What happens if my baby drinks breast milk with alcohol in it?

Understanding the Impact of Alcohol in Breast Milk
When a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, it inevitably enters her breast milk, raising concerns about the potential effects on her infant. The consensus among health professionals is clear: alcohol and breastfeeding do not mix well. While occasional moderate drinking may not pose significant risks, the implications of regular or excessive alcohol consumption can be serious.
How Alcohol Affects Breast Milk
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and can be detected in breast milk at similar concentrations. The timing of alcohol consumption relative to breastfeeding is crucial. If a mother drinks alcohol, it typically takes about 2 to 3 hours for her body to metabolize one standard drink, during which time the alcohol level in her milk will gradually decrease. However, if a mother consumes alcohol in larger quantities or binge drinks, the effects can be more pronounced and prolonged.
Potential Risks to Infants
Infants are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol due to their immature liver function, which makes it difficult for them to process alcohol effectively. Studies indicate that exposure to alcohol through breast milk can lead to several negative outcomes for infants. These may include:
– Drowsiness and Deep Sleep: Alcohol can cause excessive sleepiness in infants, which may interfere with their feeding patterns and overall alertness.
– Weight Gain Issues: There is a risk of abnormal weight gain, as alcohol can affect an infant’s feeding behavior and metabolism.
– Developmental Delays: Regular exposure to alcohol in breast milk has been linked to developmental delays, particularly in cognitive functions such as abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills as the child grows.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Health organizations generally advise that if a breastfeeding mother chooses to drink, it should be done in moderation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that moderate alcohol consumption—defined as up to one drink per day—may not significantly harm the infant, especially if the mother waits a few hours before breastfeeding. However, binge drinking or frequent consumption is strongly discouraged, as it poses greater risks to the infant’s health and development.
Conclusion
In summary, while occasional moderate drinking may not be harmful, the safest approach for breastfeeding mothers is to avoid alcohol altogether. The potential risks to an infant’s health and development from alcohol exposure through breast milk are significant, and mothers should weigh these risks carefully when considering their alcohol consumption. Ultimately, prioritizing the well-being of the child is paramount, and erring on the side of caution is advisable.

Can a baby get fetal alcohol syndrome from breast milk?

Although alcohol exposure through the consumption of breast milk does not cause FASD, it can impact central nervous system development vii. Historically, alcohol consumption was encouraged during breastfeeding as a way to help women relax, promote lactation and letdown, as well as enhancing infant sleep.

What happens if I breastfeed after drinking?

Alcohol can pass into your breastmilk and then into your baby when you feed them. An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your baby especially if you wait at least 2 hours after having a drink before feeding.. Regularly drinking above the recommended limits can be harmful for you and your baby.

How do I know if my baby is affected by alcohol?

How Does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Affect Children? Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have facial features such as small eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth philtrum (the groove between nose and upper lip). They also can have: Poor growth.

How long does it take for alcohol to enter breast milk?

Alcohol gets into your breast milk from your blood. 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 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)

Can I vape and breastfeed?

Using tobacco or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes should be encouraged to quit.

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.

Can you remove alcohol from breast milk?

Myth No. 2: I can expedite the removal of alcohol from my system by drinking water. “Alcohol passes through your breastmilk at the same rate as it passes through your bloodstream,” says Kleckner. “All you can do is wait.” The recommended wait time is two hours.

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.