Nursing Moms, No Need To Skip The Champs

With National Champagne Day — I mean, Valentine's Day — right around the corner, it's time to start planning your Galentines celebrations or date night with your special someone. But, for the breastfeeding moms who would like to enjoy themselves come Valentine's Day, there is one question on everyone's mind: is it safe for breastfeeding moms to have champagne?

As you probably guessed, the same rules apply to champagne and breastfeeding that apply to any other alcohol. According to La Leche League International, alcohol passes into your breast milk in smaller concentrations than in your bloodstream. The alcohol content peaks 30 to 60 minutes after consuming a drink. After that, it passes freely out of the milk, much like it leaves your bloodstream.

So if you nurse your baby immediately after consuming alcohol, they would definitely consume a small amount of alcohol. But that doesn't mean you have to abstain from drinking just because you're breastfeeding. In fact, Today's Parent noted that drinking in moderation is perfectly fine for a nursing mom, as long as she waits a bit after drinking before she nurses.

Waiting around an hour or so after drinking to breastfeed will ensure that you don't have to "pump and dump" your precious milk and that your baby won't ingest any alcohol into their system. Better yet, nursing your baby before drinking, that way you'll have plenty of time before you need to feed or pump again.

Although you may not be able to go shot for shot with your co-celebrator, there's no sense in placing unnecessary restrictions on yourself. Whether you're planning a romantic date with your SO, a night on the town with your gal-pals, or a day out with the whole family (nursing baby included,) there's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy a well-timed glass (or two) of your favorite bubbly beverage.