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When should I dump breast milk after drinking?

Understanding “Pump and Dump” After Drinking Alcohol
For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether to “pump and dump” breast milk after consuming alcohol is a common concern. The practice of pumping and discarding milk is often misunderstood, leading to confusion about its necessity and timing.
The Basics of Alcohol and Breastfeeding
When a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, it enters her bloodstream and subsequently her breast milk. However, the amount of alcohol in breast milk is generally similar to the mother’s blood alcohol concentration. This means that if a mother drinks moderately, the alcohol level in her milk will peak about 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and then gradually decline as her body metabolizes the alcohol.
Timing Your Drinks
Experts recommend that if a mother wishes to drink, the best strategy is to do so right after breastfeeding or pumping. This timing allows the alcohol to be metabolized before the next feeding. For instance, if a mother has a drink immediately after nursing, she can wait at least two hours before the next feeding, which is typically sufficient for her body to process the alcohol . This approach minimizes the risk of the baby ingesting alcohol through breast milk.
The “Pump and Dump” Myth
A common myth is that mothers must pump and dump their milk after drinking alcohol. However, this is not necessary for safety reasons. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that there is no need to discard milk unless the mother is feeling intoxicated or her blood alcohol content is at a level considered legally intoxicated (0.08 percent or higher). In such cases, discarding the milk may be more about comfort and personal choice rather than a health requirement for the baby.
Moderate Drinking Guidelines
Moderate alcohol consumption—defined as up to one standard drink per day—is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports this view, indicating that moderate drinking is not known to be harmful to infants. However, mothers should always be mindful of their own limits and the potential effects of alcohol on their ability to care for their child.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can enjoy alcohol in moderation without the need to pump and dump their milk, provided they time their drinking appropriately. By nursing or pumping before consuming alcohol and waiting a couple of hours afterward, mothers can ensure that their milk remains safe for their babies. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal comfort and awareness of one’s own body and limits.

How long is breast milk good for after drinking from a bottle?

Store breast milk in small batches, ideally 2 to 4 ounces to prevent waste. Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding.

How long after drinking breast milk is it good for?

So do not give your baby fresh breast milk for at least 2 hours if you’ve had one drink, 4 hours if you’ve had two drinks, and so on. If you plan to drink more than a few, do so after breastfeeding’s been established for about a month and then “pump and dump.” This is when you pump your milk and throw it away.

How long should you wait to breastfeed after drinking alcohol?

Delay pumping or breastfeeding your baby two hours for each alcoholic drink you consume. Or use stored breast milk that you pumped before you had alcohol.

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)

When should I throw away breast milk after drinking?

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 long does it take for a standard drink to leave breast milk?

It takes approximately 2 hours for the average woman to completely eliminate 1 standard alcoholic drink and therefore 4 hours for 2 drinks, 6 hours for 3 drinks, and so on5. May 2014 The current Australian guidelines recommend that for women who are breastfeeding, not drinking is the safest option3.

Can I put breast milk in fridge after baby drinks from it?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed.

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 can you leave breast milk out 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 long is a breastmilk bottle good for after drinking?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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