Iam sure that I am not the only adult who has battled weight gain. Today, merely looking at a piece of cheesecake adds centimetres to my hips. Could this be linked to my poor childhood eating habits? Research reveals, yes. Unfortunately, obesity is not just a physical problem restricting movement but it leads to the body breaking down with conditions such as liver disease, heart disease and diabetes. Add to this low self esteem and social awkwardness leading to relationship challenges and behaviour disorders and the future looks pretty bleak. One in four children suffers obesity in Australia today. As quoted by Jamie Oliver at TED awards “these children are looking at a future with a life expectancy 10 years less than their parents”. Statistically, diet related disease is fast approaching as the number one killer and is a generational and global problem.
Obesity is a preventable disease largely due to the following four areas:
One: The increase consumption of processed and takeaway foods. Everything needs to be quick or better still instant and readily available with minimal preparation. I am not just talking about teenagers; it is starting with babies.
Two: A poor understanding of natural foods and why they are important for good health. Children start their life with canned and packaged foods with no involvement in the preparation or culture around healthy eating.
Three: Minimal outside play. We live in a community with larger houses and smaller backyards and the fear of paedophiles and kidnappers in our streets. Parks can have hidden needles on the ground leaving inside activities a safer more appealing option.
Four: Tired parents who are working and stressed keeping up with the demands of life and financial pressure, take the easy option for pre prepared foods. Children are often tired and cranky after being in care and getting home late. Giving them what they demand isn’t always the healthiest option but it prevents arguments.
Here are four easy steps to start a healthy future for your baby or child?
One: Be kind to their developing liver and limit or better still avoid highly processed and packaged foods containing preservatives.
Two: Decrease their likelihood of developing obesity and related diseases by limiting or avoiding simple carbohydrates and refined sugars which are stored as fat if not used.
Three: Encourage plenty of supervised playtime in the fresh air. Create bigger backyards.
Four: Take control. Shopping shelves are stacked with nutritionally lacking foods but it is you who chooses what stays out and what goes in your trolley.
When you familiarize babies and children with whole foods eaten at regular intervals with daily physical activity, you are demonstrating healthy habits for life. Weight gain and associated lifestyle changes creep up slowly and insidiously, robbing us of abundant life.
If you like to include this article in your newsletter or website; you can, providing you include the following blurb with it:
This article was brought to you by Jan Murray, Private Child Health Consultant who is an internationally renowned expert in her field. Jan encourages parents in the area of infant sleep, nutrition, activities and family balance. She publishes regular ezine and blog articles to provide free parenting tips, tools and resources to educate and support those caring for young babies and children. For more online resources visit http://www.settlepetal.com
If you have ever felt a wave of panic when you drop your children off at family day care; you are not alone.
Many parents are concerned about how happy their children are throughout the day and their associated behaviour. Did you know that how parents manage their children at home has a direct influence on their behaviour at family day care? Here are three of the top influences that could be affecting your child’s behaviour.
Influence One:Sending your child off for the day without a suitable breakfast or no breakfast. Food is fuel to a child’s body. What they eat determines the capacity of their output. If your child has no food or unsuitable nutrition at breakfast, it can lead to them having poor concentration with emotional outbursts of frustration or an inability to cope in challenging situations. They can also be uncoordinated and clumsy leaving them more at risk of falls.
What to do instead:Avoid giving your child milk throughout the night. This will allow them to be hungrier in the morning. Ensure the foods you offer for breakfast include protein, complex carbohydrates, fruit, essential fats and iron. Avoid simple sugars and processed cereals containing preservatives.
Influence Two:Putting your child to bed too late in the evening.Being overtired before going to bed makes it hard for your child to settle to sleep. When they eventually fall asleep their sleep is often restless and fitful with waking. Their activities before a late bedtime often include watching TV and mischievous behaviour, both causing unsettled sleep.
