The festive season is full of cheer, but if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, the safest choice for your little one is to skip the alcohol.
According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (2020) Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol:
- To prevent harm from alcohol to their unborn child, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.
- For women who are breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is safest for their baby.
Choosing alcohol free doesn’t mean missing out. Explore fresh fruit, garnish and sparkling water combinations, enjoy a mocktail, or sip your favourite festive drink just without the booze.
Other tips to avoid alcohol include:
- Encourage your support network to go alcohol free too
- Try using distractions like going for a walk or other physical activities
- Keep the household alcohol free
Remember, you never need to explain your choice. Your health and your baby’s health come first.
You may be interested in:
- Frequently asked questions about alcohol and pregnancy
The FASD Hub has answered common questions about alcohol, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. - Every Moment Matters
This campaign shares the latest evidence-based information about alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It was developed by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) with support from health professionals and communities across Australia. - I’m Good
The I’m Good project was developed by FARE and supported by the ACT Government under the Healthy Canberra Grants program. It provides practical tips for an alcohol free or reduced alcohol lifestyle. While designed for Canberrans, the advice is relevant to all Australians.
Pink Grapefruit Sparkling Water, as pictured above
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh pink grapefruit juice (chilled)
- ½ cup sparkling water (chilled)
- Optional garnish: grapefruit slice, rosemary sprig
Method:
- Chill the glassware of choice by adding ice and filling with cold water. The discard contents.
- Pour pink grapefruit juice into a glass.
- Top up with sparkling water.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.
