Final answer:
The best response is to have a glass of wine occasionally but wait at least two hours before breastfeeding to reduce potential impacts on the baby. Alcohol can transfer to the infant through breast milk, affecting their development and growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best response by the nurse to a new parent asking if it is safe to drink wine while breastfeeding is: c) It's okay to have a glass of wine occasionally, but wait at least two hours before breastfeeding. Although moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe for adults, it is important to be cautious when breastfeeding because alcohol can pass into breast milk and affect the baby. When a lactating mother drinks alcohol, a small amount can be transferred to the infant through breast milk, potentially affecting the baby's development and growth.
Alcohol can impact breast milk by changing the flavor and slightly reducing the milk production, in addition to the potential effects on the infant. Therefore, the recommendation is to limit alcohol intake and to wait at least two hours after drinking to allow the body time to metabolize the alcohol before the next breastfeeding session. This helps to lessen any potential impact on the baby, who benefits from the important nutrients and immunoglobulins in breast milk that provide hydration, nutrition, and immune protection.