Is Mummy Wine Culture Damaging your Health?

Mummy wine culture is something nearly all of us have been exposed to, but many may not even realise.

Mummy wine culture refers to the social message that mums should drink alcohol to deal with the stress of raising a family. It pokes fun at the idea that mummy should have a drink (sometimes every day!) to deal with the kids.

You’ve probably seen it but maybe not realised that it has insidious messaging at its core. It’s things like wine glasses with “mummy’s juice” written on it or a social media post about how “mummy needs wine” before she can do anything. Really, these messages point to alcohol addiction and dependence, and making this normal is a damaging concept for mums.

A culture that encourages mums to drink

Having children is one of life’s great joys. But it’s equally stressful, challenging and tiring. To get away from it all, sometimes mums like to have a glass of wine.

Now there’s nothing wrong with that from time to time, and we would never shame anyone for what they want to do.

What’s damaging and needs to be questioned is moreso the culture that brings mums closer and closer to alcohol dependence without even realising. When you’re told that “mummy wine hour” is 5pm everyday, you stop questioning whether or not you have a problem and keep drinking.

This is perfect for big alcohol and not great for mums.

Alcohol as self-medication

One of the key parts of the mummy wine culture message is the idea that alcohol is self care, or that mums should let their hair down once the kids are in bed with a wine.

Obviously, this isn’t a truly healthy way to relax as alcohol is a depressant and makes you feel worse. While it might take the edge off another challenging day with young kids, ultimately in the long run it’s going to leave you feeling more anxious, stressed, dehydrated and unwell the next day.

The stats on this are really shocking. One in six mothers have reported drinking alcohol at ‘risky’ levels in the first 12 months of their baby’s life. This is likely due to the stress and anxiety they have post-childbirth and the option to self medicate with alcohol seeming like an escape.

With a culture that promotes mums drinking to relax, it’s no wonder that so many find themselves turning to the bottle to switch off.

Alcohol makes you feel worse long term

The promise of alcohol is that mums will feel better, switch off and have some me time. The reality is very different.

Many mums use alcohol to cope with anxiety symptoms, as it can provide temporary relaxation and a feeling of escape. In reality, alcohol spikes our adrenaline and cortisol levels 7-10 days after consumption. 

It disrupts sleep, makes you feel more anxious and affects levels of serotonin, adrenaline and cortisol in the body. The result? We actually feel worse.

Back to school

With the kids back to school and the normal routine returning, reaching for a wine can be even more tempting and perhaps even promoted by subtle marketing and social pressure.

Alcohol marketing has a long history of linking drinking to liberation, social status and wealth and women can feel the pressure of this as they stand at the school gate chatting to other mums. It’s important to remember that every mum is being exposed to this mummy wine myth, and many don’t even realise.

When you’re trying to change your habits and hold yourself accountable, it can be hard to socialise with people who perpetuate the mummy wine myth. That said, there are plenty of ways to enjoy social interaction without drinking or talking about alcohol.

Trying a non-alcoholic alternative can be a great way to encourage yourself to cut back on alcohol. You never know, you might even inspire other mums!

The main thing to remember is that drinking alcohol doesn’t make you feel more relaxed. It actually makes you feel worse. This is the last thing that you need as a mum.

Don’t buy into the myth. Choose healthy relaxation techniques that set great examples for your kids. The mummy wine culture doesn’t have to win!