What to do instead:Introduce an age appropriate evening routine.This will include a suitable meal time, bath time and play time before a pre bed time routine of books. Encourage family time with no TV distractions during the one and a half hours before bed.
Influence Three:Eating foods that provide an unsuitable and adverse effect on a child’sbody.Research shows obesity now affects 1:4 children in Australia and allergies and intolerances have increased 500% over the last 6 years. These preventable health issues are rapidly becoming the number one focus for our health industry’s funding.
What to do instead:Go back to basics. Avoid or at least reduce the amount of pre packaged food that your child consumes. Buy a lunchbox suitable for presenting natural foods in. Understand your child will not starve and you can create new habits with their eating behaviour. It is important to know; it is not up to your child to choose what to eat, only whether to eat. It is up to responsible adults to show children how to build a strong and healthy body for their future.
Jan’s book ‘taste it’ is available from www.settlepetal.com andis specifically helpful for parents wishing to address the influences discussed in this article.
It concerns me as I watch families with babies and young children:
eating pre packed processed foods at home as well as in day care and school lunch boxes
consume regular takeaway food
children watching TV while meals are being prepared
eating snacks as well as meals infront of the TV either alone or as a family
What destiny are we leading our children towards? Are we slowly killing our children?
Obesity is a preventable disease. In Jamie Oliver’s video clip below it is his wish to teach children about food in schools and inspire families to cook again. It is my wish to get in even earlier than that and teach parents to start their babies off with the best first mouthfuls. Make real changes for your child’s destiny today that will pass onto future generations. Make real changes now for the future and learn to cook and share an enjoyable culture around eating.
Is it nearly impossible to get them to listen to you?
Do you yell at your kids and then feel guilty about it?
I understand. It’s hard to feel good when your kids are driving you crazy. What if I told you that there are simple ways to solve these problems? The tools and tricks that I want to share with you are totally different. They work. They reduce your stress and bring more smiles to your family. If this interests you, please keep reading.
My name is Chris Thompson. I’m a father and an expert in communication strategies, language patterns, influence and persuasion. I created “Talking to Toddlers” as a tool for parents. It shows you exactly how to get the positive results that you want with your toddler or preschooler. I use these tools with my children, and I teach other parents to do the same. Now it’s your turn to learn these valuable tools.
Jan Murray, Private Child Health Consultant & Director Settle Petal
“My 9 year-old daughter has a severe reaction to flavour enhancer 635. The first time she came into contact with this additive was eating BBQ flavoured rice crackers. At the time she was 6 years old.She ate four crackers and complained that her tongue was feeling all ‘tingly’. I advised her to stop eating the crackers. Her taste buds had swollen to around four times their normal size.” - quoted from Sue Dengate’s failsafe newsletter April-June 2008
Preservatives and additives are proving far too dangerous for some children and the future health of everyone. Kid’s birthday parties are not so much about the food but rather the kids enjoying being with each other, parent involvement, music, games and laughter.
Try to keep your party food simple and healthy with minimal preservatives and sugar. If you want everything to still be colourful and fun, try the following tips:
Þ Make fruit skewers with rockmelon, green grapes, strawberries & bananas (drizzle a bit of chocolate on it if you like!).
Þ Make some yummy dips like avocado or bean & cut up carrot and celery sticks for dipping.
Þ Have baskets of freshly popped popcorn instead of chips.
Þ For a hot food option make some mini pizzas.
Þ Make little mini rolls with fillings like chicken & cucumber or grated carrots & sultanas.
Þ Make the cake (or cupcakes) rather than buying from a store as then you know what is in it and substitute the sugar for pureed apple for sweetness. Ice the cake with a light philli cheese spread then if you want to add colour use frozen berries or non edible figures and candles. Alternatively, have it made to order from a specialist cake maker so you can request things like no food colouring or edible decorations if you want.
Þ Serve everything on coloured plates.
