Alcohol is the most used substance by women of childbearing age. Alcohol exposed pregnancies can have serious consequences to the fetus, and the UK has one of the highest rates of drinking during pregnancy. Alcohol use during motherhood is also a public health concern, linked with potential harms to the woman and child. This qualitative study investigated the attitudes and experiences of pregnant/parenting women and healthcare professionals regarding maternal drinking. A semi-structured focus group and interviews were conducted in the North West of England with pregnant women, mothers, and healthcare professionals. Quantitative measures captured demographics, alcohol use, and screened for mental ill-health for pregnant women and mothers. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse narratives. Findings revealed that most participants believed avoiding alcohol during pregnancy is the safest option. However, some pregnant women and mothers stated that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate the harms of low-level drinking and that abstinence guidelines were patronising. All participants reported that low-level drinking during motherhood was acceptable. Heavy drinking was believed to pose serious harm during pregnancy and motherhood to the baby and mother, in addition to damaging relationships. Strong motives were revealed for choosing and avoiding to drink, such as coping with the difficulties of motherhood and parental responsibilities, respectively. Contradictions were found across quantitative and qualitative self-reports of consumption, reflecting potential underreporting of alcohol use. Additionally, drinking levels were discussed in extremes only (low/heavy) without considering 'grey area' drinking. Clear, consistent advice and guidelines are needed to support women in reducing their alcohol use during pregnancy and motherhood. These should include the unique potential risks regarding maternal drinking, and the harm attributable to non-clinically depen Physical issues of excessive alcohol intake were reported as heart palpitations, hepatitis, and liver damage, while a range of psychological problems were also mentioned: developing alcohol dependence, lower well-being, increased mental health problems (e.g. mood swings, depression, anxiety), and feelings of guilt and self-blame for problems with the baby. Drinking at low levels and perhaps without harming the baby may also cause feeling uncomfortable and regretful about drinking. Healthcare professionals highlighted the general risks of alcohol consumption without being pregnant that also apply during this period and the additional strain that may be placed on the body by alcohol consumption while pregnant. Sub-theme 3 : ‘Damage to Relationships’ . Narratives related alcohol use to potential disrupted family dynamics and isolation. Women felt that family members may have differing views on drinking during pregnancy and even a judgmental attitude towards the mother, leading to disagreements and friction. Theme 1: Low-level drinking is acceptable Women and healthcare professionals believed that drinking alcohol at a low level/in moderation/occasionally is acceptable. However, they felt that drinking to excess and becoming intoxicated in general, and particularly when around their child(ren), could result in negative consequences. With reference to breastfeeding, most women chose not to consume alcohol, with some believing a limited amount was acceptable. However, it is evident that these women may consume up to 9 units of alcohol a week as demonstrated by their scores on the alcohol measures used. ‘Parental responsibilities’: The infant’s physical dependence on the mother was mentioned as one of the main factors that stops women from consuming alcohol. Some women are concerned about the transfer of alcohol during breastfeeding and the physical safety of the baby co-sleeping with a parent whose sleep might be affected by alcohol. However, narratives also revealed that in the case of co-sleeping this fear may reduce when mothers have more children and become more experienced in child rearing. ” (GP2) Poor parenting “I’m breastfeeding my little boy , erm and I know there’s a lot of sort of mixed reviews over whether or not you’re able to drink or not whilst you’re breastfeeding . Erm , I personally do , I have a glass of wine or two each week , erm and it’s my understanding I’ve done a lot of reading around it and my understanding is drinking in moderation isn’t harmful when you’re breastfeeding . Additionally, there should be specific focus on how to better communicate potential risks around drinking while breastfeeding [ 55 ], to help mothers adhere to guidelines. Reflecting existing evidence [ 12 , 13 , 56 ], narratives regarding why women with children do and do not consume alcohol demonstrate that the transition to motherhood may indeed be a protective factor against alcohol use/abuse (at least during early postpartum periods). According to women’s reports, alcohol use stopped or decreased in order to fulfil parental responsibilities, such as breastfeeding, co-sleeping, looking after the child/children, and modelling appropriate health behaviours. Acquiring the view of a range of healthcare professionals provided a more comprehensive picture of alcohol consumption in motherhood. However, due to work commitments, we provided the opportunity for healthcare professionals to take part in the The data sets obtained in this study were not assumed to be equivalent but were judged to be adequate for integration in providing a better understanding of the views of healthcare professionals. While this type of triangulation of the data may be useful and practical, identification of its value and trustworthiness needs further investigation [ 59 ]. Additional research is necessary to provide a more comprehensive exploration of healthcare professionals’ perspectives on alcohol-related advice to pregnant and parenting mothers.