Motherhood and Alcohol, How Much Is Too Much?

Moms Drinking: Bottoms Up or Put the Bottle Down?

October 25, 2010

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Everyone loves a good time, but motherhood can put a damper on a mama's alcohol consumption. While having children makes some steer clear of drinking all together, it also can have women headed for the bottle. A new report from Working Mother said that women are "also less likely to seek treatment than men because they worry about the people who depend on them. They can’t lose their job, their home, their children." From sipping wine while pregnant to getting behind the wheel with the kids after a cocktail, we're curious what your thoughts are on the issue.

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by POPSUGAR Moms 14

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14 Comments

mariaosorio 2 years 27 weeks

I agree with previous comments on Americans having a more "all or nothing" mentality, but you can never compare it to other countries. The US has more preservative, and junk in everything that relates to human consumption...it's purely quantity here and not quality. by quality I mean healthy stuff. Let's face it, genes play a role in how your child will turn out, but so will your habits. Mothers may be putting children at risk, of course, but also their own life expectancy...meaning they might not see their smart, genetically blessed child graduate from college ir even high school. Everything has a limit, and everything can turn into a nasty habit or addiction, and might backfire and consume us in the end. I personally, just won't risk anything so valuable to me for a mere personal pleasurable sip.

2 years 43 weeks

Very well said, Sidi. I also notice that women who choose not to have an odd glass of wine during pregnancy are very judgemental of those that do. However, those of us that have done research on the topic and have chosen to have a glass of red wine here and there rarely shame a woman who decides against wine during pregnancy. Each pregnancy is different and each woman has the right to make her own educated decisions without being riduculed by other women.

cotedazur 2 years 44 weeks

Hi Anon7, I realize I'm responding a few weeks too late to your post, but I promise you that I am sitting in my kitchen in the south of France right now. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know how IP addresses work, but I bought my computer in the US in 2007, so maybe that has something to do with it? I'm not sure what I could give you as proof of my location - uh, there was a strong east wind along the coast for July 14th, but it calmed down at night and the fireworks went on as planned? The lavender harvest begins in a few days and this weekend many small villages are planning "fêtes de lavande" to take advantage of the last days before the flowers are mowed down? I'm not 100% sure why you would be doubting the fact that I am in France, but please contact me if you need further proof.

2 years 45 weeks

I'd love to know if all the people who think an occasional drink is a problem are making sure that when pregnant they are: taking prenatal vitamins since before conception, exercising regularly, strictly adhering to a diet set out in a national food guide, avoiding all chemicals absorbed through the skin (e.g., antiperspirants), avoiding all stress, not driving in cars or flying in planes, receiving regular prenatal care from a medical practioner, etc. etc, ad nauseum. And of course, after delivery, exclusively breastfeeding for at least 2 years according to WHO recommendations and not letting their child watch any TV until age 2 according to the American Pediatric Society guidelines. Basic point: we all choose to let some risk in our lives and our children's lives - you pick yours and I'll pick mine.

amandachalynn 2 years 45 weeks

I agree with Anon 2, but I don't think moderation means every day! I'm in my 2nd trimester and I'll have a small glass of wine maybe once a month at home, and I'll always have one glass if it's a special occasion. I am a huge wine lover, and I can't wait to hit up the wineries again when baby comes, but even I am not drinking every day. I have a very stressful life at the moment, and I take a bath with a mug of mint tea at night to unwind. I had the same drinking philosophy with my son, and he is perfectly healthy. He was never once sick as an infant, and his pre-school teacher said it was best for him to skip pre-k and go straight to Kindergarten this year, so there's no brain impairment either.

2 years 45 weeks

My sis-in-law is in her 2nd trimester and has taken to 1-2 glasses of wine a day. She argues that we're "too strict" and that it's all ok in moderation...especially to stave off stress. But every day? I just wish she'd think more of her baby than her need to de-stress. Maybe take up prenatal yoga or something instead? I agree that we all know too much for our own good and our moms all smoke and drank when we were in the womb and "I turned out just fine!" but I can't help but think that indulging EVERY day is a little unhealthy. Maybe I'm just being prudish about the whole thing though...

2 years 45 weeks

Interesting Cotedazur. I also know many Doctors and Midwives, because I am a Nurse Practitioner. I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but if someone has a baby with FAS and they tell you they had one drink, they're lying.

2 years 46 weeks

Cotedazur. You're full of it and your IP address is not registered In France. Troll!

cotedazur 2 years 46 weeks

I live in France, not in the USA, and I agree with comment 1. It is UNHEARD OF, at least among my circle of acquaintances, for a pregnant woman to have even a sip of alcohol. Among my close friends I count 6 doctors, 1 midwife, and 2 pharmacists; they all agree that alcohol should be avoided for the duration of the pregnancy. Yes, you COULD have a drink every once in a while and have no problems with your baby; or you could have one drink in nine months and give birth to a child with alcohol fetal syndrome. Do you really want to take that risk with your unborn child?

totygoliguez 2 years 46 weeks

Sorry but I don't agree. I just don't think is appropriate to drink wile you are pregnant. You should try to do everything in your power to avoid harming your baby. And does women that drive with their children after having a drink it's just irresponsible.

2 years 46 weeks

Im so agree with number 2 and 3!

2 years 46 weeks

I completely agree with the above poster. It is amazing to me that Americans so quickly judge pregnant women and mothers as irresponsible and selfish because they drink moderately (i.e.,1-2 glasses of wine or beers per week) during pregnancy or motherhood. This speaks to the black and white thinking of American culture in general. Instead of forming an opinion based on fact (like reviewing the research) the majority of people jump onto the "you're a bad mother" wagon because the FDA and surgeon general have set the strictest of standards which have no research backing and standards which are not found in other countries.

2 years 47 weeks

Actually yes, I have taken many courses on child development. I also know that one glass of wine a week will not do you any harm. In fact, in most other countries it is more than acceptable for a mommy to be to enjoy a glass of Cabernet or bubbly. The USA is much more strict than most other countries, and yet has one of the highest rates of infant mortality. We are also more strict with food, yet we have one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the world. There is a huge 'all or nothing' mentality in this country, and it is not healthy for children or adults. The puritanical thinking that plagues this country is antiquated and pointless. I had wine while I was pregnant, and my son actually skipped first grade and is in great physical shape. Guess what, he was even formula fed, and has a happy meal once in a while. Hasn't held him back in any way yet.

Rosay77 2 years 47 weeks

I frankly think it's disgusting that almost half of surveyed mothers would damage their developing child with alcohol. Has no one even taken a course on Child Development? Drugs of any form (yes, including alcohol) harms the development of the fetus. Let's hope their children aren't brain damaged in any way.