We know: during pregnancy, alcohol is strictly forbidden since it harms the proper development of the fetus – and this, from the first drink!
But when it comes to breastfeeding, the official recommendations are less clear: the Alcohol Info Service site (which depends on the Ministry of Health) simply says that “as a precaution, it is better to avoid any alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, cider, strong alcohol, aperitifs, etc.) during breastfeeding“.
A new study, carried out by researchers from the University of California (in the United States) is rather in the direction of “zero alcohol” during breastfeeding. American scientists have carried out a study with baby mice: half of them were regularly exposed to ethanol (the main molecule that makes up the alcohol we drink), according to a model that mimics alcohol received by the breastfed human baby.
Alcohol could prevent the absorption of certain nutrients
Verdict? The researchers found that the alcohol-exposed pups were (on average) smaller and had smaller brains than the control group. Scientists hypothesize that alcohol ingested during breastfeeding (even if it is only a very small amount) interferes with the proper absorption of nutrients by the digestive system.
In addition, on the behavioral side, the American researchers observed that the mice exposed to alcohol had (on average) a greater tendency to be impulsive and hyperactive than those of the control group. They also had more difficulty dealing with stressful situations.
Conclusion ? To promote the baby’s good growth, it is best to abstain completely from drinking alcohol for the duration of breastfeeding… As a reminder, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeed until 6 months of age. Not that long!
Source : Frontiers in Neuroscience
