What can I do with breastmilk that has alcohol in it?

Understanding Breastmilk with Alcohol: What You Need to Know
Breastfeeding mothers often face the dilemma of alcohol consumption and its effects on breastmilk. While moderate drinking is generally considered acceptable, there are important guidelines and considerations to keep in mind.
The Impact of Alcohol on Breastmilk
Moderate alcohol consumption—defined as about one drink per day—has been shown to have no known harmful effects on infants, according to research. However, the consensus among health experts is clear: the safest option for breastfeeding mothers is to avoid alcohol altogether. This is primarily due to the potential effects alcohol can have on both the mother and the infant.
When a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, it enters her bloodstream and subsequently her breastmilk. The concentration of alcohol in breastmilk is similar to that in the mother’s blood, which means that if a mother drinks, her baby is also exposed to alcohol.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Health authorities, including the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that if a mother chooses to drink, she should wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol before nursing. This waiting period allows the body time to metabolize the alcohol, thereby reducing the amount present in the breastmilk. For instance, after one standard drink, waiting two hours is advisable; after two drinks, the wait should extend to four to five hours.
Interestingly, some studies suggest that nursing or pumping right before drinking may slightly reduce the amount of alcohol in breastmilk later on . However, this does not eliminate the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The Effects on Infants
Research indicates that nursing after consuming alcohol can lead to a decrease in the infant’s milk intake by 20 to 23%, which may result in agitation and poor sleep patterns for the baby . This is a significant consideration for mothers who want to ensure their infants are well-fed and comfortable.
Pumping and Dumping: A Common Misconception
A common myth is that mothers should “pump and dump” their breastmilk after drinking alcohol. However, experts clarify that this practice is unnecessary. The alcohol will naturally clear from the breastmilk as it does from the bloodstream, so there is no need to discard milk. Instead, the focus should be on timing nursing sessions appropriately in relation to alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
In summary, while moderate alcohol consumption may not pose significant risks to breastfeeding infants, the best practice is to limit or avoid alcohol altogether. If a mother does choose to drink, she should carefully time her nursing sessions to minimize any potential exposure to her baby. Ultimately, the health and well-being of both mother and child should guide decisions regarding alcohol consumption during breastfeeding.

Does alcohol metabolize out of pumped breast milk?

As alcohol leaves your bloodstream, it leaves your breastmilk. Since alcohol is not “trapped” in breastmilk (it returns to the bloodstream as your blood alcohol level declines), pumping and dumping will not remove it.

Can you filter alcohol out of breast milk?

Since alcohol is not “trapped” in breastmilk (it returns to the bloodstream as mother’s blood alcohol level declines), pumping and dumping will not remove it. Drinking a lot of water, resting, or drinking coffee will not speed up the rate of the elimination of alcohol from your body either.

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)

What to do with breast milk with alcohol in it?

Bear in mind your breasts may become uncomfortably full if you leave long gaps between feeds. You may feel the need to express for comfort. You do not need to express to clear your milk of alcohol. The level of alcohol in your milk will fall as the level of alcohol in your body falls.

How long does alcohol stay in breastmilk calculator?

How many hours after drinking until your breast milk no longer contains alcohol

1 standard drink	2 hours
2 standard drinks	4 hours
3 standard drinks	6 hours
4 standard drinks	8 hours
5 standard drinks	10 hours

What can I do with breast milk instead of dumping?

6 Creative Ways to Use Breast Milk as a Home Remedy

1. Soothing Baby’s Diaper Rash.
2. Clearing Baby’s Stuffy Nose.
3. Easing Teething Pain.
4. Treating Baby’s Acne.
5. Helping Baby’s Cradle Cap.
6. Healing Cuts and Scrapes.

How long does alcohol stay in breast milk for?

Alcohol levels are usually highest in breast milk 30 to 60 minutes after a woman consumes an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol can be generally detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours per drink after it is consumed. The more alcohol a mother consumes, the longer alcohol can be detected in breast milk.

How long does it take to get alcohol out of breastmilk?

1: For a 40.8-kg (90-lb) woman who consumed three drinks in 1 hour, it would take 8 hours, 30 minutes for there to be no alcohol in her breast milk, but for a 95.3-kg (210-lb) woman drinking the same amount, it would take 5 hours, 33 minutes.

What can I do with half drunk breast milk?

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.

How much alcohol in breastmilk will affect a baby?

Ultimately, just as in pregnancy, there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. We cannot know for certain the safety of even small amounts of alcohol for young babies.