Is it okay to drink eggnog while breastfeeding?

Is It Okay to Drink Eggnog While Breastfeeding?
As the holiday season approaches, many new mothers find themselves wondering about the safety of indulging in festive treats like eggnog while breastfeeding. This creamy, rich beverage, often spiked with alcohol, raises questions about its effects on both the mother and her nursing infant.
Moderation is Key
According to health experts, drinking eggnog in moderation is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Consuming one drink, one or two times a week, is typically acceptable. However, the caveat lies in the uncertainty surrounding the alcohol content in commercially prepared eggnog. Since eggnog is often mixed in batches, it can be challenging to determine how much alcohol is actually present in a serving unless you make it yourself.
Alcohol and Breastfeeding
The consensus among health professionals is that moderate alcohol consumption does not pose a significant risk to breastfeeding infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that occasional drinking is acceptable, and the amount of alcohol that passes into breast milk is relatively low. This means that if a mother enjoys a glass of eggnog, it is unlikely to affect her baby adversely, provided she waits a reasonable amount of time before breastfeeding again.
Considerations for Ingredients
Another important factor to consider is the ingredients in eggnog. Traditional recipes include eggs, cream, sugar, and often alcohol. For breastfeeding mothers, ensuring that the eggnog is pasteurized is crucial to avoid any risk of foodborne illness, particularly from raw eggs. If you are unsure about the safety of the eggnog you are consuming, opting for a pasteurized, alcohol-free version is a wise choice.
Potential Reactions in Infants
While most infants will not be affected by a mother’s moderate eggnog consumption, some mothers have reported changes in their baby’s behavior after drinking it. For instance, one mother noted that her baby spat up more than usual after she consumed eggnog. While this could be coincidental, it highlights the importance of monitoring your baby’s reactions to any dietary changes.
Conclusion
In summary, enjoying eggnog while breastfeeding can be safe if done in moderation and with careful consideration of its ingredients. Mothers should be mindful of the alcohol content and choose pasteurized options to minimize any risks. As always, if there are concerns about how certain foods or drinks might affect a breastfeeding infant, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable. This holiday season, with a little caution, mothers can partake in the festive spirit without compromising their breastfeeding journey.

Is eggnog safe for pregnancy?

Even with the alcohol removed, traditional eggnog is made from raw, or unpasteurized eggs. Avoid eggnog entirely unless you know it was made with pasteurized eggs and contains no alcohol. Apple cider. Many ciders are unpasteurized and may contain E.

Does alcohol cook eggs in eggnog?

Eggnog is traditionally made from raw eggs and the alcohol in the drink helps to sterilize and kill any bacteria from the raw eggs. While you can use pasteurized eggs in this recipe and it be safe the drink with raw eggs, I don’t think it tastes best this way.

What kind of alcohol is in eggnog?

A traditional holiday drink dating back hundreds of years, eggnog is made with eggs (hence the name), milk, cream, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, and fortified with rum, whisky, and/or brandy.

What can pass into breast milk?

Serious Illnesses and Breastfeeding

• COVID-19. A parent who tests positive for COVID-19 can breastfeed their infant.
• HIV.
• Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C.
• Tuberculosis.
• Other infections.
• Cancer.
• More information.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

What drinks to avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

Who should not drink eggnog?

It’s Easy to Make Eggnog Safer
The bacteria can make anyone sick, but young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable. You can ensure that you and your guests are sipping safely, though, Rogers says.

What drinks dry up breast milk?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

• Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days.
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

Can nursing moms drink eggnog?

The good news: Commercially-manufactured eggnog (the kind you get premixed in cartons) is safe, since it’s made with pasteurized eggs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Is eggnog safe for babies?

If your baby has tolerated things like yogurt and cheese and hasn’t had an upset stomach had vomiting or rashes or anything like that. Then it’s probably okay to give your baby a sip of eggnog, as long as it’s pasteurized. Don’t introduce whole milk until your baby’s a year of age.