Is it okay to have two drinks and breastfeed?

Understanding Alcohol Consumption and Breastfeeding
The topic of alcohol consumption while breastfeeding is one that evokes strong opinions and concerns among new parents and health professionals alike. With the holiday season upon us, many new mothers may find themselves wondering whether it’s safe to enjoy a drink or two while continuing to breastfeed their infants.
The Science of Alcohol in Breast Milk
Research indicates that alcohol does pass into breast milk, but the amount is typically lower than what is found in the mother’s bloodstream. After consuming alcohol, it generally takes about 30 to 90 minutes for the concentration in breast milk to peak. This means that if a mother drinks alcohol, her breast milk will contain alcohol at its highest level roughly around this timeframe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various health organizations suggest that moderate drinking—defined as up to one standard drink per day—is generally acceptable for breastfeeding mothers. A standard drink is typically considered to be:
– 14 grams of pure alcohol
– Approximately 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol)
– 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol)
– 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol)
Timing is Key
For mothers who choose to drink, timing is crucial. It is advisable to wait about 2 to 3 hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding. This waiting period allows the body time to metabolize the alcohol, significantly reducing the amount present in breast milk.
Risk Factors to Consider
While moderate drinking may be acceptable, several factors should be taken into account:
– Individual Tolerance: Each person metabolizes alcohol differently based on factors like weight, metabolism, and overall health. What might be moderate for one might not be for another.
– Infant’s Age: Younger infants, especially those under 3 months, may metabolize alcohol more slowly than older babies.
– Amount Consumed: Consuming more than the recommended amount can lead to higher levels of alcohol in breast milk, which could potentially affect the baby.
Recommendations from Experts
Many health professionals recommend that if a mother plans to drink, she should:
1. Plan Ahead: If possible, feed the baby before drinking or have a stored supply of expressed milk.
2. Monitor Alcohol Consumption: Stick to one standard drink and wait before breastfeeding.
3. Stay Aware of Effects: Be mindful of how alcohol affects mood and ability to care for the baby.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers to enjoy a drink or two, moderation and timing are essential. By understanding how alcohol affects both the mother and the child, and by taking appropriate precautions, mothers can navigate the complexities of breastfeeding while still enjoying social occasions responsibly. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended.

Will one alcoholic drink affect my breast milk supply?

Unfortunately, multiple studies have shown that having more than two drinks can inhibit letdown and for most women, even a small amount of alcohol can cause a temporary, but significant, decrease in milk supply.

What happens if I breastfeed after 2 drinks?

Nursing after 1 or 2 drinks (including beer) can decrease the infant’s milk intake by 20 to 23% and cause infant agitation and poor sleep patterns.

Do you have to dump breast milk when drinking?

The body clears alcohol from breast milk and the bloodstream at the same rate, so pumping and dumping won’t make milk any safer.

How long does it take for alcohol to get out of breast milk?

If you do intend to have a social drink, you could try avoiding breastfeeding for 2 to 3 hours for every drink you have to avoid exposing your baby to any alcohol in your milk. This allows time for the alcohol to leave your breast milk. You’ll need to make sure breastfeeding is established before you try this.

Do I have to throw out breast milk after baby drinks?

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts. See Breast Milk Storage and Preparation for more information.

What happens if baby drinks breast milk after 2 hours?

Milk storage guidelines recommend discarding leftover breast milk after two hours because of the potential for bacterial contamination from your baby’s mouth.

How much alcohol is passed through breast milk?

When a lactating woman consumes alcohol, some of that alcohol is transferred into the milk. In general, less than 2 percent of the alcohol dose consumed by the mother reaches her milk and blood. Alcohol is not stored in breast milk, however, but its level parallels that found in the maternal blood.

How do I know if my baby is affected by alcohol in breastmilk?

If your baby consumes breast milk with alcohol in it, it may have negative effects on your baby, including:

• Increased crying.
• Increased arousal.
• Decreased milk intake.
• Decreased weight gain.
• Increased REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep when their brain is more active)

What happens if you breastfeed a baby with alcohol in your system?

Exposure to alcohol above moderate levels through breast milk could be damaging to an infant’s development, growth, and sleep patterns. Alcohol consumption above moderate levels may also impair a mother’s judgment and ability to care for her child safely.

Will a sip of alcohol show up in breast milk?

Alcohol can pass into your breastmilk and then into your baby when you feed them. An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your baby especially if you wait at least 2 hours after having a drink before feeding.. Regularly drinking above the recommended limits can be harmful for you and your baby.