Breastfeeding after drinking alcohol: Know if it is safe

Women are typically advised to maintain distance from alcohol during pregnancy. Some women may also decide to abstain from drinking alcohol even after childbirth, during the breastfeeding phase. That is because there may be side effects of drinking alcohol during breastfeeding. What if the desire to unwind with a glass of chilled beer or wine strike you? We asked an expert if new moms can drink a little bit of alcohol while breastfeeding or should they completely give it up during this phase.

How safe is drinking alcohol while breastfeeding?

Not consuming alcohol is the safest option for women who are breastfeeding, but moderate consumption is not known to be harmful to the baby, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means women can have up to one standard drink per day, and that too a certain duration before feeding the child. Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can affect your baby’s health and development, says lactation expert Ruth Patterson. Too much alcohol can decrease breast milk supply, and may cause growth and developmental problems with your baby, as per the UK’s National Health Service.

What happens if you breastfeed soon after drinking?

Women should wait at least two hours after a single drink before breastfeeding, as per CDC. If you breastfeed soon after drinking, here’s what can happen:

1. Alcohol in milk

The concentration of alcohol in breast milk is similar to that in the bloodstream of the mother, says Patterson. Levels of alcohol in breast milk peak within 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and then decrease as the alcohol is metabolised. This timing can vary based on individual metabolism and whether you have consumed alcohol with food. Having alcohol with food can slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the timing of peak alcohol levels in breast milk.

2. Effects on the baby

While the term “drunk” might not be used in clinical settings, babies can experience the effects of alcohol, which can be harmful, says the expert. Some of the symptoms are –

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• Excessive drowsiness or lethargy
• Difficulty feeding or poor feeding
• Increased fussiness or irritability
• Poor weight gain or developmental issues

Does alcohol affect breast milk production?

Alcohol can affect breast milk production and overall breastfeeding, says the expert.

1. Short-term effects

Moderate alcohol consumption does not significantly impact milk production in the short term. However, alcohol can temporarily reduce milk let-down (the release of milk from the breast) and may decrease milk volume if consumed frequently. Alcohol can interfere with the milk ejection reflex, which may make it harder for milk to flow from the breast, affecting feeding.

2. Long-term effects

Regular or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a decrease in milk supply over time, says Patterson. Heavy drinking can impact the nutritional quality of your breast milk, potentially affecting your baby’s health and development.

How do you know if your baby is affected by alcohol in breast milk?

If your baby is affected by alcohol in breast milk, there can be several signs and symptoms. These include:

• Your baby may seem unusually sleepy or lethargic, which can affect their regular feeding and sleeping patterns.
• Decreased interest in feeding, leading to shorter or less frequent feedings.
• Your baby may become more fussy or irritable than usual.
• If poor feeding patterns persist, your baby may not gain weight at the expected rate.

If you spot any of these signs or symptoms in your little one, it is important to do the following:

• Keep track of when you drink alcohol and your baby’s subsequent behaviour and feeding patterns.
• Speak with your pediatrician or a doctor to discuss any concerns and receive personalised advice.
• Consider reducing or eliminating alcohol intake while breastfeeding to ensure your baby’s health and well-being.

Can you quickly flush out alcohol from breast milk?

There is no quick fix to flush out alcohol from breast milk. You need enough time for the alcohol to metabolise and leave your system naturally, says the expert. Here are a few points breastfeeding moms should keep in mind:

1. Wait it out

The best method to ensure alcohol is cleared from breast milk is to wait. On average, it takes about 2 to 3 hours for the body to metabolise the alcohol from one standard drink (e.g., 12 ounces of beer or 355 ml), says the expert.

2. Pump and dump

If you need to relieve breast fullness or maintain milk supply, you can pump and discard or pump and dump the milk that contains alcohol. This does not speed up the elimination of alcohol from your system, but can be useful for comfort and maintaining milk production.

3. Stay hydrated and eat well

Drinking water and eating nutritious food can help your body metabolise alcohol more efficiently. However, these actions will not speed up the rate at which alcohol leaves your breast milk, says the expert.

If you know you will be drinking, plan your breastfeeding and pumping schedule accordingly. You can pump milk ahead of time to feed your baby while waiting for the alcohol to clear from your system.

To ensure optimal milk production and breastfeeding outcomes, it is best to limit alcohol consumption, and wait until alcohol gets cleared from your system before breastfeeding. You can also consult with a doctor if you have concerns about alcohol and breastfeeding.