Breastfeeding, alcohol and tobacco
Alcohol and nicotine both pass into breast milk. The safest choice is to avoid them, but if you do drink or smoke, there are ways to reduce the effect on your baby.
Alcohol
The alcohol level in breast milk follows the level in your blood: it rises after you drink and falls as your body clears it. An occasional single drink is not considered harmful, but regular or heavy drinking can affect your baby's sleep and development and reduce milk supply.
If you have a drink, feed or pump just before, and wait at least 2-3 hours per standard drink before the next feeding. Pumping and discarding does not speed up the process. Never share a bed or sofa with your baby after drinking.
Smoking and nicotine
Nicotine passes into breast milk and exposure to smoke increases the risk of cot death, infections and breathing problems. The best option is to stop smoking, and your health nurse or doctor can help with that.
If you cannot stop, breastfeeding is still better than not breastfeeding. Smoke outside, never near the baby, and avoid smoking just before feeding. Nicotine patches or gum are generally considered less harmful than smoking, but talk to your doctor first.
Caffeine
A few cups of coffee a day are normally fine. If your baby seems restless or sleeps poorly, try cutting down.
Medicine and other substances
Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking medicine while breastfeeding. Illegal drugs should never be combined with breastfeeding.