Whether you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning for a night out, you’ve probably wondered: “Can I have a drink?”
The short answer? Yes, sometimes - but there’s more to it.
Here at Bubka, we’re not about judgement. We’re about practical support. So, inspired by Dry July, we’ve pulled together the clearest advice from Dr Golly, the Australian Breastfeeding Association, the Department of Health, and Every Moment Matters, so you can make confident, informed choices.
Alcohol During Pregnancy
When you drink during pregnancy, alcohol crosses the placenta - which means your baby is exposed to the same blood alcohol level as you. Because a baby’s brain and body are still developing, it’s safest to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
Visit Every Moment Matters for non-judgemental, expert guidance on alcohol and pregnancy.
Alcohol and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
As Dr Golly explains, many breastfeeding mums enjoy an occasional drink - and that’s completely okay if you plan ahead.
Here’s what happens when you drink alcohol while breastfeeding:
- Alcohol enters your breastmilk at the same level as your blood.
- It appears in your milk 30 - 60 minutes after you start drinking.
- It stays in your milk for several hours.
- Only time will clear it - not pumping and dumping.
⏱️ How Long Should I Wait Before Feeding?
If you have 1 standard drink, you’ll need to wait about 2 hours before your breastmilk is free of alcohol.
- 1 drink = wait 2 hours
- 2 drinks = wait 4 hours
- 3 drinks = wait 6 hours
These times vary based on your weight, food intake, alcohol type, and strength. Use the Feed Safe app to calculate your personalised wait time. It’s trusted by the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
If you're planning to enjoy a drink and want to express in advance, our Wearable Breast Pumps are the ultimate tool to give you freedom. It’s completely cordless, quiet, and hands-free - so you can pump discreetly before your glass of wine and have a bottle ready for bub when needed.
If you’re not sure how long to pump for or how to store milk safely, check out our blog post about planning ahead - it’s full of real-mum tips for keeping milk flowing and stress levels low.
What’s a Standard Drink, Really?
It’s easy to underestimate. Here’s a breakdown:
- 🥂 White wine (150ml, 12%) = 1.4 standard drinks
- 🍷 Red wine (150ml, 13%) = 1.6
- 🍺 Full-strength beer (375ml, 4.8%) = 1.4
- 🥃 Spirit (30ml shot, 40%) = 1
- 🍸 Premixed spirits (330ml, 7%) = 1.8
Pump Don’t Dump: Save That Milk!
Pumping and dumping won’t remove alcohol from your breastmilk. If you’re uncomfortable, skipping a feed, or worried about mastitis, you may need to express - but there’s no need to dump that milk!
Instead, put that liquid gold to good use:
Baby Skin Care: Breastmilk is a natural miracle for baby’s skin. It can help soothe everything from baby acne to rashes, scratches, and dry patches. Simply apply a little breastmilk as you would a cream - nature’s perfect remedy for delicate skin.
You can also freeze it for later use in bath time or as a natural remedy for nappy rashes. Whatever you do, that milk still has plenty of value!
What If Bub Wants to Feed Early?
If your baby needs a feed before you’re in the clear:
- Offer previously expressed milk (great reason to plan ahead!)
- Comfort and distract until it’s safe
- Call the ABA’s free 24/7 Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268 if you’re unsure
Non-Alcoholic Wines & Low-Alcohol Options
If you’re opting for Dry July or are breastfeeding but still want a little wine experience, here are some fantastic non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines you can try:
Plus and Minus Range – A delicious non-alcoholic wine with rich flavours. We're a fan of the Pinot Noir!
Hardys Zero – A great low-alcohol option that captures the authentic wine experience from a land standing, reputable, Australian wine brand.
If you're a beer gal: Heaps Normal – A refreshing, non-alcoholic beer that’s perfect for a lighter option.
Or cocktails are your thing? Try Seadrift - zero percent alcohol giving all the taste of a true craft spirit,
Check out Dan Murphy's extensive selection of Non-Alcoholic Drinks - we really do live in a new age, imagine trying to get a decent non-alc option just a few years ago!
Mocktail Moment: Watermelon “Mock-a-rita”
A Bubka fave: hydrating, refreshing, and completely alcohol-free.
You’ll need:
- 1½ cups fresh watermelon
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ½ cup coconut water
- Dash of salt
- 2 cups ice
- Optional: lime wedge and sea salt for the rim
To make:
Blend watermelon, shake with lime, coconut water, salt, and ice. Pour over ice and garnish.
Delicious!
From the Bubka Team
Being a mum is full-on. Whether you’re navigating newborn life, pumping at all hours, or just trying to keep things fun - you deserve good info and zero judgement. That’s why we’re passionate about wearable, cordless breast pumps that make expressing easier anywhere, anytime.
Perfect for planning ahead before that girls' night or dinner out. This Dry July, raise a mocktail and do what works for you - with the facts, support, and freedom to choose.
Extra Resources
- Feed Safe App – personalised alcohol-to-breastmilk calculator 🔗 feedsafe.net
- Every Moment Matters – pregnancy & alcohol awareness 🔗 everymomentmatters.org.au
- Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline – 24/7 support 📞 1800 686 268
- National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline – if you need help cutting back 📞 1800 250 015