Photo of Jessie James Decker Drinking While Breastfeeding Has the Internet Riled Up

We’re guessing Jessie James Decker knew she’d have some critics when she posted a photo of her breastfeeding her baby while holding what looks to be a glass of rosé, with the caption “Cheers bitches”—and she was right.

The singer-songwriter and TV personality shared the snapshot on Instagram, and immediately the comments came pouring in.

“You look great, but drinking and nursing???” one follower wrote.

“I get you want a drink here and there and that’s fine, but I wouldn’t post it while your breastfeeding,” another one commented. “It doesn’t make you look good and you will get a lot of flack for it. But still adore you. Beautiful family.”

“I’ve always loved you and been a big fan,” one mom added. “But I will not support a mother drinking while breastfeeding. It’s wrong, I don’t care what ‘science’ says. I’m unfollowing.”

Of course, it’s understandable people would be concerned about drinking while breastfeeding— there’s a lot of misinformation out there, and everyone just wants what’s best for baby.

The truth is, just as when you’re pregnant, what you consume while you’re still breastfeeding does affect baby because it transfers through your breast milk. Some studies have shown that drinking alcohol while breastfeeding can have some impact on baby’s sleep and even your milk production. But other research has determined that, as long as you monitor and control your alcohol intake, drinking while breastfeeding can be no big deal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ official stance is for breastfeeding moms to avoid drinking alcohol habitually—but that’s not to say you can’t ever enjoy an adult beverage.

To be super-safe, the AAP recommends having it just after you breastfeed and waiting at least two hours before your next nursing session. That way your body has as much time as possible to break down the alcohol before baby’s next feeding.

But as La Leche League points out, “Mothers have enjoyed alcohol in moderation throughout history. The effects of alcohol on the breastfeeding baby are directly related to the amount the mother ingests. When the breastfeeding mother drinks occasionally and limits her consumption, the amount of alcohol her baby receives has not been proven to be harmful.”

In the end, it’s up to each individual mother (and her doctor) to decide what’s right for her. And James Decker appears to have plenty of followers who are down with raising a glass to motherhood.

“Wow it’s like this isn’t her third child and she knows what she’s doing. Stop mom shaming already, damn” one fan commented.

“She can do both at the same time if she so chooses. Not your baby, not your problem,” another said.

Wrote another: “Hell yes momma! Cuddles and a drink, the best life!”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.