how soon after c-section can you drink alcohol
There is no set waiting time after a C-section, but two things decide it: pain medicine and breastfeeding. Most women need pain medicine for the first few days to 2 weeks (MedlinePlus), and the NIAAA warns that opioid pain relievers with alcohol can cause slowed breathing and overdose risk. If you breastfeed, the CDC says not drinking is safest; up to one standard drink a day is not known to harm the baby if you wait at least 2 hours after a drink before nursing.
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Can you drink alcohol after a C-section?
Medical guidance does not give a number of days. It depends on the medicines you take and whether you breastfeed.
1. Pain medicine
MedlinePlus says most women need pain medicine for the first few days to 2 weeks after a C-section, and not to drive while taking narcotic pain medicine. The NIAAA lists opioid pain relievers such as Percocet and Vicodin as causing drowsiness, dizziness, slowed or difficult breathing and an increased risk of overdose with alcohol, and says over-the-counter pain relievers with alcohol can cause stomach bleeding and, with acetaminophen, liver damage. So no alcohol while you take them.
2. Breastfeeding
The CDC’s guidance for breastfeeding mothers:
- Not drinking alcohol is the safest option.
- Moderate drinking, up to one standard drink a day, is not known to be harmful to the infant.
- To be safest, wait at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing (2 hours per drink).
- “Pumping and dumping” does not lower the alcohol in your milk any faster.
One standard drink is 14 g of alcohol: 12 oz of 5% beer, 5 oz of 12% wine or 1.5 oz of 40% spirits (CDC). Check yours with our standard drink calculator.
Other recovery rules (MedlinePlus)
- Do not drive for at least 2 weeks.
- Do not lift anything heavier than your baby for the first 6 to 8 weeks.
- Ask your provider what pain medicine is safe while breastfeeding.
People also ask
Can I drink alcohol after a C-section?
Not while taking pain medicine (NIAAA). If you breastfeed, the CDC says not drinking is safest and to wait at least 2 hours per drink before nursing.
How long after a C-section can I have a glass of wine?
There is no set number of days; wait until you are off pain medicine and follow the CDC breastfeeding advice if you nurse.
Can I drink alcohol while breastfeeding?
The CDC says not drinking is safest; up to one drink a day is not known to harm the baby if you wait at least 2 hours before nursing.
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