Breastfeeding: Are alcohol and coffee taboo?
Alcohol and breastfeeding: do they go together? That’s the question many new mothers ask themselves who want to drink a glass of sparkling wine or wine on special occasions. Questions often remain unanswered when it comes to drinking coffee while breastfeeding. Here you can find out whether alcohol is allowed if you want to breastfeed.
Coffee and caffeinated beverages while breastfeeding
Caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in many soft drinks, energy drinks and iced tea. So you should pay attention to how much you eat every day. If you don’t consume more caffeine than is in three cups of coffee, you won’t harm your baby. But it is important that you drink these drinks after breastfeeding. This way you can break down the caffeine in time for breastfeeding.
alcohol while breastfeeding
It’s very different with alcohol. Alcohol passes quickly into breast milk and is absorbed by the child in the same way. In a child’s body, the liver takes almost twice as long to break down alcohol as in an adult’s body. For this reason, alcohol should be avoided at least shortly before breastfeeding. If you still want to have a glass of wine or beer, it is best to do so after breastfeeding or with the prospect of a longer break from breastfeeding.
This popular tip has a core of truth. In fact, a small amount of alcohol stimulates the milk ejection reflex when breastfeeding. At the same time, the baby has been shown to drink less. Too much alcohol, in turn, inhibits milk production during breastfeeding, has a negative effect on the baby and is therefore not recommended.
What do breastfeeding teas do?
Breastfeeding teas have a stimulating effect on milk production and are enjoyed by many mothers. It has not been scientifically proven that the herbal mixtures have a milk-promoting effect. However, some breastfeeding women swear by it and have had good experiences with it. A cup of tea is definitely warming and relaxing and can’t hurt. But if you are not a tea drinker, you do not necessarily have to start with it. As long as you drink enough fluids in the form of water or juice spritzers, you can do without breastfeeding teas with a clear conscience.