Should I dump breast milk after 2 glasses of wine?

Understanding Alcohol Consumption While Breastfeeding
As a nursing mother, the decision to consume alcohol can be a source of concern, particularly regarding its effects on breast milk and, ultimately, your baby. If you’ve enjoyed two glasses of wine, you might be wondering whether you should dump your breast milk afterward.
Alcohol and Breast Milk
When a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, it enters her bloodstream and subsequently her breast milk. The general consensus among health experts is that limited alcohol consumption is not harmful to breastfeeding infants. According to the CDC, alcohol from one drink can be detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours, while two drinks can linger for approximately 4 to 5 hours. This means that after consuming two glasses of wine, the alcohol will still be present in your milk for a significant period.
The Pump and Dump Myth
A common practice among nursing mothers is the idea of “pumping and dumping”—the act of expressing breast milk after drinking alcohol to remove it from the milk supply. However, many experts, including those from La Leche League, argue that this practice is unnecessary. The alcohol will naturally leave your system over time, and pumping does not expedite this process. Instead, it may be more beneficial to simply wait until the alcohol has cleared from your system before breastfeeding again.
Recommendations for Safe Drinking
If you choose to drink while breastfeeding, here are some guidelines to consider:
1. Timing is Key: It’s advisable to breastfeed your baby right before consuming alcohol. This way, your baby will receive milk that is free from alcohol.

2. Limit Your Intake: Experts suggest limiting alcohol to one or two drinks. If you have two glasses of wine, plan to wait about 4 to 5 hours before breastfeeding again.
3. Monitor Your Baby: Always observe your baby for any unusual behavior after drinking. If you notice any changes, consult your pediatrician.
Conclusion
In summary, after enjoying two glasses of wine, there is no need to pump and dump your breast milk. Instead, allow time for the alcohol to clear from your system before breastfeeding again. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your wine while still ensuring the safety and health of your baby. Remember, moderation is key, and being mindful of timing can help you navigate this aspect of motherhood with confidence.

How much alcohol is in breastmilk after 2 drinks?

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 I breastfeed after 3 wines?

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. If your baby is under 3 months old, it will take them longer to process the alcohol, as their liver is still developing.

What if there is a little alcohol in breastmilk?

And while evidence suggests if a breastfeeding mother has an occasional drink it’s very unlikely to harm their baby,4,5 regular exposure to alcohol in breast milk is linked to developmental delay.

How long can breast milk sit out after drinking?

Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours. Never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed.

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 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)

Should I discard my breast milk after drinking alcohol?

If a mother decides to express or pump milk within two hours (per drink) of consuming alcohol, the mother can discard the expressed milk. This is known as pumping and dumping. Expressing or pumping then discarding milk after drinking alcohol does not reduce the amount of alcohol in the mother’s milk more quickly.

How long does a glass of wine stay in breast milk?

The CDC state “Alcohol from 1 drink can be detected in breast milk for about 2-3 hours, alcohol from 2 drinks can be detected for about 4-5 hours, and alcohol from 3 drinks can be detected for about 6-8 hours, and so on.”

Can I breastfeed after 2 glass of wine?

Safety concerns. 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 dump my breast milk if I drink wine?

It is not necessary to pump and dump milk after consuming alcohol, but expressing milk can maintain supply and avoid complications of engorgement if a feeding is being delayed. Alcohol inhibits oxytocin and can diminish milk supply.