Curtin University research has helped in the development of a Smartphone app to assist breastfeeding mothers to regulate the timing of their alcohol intake so as to not affect breastmilk.<\/p>\n
Dr Roslyn Giglia, Research Fellow at Curtin\u2019s School of Public Health, said the information contained in the app would allow mothers to make informed choices about their alcohol intake and help health agencies guide the community in reducing health risks associated with alcohol and breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the health and safe development of their babies, many mothers avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant,\u201d Dr Giglia said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce a baby is born, however, mothers may wish to enjoy a drink with a meal, when out with friends, or on a special occasion and as a result, mothers should plan their drinks so it doesn\u2019t affect their breastmilk.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlcohol inhibits the let-down reflex that enables breastmilk to be ejected from the nipple, so the baby will receive less milk and the small amount of milk that does get let-down will contain alcohol, which the baby will ingest.<\/p>\n
\u201cApart from not getting as much milk as normal and potentially being hungry and irritable, the baby\u2019s sleep wakening pattern will also be affected and he or she won\u2019t sleep restfully, or for as long.”<\/p>\n
The app, called Feed Safe<\/i>, was developed by Becky White, Director of Reach Health Promotion Innovations, and an alumna of Curtin\u2019s School of Public Health.<\/p>\n