Celebrations are wonderful events – meeting friends, exchanging gifts, often accompanied by a little alcohol … but what if we’re pregnant or breastfeeding?

Current recommendations for alcohol consumption during pregnancy are to avoid all alcohol.  We do not know what a ‘safe’ level is when your baby is inside you.  We do know, however, that whatever alcohol you have in your bloodstream, does go directly to your baby.  It is therefore safest to avoid all alcohol (as well as other drugs) while pregnant.

Alcohol affects your growing baby and your risk for birth defects is increased (especially if you drink while the baby is developing during the first 8-12 weeks of life).  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is associated with regular alcohol consumption throughout pregnancy and a baby will have abnormal facial features as well as developmental injury.  Although rare, you may put your baby at risk of varying degrees of these symptoms (amongst others).

Breastfeeding guidelines are less strict, and it’s OK to have a glass of alcohol so long as you are aware of the national guidelines for sensible drinking.  Look them up through your favourite search engine, or have a look at the Better Health guidelines for women here:

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Alcohol?open

Your breastmilk alcohol level will be comparable to your own blood alcohol level.  If you choose to drink alcohol, your levels will be close to normal 2 hours after your drink (this depends on the amount you have had!).  Brain cells are affected by alcohol.  It is important to remember that your baby’s brain is not ‘fully’ developed until about 2 years of age – so any alcohol while they are young may be detrimental.  Alcohol may also affect your milk supply, and change the taste of your milk, so baby’s may also become irritable during and after a feed when alcohol is in your bloodstream.

Of course you have the ultimate say in how much (or how little) you drink.  Recommendations exist to reduce the effect of alcohol on you and on your developing baby.  If you enjoy your alcohol, reducing the amount you drink may seem like a challenge.  Some helpful hints to reduce your consumption include: drinking water or non-alcoholic beverages from a wine glass, drinking slowly, & eating before you drink.  It’s OK to say ‘no’ to alcohol without feeling guilty or ashamed – remember, you are looking after yourself, and your baby!

Where to get more help (from Better Health)

• Your doctor
• DrugInfo Clearinghouse Tel. 1300 858 584 – for information
• DirectLine Tel. 1800 888 236 – for counselling and referral
• Counselling Online – for online counselling and referral
• Family Drug Help – for information and support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs Tel. 1300 660 068