What to avoid when breastfeeding

Being a smoker should not stop you from breastfeeding, If you do smoke and are breastfeeding, smoke after you have breastfed to minimise the amount of nicotine in your milk.

Don't smoke whilst handling your baby, including breastfeeding. Smoke as far away from your baby as possible to prevent exposing your baby to smoke particles small enough to inhale.

Other smokers in the household should smoke outside or at least in another room, away from your baby. They should wash their hands after smoking and before touching your baby.

We recommend wearing a jacket or outer garment while smoking to protect clothing from smoke particles. Remove the jacket before any contact with the baby to reduce exposure to smoke particles.

If you would like help to cut down or quit completely your midwife or health visitor can refer you to Help2Quit. Help2Quit give advice and offer support and help using nicotine replacement therapy. This is also available for partners and family members.

Drinking alcohol

Anything you eat and drink whilst breastfeeding will pass through your breastmilk, including alcohol.

The effects of alcohol on your baby is directly related to the amount you drink. It is safer not to drink any alcohol whilst breastfeeding, but an occasional alcoholic drink is unlikely to cause harm. One or two units of alcohol once or twice per week should be fine.

One unit is equal to:

• a small glass of wine (125ml)
• half a pint of beer
• a single measure of a spirit (25ml)

Heavy, regular binge drinking may be harmful and should be avoided. If you do consume large volumes of alcohol, avoid breastfeeding for 2 to 3 hours after drinking to allow the level of alcohol in your milk to reduce.

If you do drink alcohol don't bed share with your baby.

Excess levels of alcohol in breastmilk may lead to:

• drowsiness
• deep sleep
• weakness
• decreased growth

Let-down is a normal reflex that happens when the nerves in your breasts are stimulated, usually when your baby is sucking your nipple. Reduction in let-down is reported when there is a heavy consumption of alcohol.