Can You Drink Red Wine When Breastfeeding?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding · Last updated 28 October 2026
It's safer not to drink alcohol while breastfeeding. An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your baby: the NHS says 1 or 2 units, once or twice a week, should be fine.
What the guidance says
Alcohol passes into your milk. The NHS says it's safer not to drink, but 1 or 2 units of alcohol once or twice a week should be fine, and gives examples such as a small glass of red wine (125ml). If you can, leave 2 to 3 hours between drinking and breastfeeding, once breastfeeding is well established, or express milk before you drink so the baby can have a bottle. Never share a bed or sleep on the sofa with your baby after drinking.
You can also check the calorie content of red wine alongside its safety information.
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Red Wine: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Avoid |
Common questions
Is red wine safe while breastfeeding?
It's safer not to drink alcohol while breastfeeding. An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your baby: the NHS says 1 or 2 units, once or twice a week, should be fine.
How long should I wait after red wine before feeding?
If possible, allow 2 to 3 hours between drinking and breastfeeding, once breastfeeding is well established (NHS). Expressing beforehand lets someone else give a bottle.
How much red wine counts as a drink?
The NHS gives a small glass of red wine (125ml) as an example of 1–2 units. Stronger or larger servings are more.
Can I 'pump and dump'?
Expressing and discarding doesn't remove alcohol faster; it leaves your blood as time passes. That's why the NHS advice is about timing and expressing in advance.
Was this different during pregnancy?
Yes. In pregnancy our verdict was “avoid”, because of a risk to the unborn baby (see our pregnancy guide). Those reasons ended when your baby was born.
What should I avoid while breastfeeding?
The NHS list is short. Caffeine: try not to have more than 300mg a day (a mug of filter coffee is about 140mg, instant 100mg, tea 75mg). Alcohol: it is safer not to drink, but 1 or 2 units once or twice a week should be fine. Oily fish: no more than 2 portions a week. Shark, swordfish and marlin: no more than 1 portion a week. Peanuts are fine unless you're allergic. Most other foods that were off the menu in pregnancy, such as soft cheese, pâté, cured meat and runny eggs, are not restricted.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.