What to do with alcohol in breastmilk?

Understanding Alcohol in Breastmilk: Guidelines for Nursing Mothers
Navigating the complexities of breastfeeding while consuming alcohol can be challenging for new mothers. The consensus among health experts is clear: the safest option is to avoid alcohol altogether while breastfeeding. However, if a mother chooses to drink, understanding how alcohol affects breastmilk and the timing of nursing is crucial.
The Impact of Alcohol on Breastfeeding
When a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, it passes into her breastmilk. This transfer can affect the infant, leading to potential issues such as decreased milk intake and agitation. Research indicates that nursing after consuming one or two drinks can reduce an infant’s milk intake by 20 to 23%, which may also disrupt their sleep patterns .
Moreover, alcohol can alter the composition of breastmilk, potentially impacting the baby’s development and behavior. Experts from the Mayo Clinic emphasize that breastfeeding and alcohol do not mix well, highlighting the risks associated with alcohol consumption during this critical period.
Recommendations for Alcohol Consumption
If a mother decides to drink, experts recommend several strategies to minimize risks:
1. Timing is Key: It is advisable to nurse or pump before consuming alcohol. This approach allows the mother to have a drink without immediately affecting the milk available to the baby. Waiting at least two hours after drinking before nursing again is often suggested, as this gives the body time to metabolize the alcohol.
2. No Need to Pump and Dump: Contrary to some beliefs, there is generally no need to pump and dump breastmilk after drinking. The alcohol will naturally clear from the milk as it does from the bloodstream, so discarding milk is not necessary.
3. Limit Consumption: If a mother chooses to drink, limiting consumption to one standard drink is recommended. This aligns with broader dietary guidelines that suggest moderation in alcohol intake.
Conclusion
In summary, while the safest route for breastfeeding mothers is to abstain from alcohol, understanding how to manage occasional consumption can help mitigate risks. By timing drinks appropriately and recognizing that alcohol does enter breastmilk, mothers can make informed decisions that prioritize their baby’s health while still enjoying social occasions. Ultimately, the well-being of both mother and child should guide these choices, ensuring that breastfeeding remains a positive experience.

Can alcohol pass to a baby in breast milk?

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 long does it take for alcohol to get out of breast milk?

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.

Can you use breastmilk that has alcohol in it for baths?

If alcohol is still in your system it’s important to discard the milk expressed. You don’t have to throw it away, but your baby should not consume it. Some moms hate tossing that liquid gold so they’ll put it in their baby’s next bath.

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.

What can I do with breast milk that has alcohol in it?

Breastfeeding and alcohol
Breastfeeding mothers who have consumed alcohol can wait 2 hours (per drink) before breastfeeding. This time will allow alcohol levels in her breast milk to go down. If the mother cannot wait to feed her infant, she can feed milk that was previously expressed when the mother was not drinking.

What percentage of alcohol is OK in breastmilk?

No safe amount of alcohol has been defined during breastfeeding. It is safest not to drink alcohol if you breastfeed your baby.

How much alcohol will contaminate breast 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. That means that as long as the mother has substantial blood alcohol levels, the milk also will contain alcohol.

What percentage of alcohol is in breast milk?

The amount of alcohol presented to nursing infants through breast milk is approximately 5-6% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose, and even in a theoretical case of binge drinking, the children would not be subjected to clinically relevant amounts of alcohol.

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.

What happens if you breastfeed after drinking?

When a person drinks, a small amount of alcohol passes through the blood into breast milk. Regular exposure to too much alcohol can affect a baby’s growth, development and sleep. The baby might seem drowsy and weak and have unhealthy weight gain. Alcohol also can affect the ability to safely care for a baby.