Arielle Cruz
Alcohol passes easily into breast milk, and there is no known safe amount. The level of alcohol in breast milk mirrors the alcohol level in the blood. Generally, the higher the alcohol level in the blood, the higher the alcohol level in the breast milk. The alcohol level in breast milk is usually highest 30 to 60 minutes after consuming an alcoholic beverage, and it can be detected for about 2 to 3 hours per drink consumed. The more alcohol consumed, the longer it can be detected in breast milk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol level in breast milk | Mirrors the alcohol level in the blood |
| Alcohol level in breast milk after drinking | Highest between 30-60 minutes after drinking |
| Alcohol detection time in breast milk | About 2-3 hours per drink after consumption |
| Alcohol detection time in breast milk after 2 drinks | About 4-5 hours |
| Alcohol detection time in breast milk after 3 drinks | About 6-8 hours |
| Effects of alcohol on the baby | Decreased milk intake, infant agitation, poor sleep patterns, excessive sedation, fluid retention, hormone imbalances, negative impact on growth and motor function |
| Recommendations for breastfeeding mothers | Wait for at least 2 hours after drinking before nursing, express and store milk before drinking, do not drink to the point of intoxication |
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What You'll Learn
How long alcohol stays in breast milk
It is important to note that not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, drinking up to one standard drink per day is not known to be harmful to the infant. The general guideline is to wait for two hours per drink before breastfeeding. This will allow alcohol levels in the breast milk to decrease.
The alcohol level in breast milk is essentially the same as the alcohol level in a mother's bloodstream. As the mother's alcohol blood level falls over time, the level of alcohol in her breast milk will also decrease. Alcohol levels are usually highest in breast milk 30 to 60 minutes after a woman consumes an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol can be generally detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours per drink after it is consumed. The more alcohol a mother consumes, the longer alcohol can be detected in breast milk. For example, alcohol from one drink can be detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours, while alcohol from three drinks can be detected for about 6 to 8 hours.
If a mother decides to express or pump milk within two hours (per drink) of consuming alcohol, it is recommended to discard the expressed milk. This practice is known as "pumping and dumping." However, it is important to note that expressing or pumping and then discarding milk after drinking alcohol does not reduce the amount of alcohol in the mother's milk more quickly. The alcohol will leave the breast milk as it leaves the bloodstream. Therefore, drinking a lot of water, resting, or drinking coffee will not speed up the rate of alcohol elimination from the body.
To minimize the exposure of alcohol to the infant, it is recommended to breastfeed immediately before consuming an alcoholic beverage and then wait for about two to three hours before nursing again. If the breasts become full while waiting for the alcohol to clear, the mother can hand-express or pump and discard the milk. Planning ahead by storing expressed breast milk in advance can also help reduce the baby's exposure to alcohol.
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How much alcohol is safe for the baby
It is recommended that pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant should not consume alcohol. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which causes a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems in the baby. There is no known "safe" amount of alcohol use during pregnancy, and even small amounts can be harmful to the developing fetus.
For breastfeeding mothers, not drinking alcohol is the safest option. However, moderate alcohol consumption, defined as up to one standard drink per day, is generally not considered harmful to the infant. To minimize the baby's exposure to alcohol, breastfeeding mothers can consider the following:
- Breastfeed immediately before consuming an alcoholic beverage and wait for about two hours per drink before nursing again. This will help ensure that the baby receives very little alcohol.
- Store some expressed breast milk before consuming alcohol, so that the baby can be fed with alcohol-free milk if needed.
- If the breasts become full while waiting for the alcohol to clear the system, the mother can hand express or pump and discard the milk.
- If consuming more than a moderate amount of alcohol, ensure that there is a responsible alternative caregiver for the baby.
It is important to note that drinking to the point of intoxication can impact infant sleep patterns and may impair the caregiver's judgment and ability to care for the infant safely. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while breastfeeding if possible and to prioritize the safety and well-being of the baby.
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The impact of alcohol on milk supply
While breastfeeding, it is recommended that mothers refrain from consuming more than one drink per day. The alcohol level in breast milk is essentially the same as the alcohol level in the mother's bloodstream. As the mother's blood alcohol level falls, so does the level of alcohol in her breast milk. On average, alcohol can be detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours per drink consumed. The more alcohol a mother consumes, the longer it can be detected in her breast milk. For example, alcohol from two drinks can be detected for about 4 to 5 hours, while alcohol from three drinks can be detected for about 6 to 8 hours.
The effects of alcohol on milk supply may vary from person to person. However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with the milk ejection reflex and may lead to decreased milk production over time. A study of 587 new mothers in Australia found that those who drank more than two standard drinks daily were twice as likely to stop breastfeeding by 6 months postpartum. Additionally, mothers with a family history of alcoholism may experience a blunted prolactin response, leading to more frequent nursing as a form of compensation.