Þ Have water or smoothies to drink, not fizzy drinks, cordial or juice and serve it in coloured cups with coloured straws or fancy cups like goblets or themed souvenir cups they can take home with them.
It is important to set up good habits around food from the moment babies start to eat.
Designed to use for a 4 - 8 year old party at home
Approx four weeks before party
1. Choose a theme - having a theme will make the rest of the party planning so much easier in terms of decision making and buying supplies (as well as giving your guests present ideas). Most kids are pretty fanatical about something but if not give them 2 to choose from (that you know you can get supplies for) and let them decide.
2. Decide on the entertainment - if you are going to use a kids party entertainer or part host then you will need to book them well in advance and may need to determine the date/time of your party based on their availability.
3. Date/time - only set the date and time of your party once you have confirmed your entertainment and that your child’s closest friend/s are available. Saturday afternoons between 2.00 and 4.00 (gives you Sunday to get over it!) or Sunday mornings between 10.00 and 12.00 are ideal (gives you Saturday to prepare!).
4. Guest list/invitations – for babies and toddlers your guest list if usually family and friends with kids who are similar ages or mothers group friends, playgroup friends, etc. If they are at day care/school ask your child who they want to come to the party or ask their teacher who they interact with the most. You don’t necessarily need to invite the whole class and can ask the teacher if they can pop them into the kids bags discreetly so no one feels left out. If you have address post or email the invitations.
Two to three weeks before the party
5. Party supplies - order your party supplies even if you don’t have exact numbers as it’s better to have a few left over than not get them in time.
6. Cake – if like me the idea of making a birthday cake makes you hyperventilate, then order your cake a week or two before the party in your chosen theme. Most birthday cakes feed approx 25 people. If you are having a lot less than this, consider cupcakes, donuts or cookies as an alternative (unless you don’t mind eating leftover cake for a week!).
One week before the party
7. Supplies/food - check you have enough party supplies and buy any last minute things if need be. Write out your menu and make a list of the food items you need to buy and shop for these (don’t forget tomato sauce!).
8. Make up your party bags - make these up (and any game you are doing yourself) a couple of days before hand so you don’t have a million things to do on the day.
9. Photographer - assign someone to take photos as you are normally too busy to do it yourself and remind them to bring their camera.
Day before the party
10. Cleaning - if you need to clean outdoor settings, floors, bathrooms, etc. do this the day before so you are not stressing doing it on the day.
11. Tableware/decorations – if you can set these up the night before if you are having the party at home in a protected area (if going to a park or something get there 1.5 hours before the party to give yourself plenty of time)
12. Food - if you can make any food the night before and if you have ordered any food, cake, etc. then collect these the day before.
Day of the party
Þ 2 hours before – set up decorations/tableware if you weren’t able to do the night before. Also set up any games if you are doing them yourself (including your stereo & music).
Þ 1.5 hours before - get everyone dressed and ready late enough to avoid spills and stains but early enough to avoid any last minute stress.
Þ 1 hour before - put your cake knife/server, plates/napkins, candles and matches somewhere handy and ready (but safe out of the way of little hands).
Þ 45 min before – put an esky where you are having the party or jugs on the table with drinks for the kids, drinks for the adult and water. Put a box/bin out for the rubbish and recyclables
Þ 30 min before - lay out all the food before the guests arrive so you aren’t spending the whole party in and out of the kitchen (even warm food – heat it up just before and keep the foil over it and it will stay warm enough to eat).
Þ 15 min before - have a box ready for all of the wrapping paper or make an area to put the presents aside until after the party.
Sample Party
Þ 10.00 Kids arrive & presents get opened
Þ 10.15 games/activities or play
Þ 11.00 food (have a break between games/activities for kids to have a drink/eat or just let them graze throughout)
Þ 11.15 games/activities or play
Þ 11.45 cake
Þ 12.00 hand out the party bags as the guests leave
Þ clean up and fall on the couch exhausted thinking to yourself: “I can’t believe all that effort for just two hours that went so fast and I didn’t get a chance to talk to anyone – next time I’ll get Ezy Kids Parties to do everything for me!”
