Alcohol, Breastfeeding and Pregnancy
In pregnant and breastfeeding women alcohol consumption can harm the developing fetus or breastfeeding baby.
During pregnancy, alcohol passes through the placenta into the baby’s blood stream. This can cause problems such as miscarriage, small birth weight and in some cases long term developmental problems.
For women who are breastfeeding: Not drinking alcohol is the safest option.
While breastfeeding, alcohol enters the breast milk and may stay in breast milk for some time after the alcohol was consumed. Alcohol can affect breast milk production and affect the baby’s development and sleep patterns.
Stopping drinking at any time during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding will be good for both you and your baby. It is important to note that the more you drink the greater the risk for the developing fetus.
To learn more, take a look at the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a general term which describes the range of effects that can occur in a baby who has been exposed to alcohol in their mother's womb. Alcohol use during pregnancy can disturb the development of the fetus and lead to problems later in life.
The risk of these problems developing increases with the amount of alcohol consumed; the frequency and duration of drinking during pregnancy; and the stage of development of the fetus when the alcohol is consumed. The development of FASD also depends on a range of other factors such as genetics and environment.
As it is not known exactly how much alcohol can be consumed during pregnancy without disturbing the development of the fetus, the Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol (2009) recommend that not drinking alcohol is the safest option for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
In Western Australia, the Department of Health developed a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Model of Care to better prevent and manage this disorder.
The Drug and Alcohol Office has formed a partnership with the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research to reproduce and distribute the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project’s resources for health professionals. The resources have been developed to support health professionals to address the issue of alcohol use in pregnancy with women.
Find out about the Strong Spirit Strong Future Promoting Healthy Women and Pregnancies project designed for Aboriginal people.
If you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s, alcohol use during pregnancy or breastfeeding contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on (08) 9442 5000, or country toll-free 1800 198 024.