Alcohol consumption, smoking and breastfeeding in the first six months after delivery

Aim: To study alcohol use and smoking after delivery, and to relate this to breastfeeding. Methods: A longitudinal questionnaire study, representative of pregnant women in Oslo. Ninety‐two per cent agreed to join the study. Non‐Norwegian speaking and/or immigrants from non‐western countries were not invited. Questionnaires were answered at 17 (T1) and 30 (T2) wk of pregnancy, and 6 mo after term (T3). They were completed by 93% (1749 women) at T1, 82% at T2, and 92% at T3. Results: Six months after delivery, 80% reported alcohol use. The mean alcohol consumption per week was less than half compared to the last 6 mo before pregnancy. The women with the highest pre‐pregnancy use reduced the most. Binge drinking (≥ 5 drinks) was also reported by half as many women (29%). However, 6% reported 12 or more drinks per occasion at least once. No demographic or mental health variables predicted binge drinking after pregnancy. Smoking 6 mo after pregnancy was reported by 18%, a reduction of 50% from before pregnancy. Women breastfeeding for at least 6 mo had higher education, less frequently reported binge drinking after delivery and less frequently suffered postnatal depression. Conclusion: In this population‐based sample were 86% breastfed for at least 6 mo, the level of binge drinking is concerning.