Save yourself time, energy, stress and money by organising your next kids party with Ezy Kids Parties. We can supply anything and everything to do with kids parties - from complete Do it Yourself and Hosted Party Packages that include themed tableware, decorations, loot bags, party favours and games, to face painters, jumping castles, clowns, birthday cakes, party platters and even a photographer.
Grandma is eighty-eight years old and still drives her own car. Shewrites:
Dear Grand-daughter,
The other day I went up to our local Christian book store and saw a
‘Honk if you love Jesus’ bumper sticker. I was feeling particularly sassy that day because I had just come from a thrilling choir performance, followed by a thunderous prayer meeting..So, I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper.Boy, am I glad I did; what an uplifting experience that followed.I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection, just lost in
thought about the Lord and how good he is, and I didn’t notice that the light had changed…It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus because if he hadn’t
honked, I’d never have noticed.I found that lots of people love Jesus!While I was sitting there, the guy behind started honking like crazy,
and then he leaned out of his window and screamed, ‘For the love of
God!’‘Go! Go! Go! Jesus Christ, GO!’What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus!Everyone started honking!I just leaned out my window and started waving and smiling at all those loving people.I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love!
There must have been a man from Florida back there because I heard him yelling something about a sunny beach.I saw another guy waving in a funny way with only his middle finger
stuck up in the air.I asked my young teenage grandson in the back seat what that meant.He said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something.Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii, so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign right back.My grandson burst out laughing. Why even he was enjoying this religious experience!!A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started walking towards me.I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is
when I noticed the light had changed.So, grinning, I waved at all my brothers and sisters, and drove on
through the intersection.I noticed that I was the only car that got through the intersection
before the light changed again and felt kind of sad that I had to leave
them after all the love we had shared.So I slowed the car down, leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last time as I drove away. Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!!Will write again soon,
Did you know? There are more than 3 million poisonings every year, which equates to every 30 SECONDS a child is poisoned!Household cleaners are the number ONE cause of poisoning in children. (AAPCC – American Association Poison Control Centers)
Did you know? An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Children are at an even greater risk to exposure to pollution/chemicals because their immune systems are not completely developed and they breathe three times faster than adults.
Just because it’s found on the store shelf…DOES NOT MEAN IT IS SAFE! The more you know about indoor and outdoor chemicals at school, daycare, home and elsewhere, the better chance your child and family will have to remain healthy! The problem is…we don’t know exactly what toxic chemicals manufacturers are using to produce the everyday repeat consumables products we buy, use, run out of and re-purchase again and again! In short term…people suffer from asthma, allergies, nausea, headaches, and rashes from exposure. In the long term…chemicals can build up in the immune system, resulting in cancer or auto-immune diseases!
Check the products you use?
Do yours contain hazardous materials like the ones in the chart below?
Product type
Possible ingredients
Potential hazards
Air freshener and deodorizer
Formaldehyde
Toxic; carcinogen; irritant to eyes, nose, throat, and skin; may cause nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss, and shortness of breath.
Bleach
Sodium hypochlorite
Corrosive; irritates or burns skin, eyes, respiratory tract; may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested; contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes.
Disinfectant
Sodium hypochlorite
Corrosive; irritates or burns skin, eyes; may cause pulmonary oedema or vomiting and coma if ingested.
Phenols
Flammable; very toxic; respiratory, circulatory, or cardiac damage.
Ammonia
Vapour irritating to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; possible chronic irritation.
Drain Cleaner
Sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye)
Caustic; irritant; inhibits reflexes; burns to skin, eyes; poisonous if swallowed due to severe tissue damage.
Hydrochloric acid
Corrosive; irritant; damage to kidney, liver, and digestive system.
