What happens if I drink alcohol and breastfeed my baby?

The Impact of Alcohol on Breastfeeding
When it comes to the intersection of alcohol consumption and breastfeeding, the conversation is nuanced and often filled with conflicting advice. Many new mothers wonder whether it’s safe to enjoy a drink while nursing, and the consensus among health professionals is that moderation is key.
Alcohol in Breast Milk
Alcohol does pass into breast milk, but the concentration is generally similar to that found in the mother’s bloodstream. This means that if a mother drinks alcohol, her breast milk will contain alcohol as well. However, the amount of alcohol that reaches the baby is typically low, especially if the mother consumes alcohol in moderation. According to the La Leche League, drinking no more than one drink a day is unlikely to cause harmful effects to babies.
Effects on Milk Production and Let-Down Reflex
While occasional drinking may not pose significant risks, regular or excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with breastfeeding. Studies indicate that alcohol can negatively affect the milk ejection reflex, also known as the let-down reflex, which is crucial for breastfeeding. This interference can lead to decreased milk production over time. Mothers who consume alcohol regularly may find that their milk supply diminishes compared to those who abstain.
Potential Behavioral Changes in Infants
There are also behavioral considerations to keep in mind. Some research suggests that infants may experience changes in sleep patterns or increased fussiness after their mothers consume alcohol. While moderate drinking has not been linked to long-term complications for infants, it can lead to short-term effects such as drowsiness or increased crying.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Health organizations, including the CDC and NHS, generally advise that if a mother chooses to drink, it is best to do so in moderation. Consuming one or two units of alcohol occasionally—perhaps once or twice a week—is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, there is no need to “pump and dump” breast milk after drinking, as the alcohol will naturally clear from the milk as it does from the bloodstream.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is possible to drink alcohol and breastfeed, moderation is crucial. Occasional, low to moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to harm a breastfeeding baby, but regular or excessive drinking can lead to complications in milk production and potential behavioral changes in infants. Mothers should feel empowered to make informed choices about their alcohol consumption while considering the well-being of their babies.

How can I breastfeed my husband but not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

How much alcohol is passed through breast milk?

When a lactating woman consumes alcohol, some of that alcohol is transferred into the milk. In general, less than 2 percent of the alcohol dose consumed by the mother reaches her milk and blood. Alcohol is not stored in breast milk, however, but its level parallels that found in the maternal blood.

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)

Do you have to dump breast milk when drinking?

The body clears alcohol from breast milk and the bloodstream at the same rate, so pumping and dumping won’t make milk any safer.

What happens if your partner drinks your breast milk?

HIV and other infectious diseases can enter your breast milk and pass on to your partner. 6 Some sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes and syphilis, can also spread through breastfeeding if you have active sores on your breasts, nipples, or areola. 9 Your partner should be aware of any risks involved.

Can alcohol cause SIDs while breastfeeding?

Mothers who have been drinking alcohol should never let themselves be in a situation where they might fall asleep with the baby; on a bed, chair or settee (this would also apply to other carers who have been drinking alcohol). Doing this has a strong association with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Should I stop breastfeeding if I vape?

Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes can breastfeed their infants but should be encouraged to quit. If they are unable to quit, breastfeeding still provides numerous health benefits, and breast milk remains the recommended food for an infant.

What happens to a baby if the mother drinks alcohol?

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and your baby having a low birthweight. It can also affect your baby after they’re born. Drinking during pregnancy can cause your baby to develop a serious life-long condition called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

How much alcohol in breastmilk will affect 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.

Will I lose my baby if I drink alcohol?

Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol when pregnant may lead to miscarriage. Heavy drinkers (those who drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day) are at greater risk of giving birth to a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. The more you drink, the more you raise your baby’s risk for harm.