Page Content [show]
Understanding Alcohol Consumption While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mother and child, and understanding the implications of alcohol consumption during this time is essential for ensuring the health and safety of the infant. The consensus among health professionals is that while moderate alcohol consumption may not pose significant risks, excessive drinking can have detrimental effects.
Moderate Drinking Guidelines
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, having one drink a day is generally considered acceptable for breastfeeding mothers, provided they wait at least two hours after drinking before nursing or pumping. This waiting period allows the alcohol levels in breast milk to decrease, minimizing the baby’s exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also supports this guideline, emphasizing that moderate alcohol consumption—defined as up to one drink per day for women—is unlikely to harm a nursing baby.
Risks of Excessive Alcohol Consumption
However, the risks associated with excessive alcohol intake cannot be overlooked. Drinking more than one standard drink per day can lead to increased alcohol levels in breast milk, which may affect the infant’s development, growth, and sleep patterns. The CDC warns that excessive consumption could have long-term consequences for the child’s health. Therefore, while moderate drinking is permissible, it is crucial to recognize that excessive drinking is not safe and should be avoided.
Practical Recommendations
For mothers who choose to drink, it is advisable to plan ahead. If a mother consumes two drinks, for instance, she should wait four to five hours before breastfeeding again. This approach helps ensure that the alcohol has sufficiently cleared from her system, thereby reducing the risk to the baby.
In summary, while moderate alcohol consumption—defined as one drink per day—can be acceptable during breastfeeding, it is essential for mothers to be mindful of their intake and the timing of breastfeeding. Excessive drinking poses significant risks and should be avoided to safeguard the health and well-being of the infant.
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.
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.
What to do with breastmilk after drinking alcohol?
Wait at least 2 hours after drinking one standard drink before breastfeeding your baby. Be aware that the more you drink, the longer it takes for the alcohol to clear your system. If your baby needs to be nursed before two hours or more is up, use your previously expressed milk to feed your baby.
What happens if a baby drinks bad breast milk?
Can babies get sick from old breast milk? If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.
How long does it take for alcohol to get into breast milk?
It moves freely from blood into breast milk and back out again. Alcohol shows up in your breast milk almost right away, and is at the highest levels 30–60 minutes after you start drinking.
How much do you have to drink for it to affect breast milk?
It is safest not to drink alcohol if you breastfeed your baby. But taking in up to one standard drink a day at least two hours before breastfeeding is not known to be harmful for a baby. In the United States, one standard drink is about: 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
How to tell if you are dehydrated while breastfeeding?
Since breastfeeding demands more water from your body, it’s important to be mindful of common signs of dehydration, such as:
- Dry skin.
- Muscle cramps.
- Fatigue.
- Headaches.
- Dry mouth and lips.
- Dizziness.
- Dark urine.
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)
How much alcohol is okay when breastfeeding?
Overall, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women minimize alcohol consumption during lactation, but if you choose to imbibe limit that occasional intake to no more than 0.5 grams of alcohol per kilogram of body weight.
What is the threshold for safe amounts of alcohol intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
If they do consume alcohol, to ensure minimal risk to the baby, pregnant women may consume no more than one glass of wine or beer or 25ml of spirits once a week. While breastfeeding it is recommended not to consume alcohol beverages or to severely limit their consumption.