Radhika Apte shared photos on social media of her pump breast milk while holding a glass filled with champagne. This has sparked outrage towards people who questioned the safety of drinking while breastfeeding.
Actor Radhika Apte recently made waves on social media when she shared a photo of herself pumping breast milk with a glass of champagne. The photo was posted on Instagram just two months after she welcomed her first child, when she took part in the prestigious BAFTA awards. Radhika Apte’s post was intended to shed light on the challenge of balancing work and motherhood, but it also caused a wave of controversy, criticizing her for drinking alcohol while pumping breast milk.
What did Radhika Apte post?
Radhika Apte highlighted her new mother’s postpartum struggle, saying, “I have to thank Natasha for letting me participate in the BAFTA. She scheduled an itinerary around the timing of my breast milk throwing. She not only accompanied me to the bathroom to express milk, but more importantly, brought me champagne.” Radhika Apte said, “It’s difficult to work with a new mom. This level of care and sensitivity is rare and highly appreciated in the film industry.”
While some people praised Radhika att for normalizing the maternal struggle, others quickly pointed out the potential dangers of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. This raises the question: how harmful is it to consume alcohol while breastfeeding, and should new mothers like Radhika Apte be more careful about their choices?
The effect of alcohol on breastfeeding
Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding is a problem that often leads to mixed opinions. A study published in the Journal Breastfeeding Medicine shows that almost 50% of breastfeeding women in Western countries report occasional alcohol consumption, suggesting that this is a common practice. However, it is important to understand the impact that alcohol has on both the baby and the mother.
According to Dr. Anusha Rao, a neonatologist and pediatrician, alcohol quickly passes through the mother’s bloodstream into breast milk. The alcohol concentration in breast milk is always similar to the concentration of the mother’s blood.
Check out Radhika Apte’s Instagram post:
Possible effects of alcohol on babies
One of the main concerns regarding drinking alcohol while breastfeeding is its impact on infants. Babies, especially babies under three months old, have an underdeveloped liver that cannot efficiently process alcohol. In fact, their livers metabolize alcohol in half the proportion of adults. This means that drinking alcohol by a mother can affect the baby’s development, growth and sleep patterns.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says alcohol in breast milk can lead to several side effects, including:
- Drunkiness and weakness
- Confusion in sleep patterns
- Restlessness and frustration
These effects can have a major impact on the well-being and development of a baby. Furthermore, regular alcohol consumption can lead to long-term problems in baby growth and emotional health.
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The effect of alcohol on breastfeeding mothers
Baby health is a major concern, but as Radhika Att appears to be doing, mothers who consume alcohol while breastfeeding can also face consequences. Some potential side effects for mothers include:
- dehydration
- Fatigue and disrupted sleep
- Decline in milk production
- Disorders of adjustment and mood fluctuations
- Increased risk of postpartum depression, anxiety and stress
These physical and mental health challenges could add to the already overwhelming responsibility of new mothers. It is important for mothers to keep in mind how alcohol consumption affects their own well-being and how their ability to care for their baby.
Can I drink alcohol while breastfeeding?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends minimizing alcohol consumption for breastfeeding mothers. They suggest that if the mother chooses to drink it, it should occasionally be in medium amounts. For example, this could mean up to 8 ounces of wine, 2 ounces of liquor, or two beers for a 130-pound woman. Additionally, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding. This allows alcohol to leave the mother’s blood flow and ensures that the milk is alcohol free when fed to the baby.
Moderate drinking may not pose a significant risk to the infant, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the safest option for breastfeeding mothers is to avoid alcohol altogether. The CDC emphasizes that safe amounts of alcohol are not known for breastfeeding mothers, and potential risks to the baby are the source of concern.
Should you pump and throw it away?
A common misconception among new mothers is that pumping and discarding breast milk after consumption can eliminate it from the milk. However, according to Dr. Rao and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is not an effective solution. Pumping and damping only remove milk that is already produced, but it does not speed up the process of removing alcohol from the body. Whether or not milk is pumped, it takes at least two hours to metabolize alcohol.
Tips for breastfeeding mothers
Radhika Apte’s post highlighted the reality of being a new mother and juggling work responsibilities, but also raised important debates about alcohol consumption during breastfeeding. Here are some tips for new mothers to keep in mind.
- Moderation is important: If you choose to drink, make sure it is in moderation. Stick to a small amount and wait at least 2 hours before breastfeeding.
- Beware of your baby’s health: It is important to consider the potential risks as alcohol can affect your baby’s sleep, growth and development.
- Stay hydrated and take a break: Alcohol can lead to dehydration and fatigue, both of which can affect your milk production. Make sure to take care of yourself.
- Pumping and damping are useless: Pumping up breast milk after drinking does not accelerate alcohol removal. Wait for the alcohol to leave your system naturally.
When it comes to your baby and you, make sure you make an informed choice!
