Te Hiku Hauora - Alcohol Harms - Ways to support māmā

How to support māmā

Creating a safe, supportive environment makes it easier for māmā to stay alcohol free for pēpi.

How whānau can support māmā

Whānau and friends play an important role in helping māmā have an alcohol-free pregnancy. With the right support, encouragement, and understanding, it’s easier for māmā to protect her own health and give pēpi the best start in life.

Ways to Support Māmā

Go alcohol-free together
Show solidarity by joining māmā in being alcohol-free. This removes temptation and makes her feel supported, not isolated.
Encourage and support
Offer positive encouragement and remind māmā she’s doing this for herself, her pēpi, and her whānau. A kind word can make a big difference.
Offer alcohol-free options
Keep the fridge stocked with tasty, safe alternatives like flavoured water, juice, or alcohol-free drinks so māmā always has a choice.
Create safe spaces
Plan whānau events, dinners, or catch-ups that don’t revolve around alcohol. This makes socialising easier and more comfortable.
Have open kōrero
Talk honestly and respectfully about the challenges of staying alcohol-free. Listen more than you speak, and be a source of reassurance.
Show compassion
Pregnancy isn’t always easy. Be patient, kind, and understanding, especially if māmā is feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Seek extra support if needed
Encourage māmā to reach out to services or health professionals if she’s finding it hard to stay alcohol-free. Offer to go with her if she wants company.
Avoid pressure
Never encourage or expect māmā to drink “just one.” Removing pressure helps her stay confident in her choice.

Myth Vs Fact

Myth: A little bit won’t hurt.
Fact: Even small amounts of alcohol pass directly to your pēpi through the placenta or breast milk. This can affect their brain, body, and development. There’s no safe amount at any stage of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Myth: It’s okay to drink in the second or third trimester because the baby is mostly developed.
Fact: Alcohol can harm brain development throughout pregnancy, and the brain continues to develop significantly during the later stages of gestation.

Myth: The placenta filters out alcohol.
Fact: The placenta does not filter out alcohol, it allows it to pass through to the baby.

Myth: Some types of alcohol are safer than others.
Fact: All types of alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits, can be harmful to a developing baby.

Myth: "Pumping and dumping" helps eliminate alcohol from breast milk.
Fact: "Pumping and dumping" does not reduce alcohol levels in breast milk. Time is the only thing that reduces alcohol levels in both blood and breast milk.