Trichloroethane
Irritant to nose and eyes; central nervous system depression; liver and kidney damage if ingested.
Flea powder
Carbaryl
Very toxic; interferes with human nervous system; may cause skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system damage.
Dichlorophene
Skin irritation; may damage liver, kidney, spleen, and central nervous system.
Chlordane and other chlorinated hydrocarbons
Very slow biodegradation; accumulates in food chain; may damage eyes, lungs, liver, kidneys, and skin.
Floor cleaner wax
Diethylene glycol
Toxic; causes central nervous system depression and kidney, liver lesions.
Petroleum solvents
Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs.
Ammonia
Vapour irritation to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; possible chronic irritation.
Furniture polish
Petroleum distillates or mineral spirits
Highly flammable; moderately toxic; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs; entry into lungs may cause pulmonary edema.
Oven cleaner
Sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye)
Caustic; irritant; inhibits reflexes; burns to skin, eyes; poisonous if swallowed due to severe tissue damage.
Paint thinner
Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons
Slow decomposition; liver and kidney damage.
Esters
Toxicity varies with specific chemical; causes eye, nose, and throat irritation and anesthesia.
Alcohols
Volatile and flammable; eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons
Flammable; toxic; accumulate in food chain.
Ketones
Flammable; toxicity varies with specific chemical; may cause respiratory ailments.
Paint
Aromatic hydrocarbon thinners
Flammable; skin irritant; benzene is a carcinogen; possible liver and kidney damage.
Mineral spirits
Highly flammable; skin, eye, nose, throat, lung irritant; very high air concentrations may cause unconsciousness, death.
Spot remover
Perchlorethylene or trichloroethane
Slow decomposition; liver and kidney damage; perchlorethylene is suspected carcinogen.
Ammonium hydroxide
Corrosive; vapour extremely irritable to skin, eyes, and respiratory passages; ingestion causes tissue burns.
Sodium hypochlorite
Corrosive; irritates skin, eyes, respiratory tract; may cause pulmonary edema and skin burns.
Toilet bowl cleaner
Sodium acid sulfate or oxalate or hypochloric acid
Corrosive; burns from skin contact or inhalation; ingestion may be fatal.
Chlorinated phenols
Flammable; very toxic; respiratory, circulatory, or cardiac damage.
Window cleaner
Diethylene glycol
Toxic; causes central nervous system depression and degenerative lesions in liver and kidneys.
Ammonia
Vapour irritating to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; possible chronic irritation.
Wood stain/varnish
Mineral spirits, gasoline
Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs; entry into lungs may cause fatal pulmonary edema.
Methyl and ethyl alcohol
Flammable; damage to eyes, skin, central nervous system.
Benzene
Flammable; carcinogen; accumulates in fat, bone marrow, liver tissues.
Lead
Damage to digestive, genitourinary, neuro-muscular and central nervous system; anemia and brain damage.
Antifreeze
Ethylene glycol
Very toxic, 3 ounces can be fatal to adult; damage to cardiovascular system, blood, skin, and kidneys.
Methanol
Moderately toxic; ingestion may cause coma, respiratory damage.
Car wax, polish
Petroleum distillates
Associated with and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, lungs; entry into lungs may cause fatal pulmonary oedema.
Motor oil/gasoline
Petroleum hydrocarbons (benzene)
Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs; pulmonary oedema; benzene is a carcinogen.
Lead
Damage to digestive, genitourinary, neuro-muscular, and central nervous system; anaemia and brain damage.
There are more natural alternatives out there. I for one have changed to ‘Melaleuca’ The Wellness Companywww.melaleuca.com products for my family. Let me know if you would like to know more
Breast milk of course is the absolute best milk for your baby during the first one or two years but if this is not possible there are other alternatives; but which one do you choose?
In days gone by babies were given watered down ‘carnation milk’, ‘condensed milk’ or cow’s milk; some added ‘Pentavite’ for vitamins, some did not. Research has shown that these are not the best choices for babies and could even do harm.
