If you choose to drink, avoid breastfeeding until alcohol has completely cleared your breast milk. This typically takes 2 to 3 hours for 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of 5% beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of 11% wine or 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 40% liquor, depending on your body weight.
Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. Generally, moderate alcohol consumption by a breastfeeding mother (up to 1 standard drink per day) is not known to be harmful to the infant, especially if the mother waits at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.
Coffee, soda, tea, and chocolate are common sources of caffeine. When you consume them, some of that caffeine can end up in your breast milk ( 18 , 19 ). This can be problematic, as babies have a hard time breaking down and getting rid of caffeine.
Breastfeeding can make you thirsty, so drink plenty to stay hydrated. You may need up to 700ml of extra fluid a day. Water, semi-skimmed milk or unsweetened fruit juices are good choices. Healthy snacks will help you to keep up your energy levels while you're breastfeeding and adjusting to life with a new baby.