Beer has been associated with increased serum prolactin levels, potentially impacting milk supply. However, it is important to distinguish between the effects of alcohol and other components in beer, such as barley and hops, which may influence prolactin levels. In a US survey, 42% of mothers who used beer as a galactogogue believed it increased their milk supply. Nevertheless, excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect infant development, growth, and sleep patterns, with potential side effects including drowsiness, deep sleep, weakness, and decreased linear growth.
To minimize the impact of alcohol on milk supply, breastfeeding mothers can follow these guidelines:
- Wait at least two hours per drink before breastfeeding or pumping, as this allows alcohol levels in the breast milk to decrease.
- Breastfeed before consuming alcohol or nurse and pump while having the first drink.
- If the breasts become full while waiting for the alcohol to clear, express or pump and discard the milk.
- Store expressed breast milk in advance to use when consuming alcohol, ensuring the baby receives milk that is free from alcohol.
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How to reduce the baby's exposure to alcohol
It is important to reduce your baby's exposure to alcohol in breast milk as alcohol can have a number of harmful effects on your baby, including damaging the developing brain and organs such as the liver. It can also negatively impact their growth, development, and sleep patterns. Here are some ways to reduce your baby's exposure to alcohol:
Plan Ahead
If you intend to consume alcohol, it is advisable to plan ahead by expressing and storing breast milk before drinking. This stored milk can be fed to your baby while you wait for the alcohol to clear from your system. This method ensures your baby receives the nutrients from your breast milk without the presence of alcohol.
Wait Before Breastfeeding
After consuming alcohol, it is recommended to wait for a period of time before breastfeeding your baby. The general guideline is to wait for approximately two hours per drink. For example, if you have two drinks, it is best to wait for about four to five hours before breastfeeding again. This waiting period allows the alcohol levels in your breast milk to decrease, reducing the amount of alcohol your baby is exposed to.
Express and Discard
If you feel uncomfortable due to breast fullness or to adhere to your milk expression schedule, you can express or pump milk after consuming alcohol. However, it is important to discard this expressed milk, also known as "pumping and dumping." While this practice does not reduce the alcohol in your breast milk more quickly, it can provide physical relief and help you maintain your milk expression routine.
Mixed Feeding
If your baby is already on mixed feeding, a combination of breast milk and formula, consider giving a bottle as the first feed after consuming alcohol. This approach ensures that your baby receives nourishment without exposure to alcohol, as the formula does not contain any alcohol.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Limiting your alcohol consumption is an effective way to reduce your baby's exposure to alcohol in breast milk. The more alcohol you consume, the longer it takes for your body to process and clear it from your system. Casual drinking, such as one glass of wine or beer per day, is generally considered safe and is unlikely to cause developmental problems in your baby. However, excessive or daily heavy alcohol consumption can lead to decreased milk production and negatively impact your baby's growth and development.
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The effects of alcohol on the baby
While it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid alcohol consumption, moderate drinking, defined as up to one drink per day, is generally not considered harmful to the infant. However, drinking alcohol can impair a caregiver's judgment and ability to care for their child safely. Therefore, it is important to plan and take precautions to minimise the baby's exposure to alcohol.
The alcohol level in breast milk corresponds closely with the alcohol level in a mother's bloodstream. As the mother's blood alcohol level decreases, so does the level of alcohol in her breast milk. Alcohol levels in breast milk are typically highest 30 to 60 minutes after consuming an alcoholic beverage, and it can be detected for about 2 to 3 hours per drink. The more alcohol consumed, the longer it takes to clear from the breast milk.
If a breastfeeding mother chooses to consume alcohol, she can minimise her baby's exposure by breastfeeding immediately before drinking and then waiting for about 2 to 3 hours before nursing again. If the breasts become full while waiting, the mother can hand-express or pump and discard the milk. Alternatively, the mother can feed the baby with previously expressed milk stored specifically for such occasions.
Exposing infants to alcohol through breast milk can have several effects. Nursing after one or two drinks can decrease an infant's milk intake by 20 to 23%, leading to infant agitation and poor sleep patterns. Excess alcohol in breast milk can also cause drowsiness, deep sleep, weakness, and decreased linear growth in the infant. Additionally, drinking to intoxication can negatively impact the infant's sleep quality.
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Frequently asked questions
The alcohol level in breast milk mirrors the alcohol level in the blood. It takes around two hours for the body to metabolize one drink's worth of alcohol, with the alcohol level in breast milk peaking 30 to 60 minutes after drinking.
Alcohol is readily transferred into breast milk, with the absolute amount depending on the mother's blood alcohol level. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the amount in breast milk and the longer it will be detectable.
While drinking alcohol while breastfeeding is not recommended, occasional moderate consumption (up to one drink per day) is generally not considered harmful to the infant. However, excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact the baby's growth, sleep, and development.
To minimize your baby's exposure to alcohol, it is recommended to breastfeed right before consuming alcohol and then wait at least two hours per drink before nursing again. Expressing and storing breast milk before drinking can also help ensure the baby receives milk with minimal alcohol content.
Alcohol may decrease milk production and slow milk letdown. While beer was once thought to increase milk supply, recent studies have not found conclusive evidence to support this claim.
