How much alcohol is passed through breast milk?

Understanding Alcohol Transfer Through 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 does indeed pass into her breast milk, but the extent and implications of this transfer are nuanced.
Alcohol Concentration in Breast Milk
Research indicates that alcohol enters breast milk at concentrations similar to those found in the mother’s bloodstream. For instance, when a mother has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent, the alcohol level in her breast milk will also be approximately 0.08 percent. This means that the amount of alcohol a nursing infant might ingest is relatively small, estimated to be about 5% to 6% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose.
Timing and Effects
The timing of breastfeeding after alcohol consumption is crucial. Alcohol can be detected in breast milk 30 to 60 minutes after drinking and may remain present for up to two hours following a single drink. This timeframe is important for mothers to consider if they wish to minimize their infant’s exposure to alcohol. Experts recommend waiting at least two hours after consuming a drink before nursing to allow the liver time to metabolize the alcohol.
Safety Considerations
While some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption—defined as no more than one drink per day—does not pose significant risks to infants, the safest option remains abstaining from alcohol altogether during breastfeeding. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that not drinking alcohol is the safest choice for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Practical Advice for Nursing Mothers
For mothers who choose to drink, it is advisable to plan ahead. If a mother consumes more than one or two drinks, she may experience breast engorgement as the alcohol metabolizes, which can lead to discomfort or complications like mastitis. In such cases, pumping for comfort is recommended, but the expressed milk should not be used for feeding until the alcohol has cleared.
In conclusion, while alcohol does pass into breast milk, the concentration is relatively low, and the timing of breastfeeding after consumption is critical. Mothers should weigh the risks and benefits and consider their individual circumstances when making decisions about alcohol consumption while breastfeeding.

What percentage of alcohol passes into breast milk?

The amount of alcohol taken in by a nursing infant through breast milk is estimated to be 5% to 6% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose. Alcohol can typically be detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours after a single drink is consumed.

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.

How many pumps does it take to get alcohol out of breast milk?

No. If you have one alcoholic drink and wait two hours to feed your baby, you don’t need to pump and dump. And if engorgement and milk supply are not an issue, you can just wait for the liquor to metabolize naturally. Alcohol doesn’t stay in breast milk, and pumping and dumping doesn’t eliminate it from your system.

How do you flush alcohol out of breast milk?

Rather than dumping or diluting pumped breast milk, the CDC advises breastfeeding parents to simply wait at least two hours after a single drink before nursing again. The CDC does not suggest that parents who consume an alcoholic beverage stop breastfeeding.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after drinking a bottle of wine?

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.

What if baby drinks breast milk with alcohol?

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.

How long after 1 unit of alcohol can I breastfeed?

After drinking alcohol, how long should I wait to breastfeed? On average, it takes about 2 to 3 hours for a glass of wine or beer to leave your system, so it’s best to wait a few hours to breastfeed. The more you drink, the longer it takes.

What to do if a child accidentally drinks alcohol?

If ingestion of alcohol is suspected, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or call your physician immediately.

How fast does alcohol leave breast milk?

Heavy drinkers should wait longer. […] Adult metabolism of alcohol is approximately 1 oz of pure ethanol in 3 hours, so mothers who ingest alcohol in moderate amounts can generally return to breastfeeding as soon as they feel neurologically normal. A good rule is 2 hours for each drink consumed.

What if my baby drank alcohol?

Most importantly, if you suspect an infant or child has ingested alcohol, immediately call the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.