The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's important to be mindful of what you're consuming, including beverages. While many non-alcoholic drinks are safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before trying new drinks.

For example, a non-alcoholic beverage can receive that designation by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration if it has less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This means that there might be trace amounts of alcohol in the drink versus a beverage that has 0.0% alcohol.

In this article, learn more about the effects of alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding and find out some great non-alcoholic beverages to drink during this exciting time.

What impact does alcohol have during pregnancy?

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have a significant impact on the developing fetus. The consumed alcohol can cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream. This can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including:

1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): FAS is a group of physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems that can occur in babies whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. These problems can include facial abnormalities, stunted growth, and intellectual disabilities.
2. Birth defects: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of certain birth defects, including heart defects, kidney problems, and hearing loss.
3. Low birth weight: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can also increase the risk of having a baby with low birth weight, which can lead to other health problems for the baby.
4. Premature birth: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, which can also lead to health problems for the baby.
5. Behavioral and cognitive problems: Children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy may also have behavioral and cognitive problems, including learning difficulties, hyperactivity, and difficulty with social interactions.

It's recommended to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy to reduce the risk of harm to the developing fetus. If you are struggling with alcohol use during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider for support and resources.

What impact does alcohol have during breastfeeding?

Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding can also have an impact on the baby. When a mother drinks alcohol, a small amount of it can be transferred to the breast milk. Here are some of the potential impacts:

1. Decreased milk production: Alcohol consumption can cause a temporary decrease in milk production.
2. Changes in milk composition: Alcohol can also change the composition of breast milk, which may affect the baby's nutrient intake and digestion.
3. Slower milk let-down: Alcohol can also slow down the let-down of milk, making it harder for the baby to nurse.
4. Drowsiness and impaired motor function: If a breastfeeding mother drinks alcohol, it can make the baby drowsy and affect their motor function, making it difficult for them to latch on and feed properly.

It's generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol, or limit intake to one drink per day and then wait at least 2 hours after drinking before breastfeeding.

If you choose to drink, you can consider using a breast pump beforehand to store breast milk for feedings during the time when alcohol is still in your system. It's important to note that the effects of alcohol on breast milk are not completely understood, and the safest option is to avoid alcohol altogether while breastfeeding.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions, consult with your healthcare provider.

7 Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Here are some of the best non-alcoholic drink options:

1. Water: Staying hydrated is crucial during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Water is the best choice for staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, drink 64 ounces to 96 ounces (1.9 liters to 2.8 liters) of water per day.
2. Milk: Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for building strong bones and teeth. It also provides other important nutrients such as protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Just make sure that you consume pasteurized products during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
   
   If you're avoiding dairy, some appropriate plant-based milk alternatives include oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, and rice milk.
3. Fruit juice: Fruit juices are a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, it's important to choose pasteurized 100% juice without added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup.
   
   To have more control over the sugar intake, consider making your own fresh juices at home if you have access to a juicer or squeezer. Great options for homemade fruit juices include oranges, lemons, apples, berries, and mangos.
4. Coconut water: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and contains essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Double-check the sugar content, and pick a coconut water beverage that contains no added sugars.
5. Smoothies: Smoothies made with fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy or nondairy milk can be a nutritious and refreshing drink option. With homemade smoothies, you can more control over the sweetness level and the ingredients.
   
   Consider adding ingredients like avocados, bananas, and kale. Ask your healthcare provider if you can incorporate ingredients like chia seeds, hemp hearts, and powdered supplements like fiber supplements.
6. Teas: Some herbal teas such as ginger and peppermint are safe to drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding and can help alleviate nausea, heartburn, and other common pregnancy symptoms. Check with your healthcare provider regarding the safety of other herbs.
   
   For caffeinated teas, such as black tea, green tea, and white tea, be careful of your caffeine consumption. According to many experts, consuming less than 200mg of caffeine daily is considered safe during pregnancy.  
7. Switchel: Also known as haymaker's punch, switchels are made of water mixed with apple cider vinegar, ginger, and sweeteners like honey or molasses. You can get creative by adding fresh fruit juices. When making your own switchel, make sure to use pasteurized apple cider vinegar.

What are some of your favorite drinks to have during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Let us know in the comments!