How much alcohol is absorbed into breast milk?

Understanding Alcohol Absorption in Breast Milk
The relationship between alcohol consumption and breastfeeding is a topic of significant concern for nursing mothers. When a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, it is important to understand how much of that alcohol is absorbed into her breast milk and the implications for her infant.
Alcohol Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that alcohol is one of the most readily absorbed substances in the body, and it passes into breast milk in a manner that closely mirrors its concentration in the mother’s bloodstream. Specifically, when a mother drinks alcohol, the concentration of alcohol in her breast milk is approximately equal to that in her blood. For instance, if a mother has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent, the alcohol level in her breast milk will also be around 0.08 percent.
Quantifying Alcohol in Breast Milk
The amount of alcohol that an infant might consume through breast milk is estimated to be about 5% to 6% of the weight-adjusted maternal intake. This means that if a mother consumes a certain amount of alcohol, only a fraction of that will be present in her milk, but it is still significant enough to warrant caution.
Factors Influencing Alcohol Elimination
The rate at which alcohol is eliminated from breast milk varies based on several factors, including the mother’s weight and the amount of alcohol consumed. Generally, alcohol is metabolized at a rate of about 0.015% BAC per hour, which means that the time it takes for alcohol to clear from breast milk can vary widely depending on individual circumstances.
For mothers who consume more than one or two drinks, it is advisable to wait several hours before breastfeeding to minimize the infant’s exposure to alcohol. This waiting period is crucial, as engorgement can occur if the mother does not pump or express milk, potentially leading to complications such as mastitis.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Health organizations, including the CDC, recommend that the safest option for breastfeeding mothers is to avoid alcohol altogether. However, if a mother chooses to drink, planning ahead is essential. This can involve timing the consumption of alcohol so that breastfeeding occurs when the alcohol levels in the milk are at their lowest.
In summary, while alcohol does pass into breast milk, understanding the dynamics of absorption and elimination can help mothers make informed decisions about alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. The key takeaway is that moderation and timing are crucial to ensure the safety and health of the infant.

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)

Can I breastfeed after 2 glasses of wine?

Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption, meaning up to one standard drink in a day, is not known to be harmful to the infant. To be safest, the mother can wait at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.

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.

How early in pregnancy does alcohol affect the baby?

There is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for the baby throughout pregnancy, including before a person knows they are pregnant. Alcohol use in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.

Can you breastfeed after 2 standard drinks?

If you drink alcohol, wait two hours for every standard drink before breastfeeding. One standard drink – wait two hours. Two standard drinks – wait four hours. If you are planning to drink for a special occasion, express milk beforehand and feed this to your baby while there is alcohol still in your system.

How much alcohol actually gets in breast milk?

According to Peluso, “less than 2 percent of the alcohol consumed by a mom reaches her blood and breast milk.” However, alcohol is present in a woman’s milk at the same level as in her blood.

How do I know if my baby is actually drinking breast milk?

You can hear and see your baby swallowing. Your baby’s cheeks stay rounded, not hollow, during sucking. They seem calm and relaxed during feeds. Your baby comes off the breast on their own at the end of feeds.

What happens if my baby drinks breast milk after I drink?

Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption, meaning up to one standard drink in a day, is not known to be harmful to the infant. To be safest, the mother can wait at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.

Do I have to pump and dump after 2 drinks?

You do not have to pump and dump after drinking alcohol when you’re breastfeeding, except for comfort. As alcohol leaves the bloodstream, it leaves the breastmilk.

Can drinking while breastfeeding cause fetal alcohol syndrome?

Can my child get an FASD if I drink while breastfeeding? No, because FASDs are the result of prenatal alcohol exposure. Still, it is a good idea to limit alcohol consumption while providing breast milk to your baby because alcohol can pass through your milk to your baby.