Final answer:
The best response to a woman asking about drinking wine while nursing is to advise against it, as alcohol can act as a CNS depressant for the baby and may affect their development. Nursing mothers should avoid alcohol to prevent potential risks to their child.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate response to a woman asking if she can safely drink wine while nursing her baby is to inform her that alcohol can have an adverse effect on the baby. Alcohol in breast milk can act as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant for the baby, which may affect their development. While some adults may experience alcohol as a pleasurable social lubricant or even a way to relax, the effects on an infant can be much more harmful. Any amount of alcohol can be transmitted through breast milk and can potentially lead to developmental issues for the child, in a similar way that alcohol affects a fetus during pregnancy.
It is advised that nursing mothers avoid alcohol consumption to prevent these risks. Should a mother choose to drink, it is important to wait a significant amount of time before nursing to allow the alcohol to metabolize and reduce the potential exposure to the infant.