What better reason to celebrate and toast to the good life than when you have actually created life? Who needs a moment of self-care, some time to connect with friends, a happy hour more than the new mother who is giving her time, energy, her body to nurturing and nourishing a new life? It seems like a simple thing, but often times breastfeeding moms are either shamed for wanting leave baby for even an hour to go out and have a cocktail with friends or they are worried about potentially harming their baby with boozy breastmilk. Well, I am here to free these moms from guilt and worry by offering some tips for a healthy happy hour for both mom and baby.
“Pump and Dump” is NOT necessary.
Unless it is for the purposes of preventing engorgement, pumping and dumping precious breastmilk is unnecessary. Many mothers have held on to the myth that pumping breastmilk and discarding it will help to remove alcohol from breastmilk faster…this is simply not true. Alcohol leaves the breastmilk at the same rate at which it leaves the bloodstream, so as long as a mother is drinking in moderation, the recommended max of one drink per day, she can generally return to breastfeeding as long as she feels “neurologically normal” without exposing her child to clinically relevant amounts of alcohol.
Prepare to party!
Breastfeeding moms may want to pump and store breastmilk if they are preparing for a night out on the town and are planning to be away from baby for their scheduled feedings. According to CDC recommendations, fresh breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for 6 months. I doubt a new mom is planning to party for days on end, but she can prepare for feeling particularly tired after a night out, especially if she is still not used to getting out and may need to delegate feedings until she is well rested.
Partner for safety.
Breastfeeding moms should avoid drinking alone while being the sole caregiver for their baby. Safety is of the utmost importance, so mom should consider having a happy hour buddy or person designated to care for baby in the event of an emergency that is not consuming alcohol. Being drunk while in caring for a child is not only dangerous, but also illegal.
Breastfeeding moms are selflessly sacrificing to provide their babies the best nutrition, but it’s important to remember the importance of self-care and make that a priority too. It’s perfectly ok to enjoy and night out imbibing with your spouse or friends, or even a night in with dinner and cocktails- ditch the guilt and celebrate safely! Cheers Momma!