding may seem incompatible, but the truth is that moderate alcohol consumption does not necessarily have a negative effect on breast milk or the breastfed baby. « Alcohol is not prohibited during breastfeeding, but only in reasonable amounts. An occasional and moderate consumption of alcohol can be part of breastfeeding without impacting the health of the baby », explains Grâce Koumayi, midwife, Coordinator of the Association Faire Autrement (AFA).

The influence of alcohol on breast milk

The amount of alcohol that passes into breast milk depends on the amount of alcohol consumed by the mother, as well as its concentration in the mother's blood. The time it takes for alcohol to be eliminated from breast milk also depends on the amount of alcohol consumed. « If a breastfeeding mother drinks alcohol, she has to wait four hours. This is the ideal time that the mother should wait after drinking alcohol before breastfeeding her child », said the midwife.

Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding can also reduce the amount of milk produced by the mother. Alcohol inhibits the production of the hormone prolactin, which is essential for milk production.

In infants

Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the quality of breast milk, as the alcohol can be transferred into the breast milk. This can have negative effects on the baby's physical, cognitive and sleep development. « When a breastfeeding woman drinks alcohol, there is a risk of sleep disturbances in the child. The child sleeps less. Alcohol can affect the psychomotor development of the child », warns Grâce Koumayi.

The decision to drink alcohol while breastfeeding is a personal one. Breastfeeding women should be aware of the potential risks and recommendations for drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. If a breastfeeding woman has questions or concerns about drinking, she should consult a health care professional for advice.

Recipe for breastfeeding women: 1/2 pineapple, 1 piece of fresh ginger, 250 ml water, 01 tablespoon honey. Peel the pineapple and cut the flesh into large cubes. Peel the ginger and cut it into 4 pieces. In a blender, finely blend the pineapple and ginger until you have a smooth purée. Add the water and blend again. Strain the mixture through a sieve or muslin cloth. Add the honey and mix well. Keep the pineapple juice in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Add lemon juice to liven up the drink.

Elom AKAKPO