Today in 2010, we are fortunate enough to have infant formula that has been researched, modified and tested and continues to be researched to provide milk closest to living breast milk. It is commercially synthesised therefore it will never reach the premium standard of natural breast milk but at least it has to be better than what our ancestors used.
Up until the age of 12 months a baby requires an infant formula for optimum digestion and nutrients.
There are many types and brands of milks listed under the age categories of starter (1), follow on (2) or toddler (3). ‘Starter’ and ‘Progress’ formulas are complete food substitutes but ‘toddler milk’ is like a vitamin in milk form and not a food substitute. ‘Progress’ (2) formulas have added iron and nutrients for increased growth and development requirements but if the ‘starter’ formula is better tolerated after six months and solid food has been introduced then it is not absolutely necessary to use.
Cow’s milk based infant formula – This is commercially modified cow’s milk to resemble breast milk and is suitable for most babies. It is not suitable when babies have a cow milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance or have parents who want to keep away from animal based foods. Some milks have now been further enhanced with added docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Omega – 3 fatty acids and prebiotics and probiotics for added immunity and digestion. Research is ongoing for even further refinements.
Goat milk based infant formula – This commercially modified goat milk contains slightly less lactose than cow’s milk with the protein similar to cow’s milk but forms a softer non clustered curd. These facts can make goat milk formula easier to digest for some babies.It is more rapidly digested therefore can be helpful for a baby with reflux.
Soy based infant formula – This milk is commercially made from the soya beans which have similar protein content to cow’s milk. It contains lactose. During processing the protein is isolated without its cofactors needed for digestion and metabolism and therefore is not a good choice for babies.
Lactose free infant formula (LF)- This milk is usually cow milk based and has no lactose. This formula may help babies who suffer from excessive wind, explosive poos and unsettled sleep patterns due to lower bowel pain.
Anti Refluxinfant formula (AR)- This is usually a cow milk based formula that has been thickened using either carob bean gum or maltodextrin (enzymatically derived from any starch but usually corn or wheat). This thickened milk is for babies who have difficulty keeping milk down. Depending on the thickening agent used this milk may not be suitable for babies who are lactose or wheat intolerant.
Protein modifiedcow milk infant formula (HA)- In this milk the cow milk protein has been broken down to make it easier for babies to digest and is an alternative milk for babies who have a primary risk of dairy allergy. Do not use if a baby has already been exposed to dairy through breast milk or another formula.
Protein free infant formula – An extensively hydrolysed 100% whey protein specialty formula for babies with a diagnosed dairy protein or soy allergy. Medical supervision is required for babies on this formula and in Australia is only available by script.
Casein dominant or whey dominant infant formula –Whey and casein are the proteins found in milk. Whey dominant formula is the most common on the market, is closest to breast milk and digested quicker than casein based. Very hungry babies are thought to do better on casein dominant formula.
After 12 months a baby’s gut is mature enough to progress onto cow’s milk or an alternative such as rice milk, oat milk, soy milk, goat milk or toddler milk. These milks are not natural or organic but the choice of which one to use is yours. Babies require full fat milk until at least 2 years old.
Goat milk has a similar protein in a comparable quantity to cow’s milk but forms a softer, non clustered curd and contains slightly less lactose, possibly making it easier to digest.It is more rapidly digested, therefore may be helpful for an infant with reflux or frequent positing. It is usually not tolerated by those who have a cow milk protein allergy.
Cow milk is a nutrient dense food when ingested in its raw organic form (breast milk or unpasteurised milk) but unfortunately vitamins and minerals are lost today with the pasteurisation and homogenisation process (heating it to make it better for us!) There is also a difference in milk produced from relaxed cows grazing in open fields of grasses and flowers to a mass produced commercially fed cow living in overcrowded cement floor stalls. Milk just isn’t the same milk as years past. Lactose free cow’s milk is also available.
