Alcohol Postpartum and Blood Sugar 🍷

By month 4 after having a baby, some moms may start going out again for dinners, gatherings, or special events. If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you may wonder how alcohol affects your blood sugar and breastfeeding.

Here are a few important things to know.

How Alcohol Affects Blood Sugar 🔬

Alcohol can affect blood sugar in different ways.

At first, alcohol may lower blood sugar because the liver is busy breaking down the alcohol instead of releasing sugar into the bloodstream. Later, blood sugar may rise again as the body reacts.

If you drink alcohol without eating, your blood sugar may drop too low. This can sometimes happen hours later, even during the night. Low blood sugar may cause:

· Sweating

· Shaking

· Trouble sleeping

· Waking up suddenly

· Feeling anxious or shaky

Eating food along with alcohol can help lower this risk.

Sugary Drinks and Cocktails 🍹

Some alcoholic drinks contain a lot of sugar, including:

· Sweet wines

· Ciders

· Mixed cocktails

· Sugary mixers

These drinks can raise blood sugar more quickly.

Dry wines and drinks with low-sugar mixers may have less effect on blood sugar, but alcohol still affects the body in other ways.

Tips for Moms After Gestational Diabetes 💛

Helpful tips include:

· Eat before or while drinking alcohol

· Avoid drinking on an empty stomach

· Drink water along with alcohol

· Limit how much you drink

· Have a snack with protein before bed if you drank alcohol earlier

Alcohol can also make sleep quality worse, even if it helps you feel sleepy at first.

Alcohol and Breastfeeding 🍼

Alcohol passes into breast milk in about the same amount that it passes into the blood.

Alcohol levels are usually highest about 30 to 60 minutes after drinking.

Many healthcare providers suggest:

· Feeding the baby before drinking alcohol when possible

· Waiting about 2 to 3 hours per drink before breastfeeding again

As alcohol leaves the bloodstream, it also leaves breast milk. Pumping breast milk does not remove alcohol faster, although pumping may help relieve fullness if needed.

Research suggests that an occasional drink is usually safe for many breastfeeding mothers when timed carefully. Heavy or frequent drinking is different and may not be safe.

If you choose to have a drink, you do not need to feel guilty. Having good information can help you make choices that feel safe and comfortable for you and your baby. 🌱