Soya milk is made from soya beans and has the equivalent amount of protein to cow’s milk therefore it is not tolerated if allergic to cow milk protein. Research shows that processed soy can prevent the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The commercial processing involved in isolating the protein in soya beans leaves out the natural digestive and metabolism cofactors, deeming soya milk often difficult to digest.
Rice milk is made from brown rice, has no lactose and is usually fortified with vitamins and minerals, and is higher in carbohydrate and lower in protein and calcium. A suitable milk alternative when cow, goat and soy milks need to be avoided.
Oat milk is made from whole oats making it higher in fibre than other milks. It is usually calcium fortified and naturally sweet.
Toddler milk is marketed for toddlers 12 months to 3 years. Yes, it contains added nutrients and iron but if a toddler’s diet is adequate then this milk is unnecessary. It can be helpful for a poor eater as it increases iron into their diet which will improve their appetite as well as supplying a balanced amount of nutrients. Do not give more than the required milk intake as it is NOT a substitute to food.
Depending on your breastfeeding routine, alcohol consumption as with all aspects of your diet while breastfeeding needs to be carefully considered. Generally it is not recommended that mothers drink alcohol while they are pregnant or during breastfeeding.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding your baby’s development and nutrition is directly effected by all that you consume. That includes absolutely everything and if you drink then alcohol impacts too. Alcohol has been shown to have adverse effects on unborn babies even in small amounts, and there is direct transfer of alcohol to breastmilk in breastfeeding mothers. Peaks in exchange from blood stream-breastmilk are from 30mins to 1hour post drink so it can take from 3-4hrs to clear alcohol from your system and be safe to feed again when you are breastfeeding.
During breastfeeding, breastmilk is the most critical source of fats and immune-building products your baby can get. Keeping your own diet and health at optimum level is vital to ensure you have a great milk supply for your baby so they can thrive. Alcohol can interfure with your breastfeeding and whether to consume alcohol while you are breastfeeding or wait until you have finished is an important decision to make.
Research advises that regular alcohol intake can reduce breastmilk production and be hazardous to your baby. And in fact breastfeeding mothers who drink are advised not to co-sleep with their baby due to suffocation dangers. Alcohol content in breastmilk can contribute to both overactivity and lethargy in your baby and may have unknown effects on development. If you do choose to drink alcohol, we advise you exercise extreme caution and moderation and follow some basic guidelines to prevent problems and danger.
• Regular (daily) alcohol consumption is not recommended as it can result in a cumulative effect on your system, on breastmilk or on breastmilk production. Medical research advises that alcohol consumption be restricted to not more than one standard drink every few days or once per week for breastfeeding mothers who choose to drink. Where 1 standard drink = 12 oz of 4% beer, 5 oz of 12% wine. This could be changed to metric measures as well.
• Research advises that consumption be restricted to drinks of low alcohol concentration, not more than 12% (concentration of a standard wine) and mixed with soda, or other to be a diluted alcoholic drink. Or as an alternative, consume a large drink of water or juice after the alcoholic drink.
• Other medical recommendations include that alcoholic drinks be consumed with a meal to slow down digestion and reduce the rate of alcohol released into the blood.
It is difficult to organise to drink alcohol while you are breastfeeding, babies always demand when you least expect it and as well as its adverse effects it is widely discouraged by the medical community.
Many women do not drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding and maintain their health with an optimal diet, of 5-6 smaller meals per day and lots of water, juice, nuts and fruit, lots of treats and plenty of rest. If you do have to drink, always give your body plenty of time (at least 3hrs) to process the alcohol before you serve breastmilk again and always follow an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one. Keep in contact with your health professional while you are breastfeeding to identify any problems or discuss your concerns.
Article researched and written by Tabitha Lloyd for Jan Murray. We hope this article has been of interest.
