December 12, 2021 6 min read
Yes, once a lactating parent consumes alcohol, the highest level of alcohol can be found in their breast milk approximately within 30 minutes to 1 hour after it has been consumed (The time may vary depending on factors such as food intake during alcohol consumption, body weight and percentage of body fat).
Less than 2% of the alcohol a lactating parent consumes reaches their blood and breastmilk and research has shown that lactating women appear to metabolise alcohol quicker than non-lactating women. The more alcohol that is consumed, the longer the alcohol will be detected in the breastmilk. Alcohol does not accumulate in the breastmilk and once the lactating parents’ blood alcohol levels are reduced, so are the alcohol levels in the milk.
amount of alcohol consumed
how fast the alcohol is consumed
whether it is consumed on an empty stomach or with food
lactating parent’s weight and percentage of body fat
how fast the alcohol is metabolized or broken down in the lactating parent’s body
Alcohol consumption of more than 1 standard drink per day, results in high alcohol levels of the lactating parent. This can interfere with the milk ejection reflex (the let-down) which can lead to shortened breastfeeding sessions, decreased breastmilk production and earlier weaning. Infant’s sleep patterns and early development may be negatively affected from high alcohol levels.
It is important to also consider the age of your baby when deciding when to start consuming alcohol again. A newborn baby has a very immature liver, so will be affected easily with even small amounts of alcohol. Up until a baby is 3 months of age, infants will detoxify alcohol around half the rate of an adult (slower than an adult), whereas an older baby or toddler can metabolise the alcohol faster.
Various studies have shown that daily consumption of alcohol (more than 1 drink per day) have been associated with increased drowsiness in the baby, slower weight gain in infants and a decrease in gross motor development.
Expressing breastmilk after a parent has consumed alcohol does not reduce the alcohol in the lactating parent’s milk. If the alcohol is in the lactating parent’s blood stream, it is also in their breastmilk. As the lactating parent’s blood alcohol level decreases over time, so will the levels decrease in their breastmilk.
Pump if you are uncomfortable or engorged (for comfort- it will not make the alcohol decrease any faster)
Pump if you are away from your baby or if it is part of your pumping schedule to maintain your supply
There is no need to pump and dump milk after consuming alcohol- it does not speed the elimination of the alcohol from the milk. Drinking water, coffee and resting also does not speed up the elimination of alcohol from a lactating parent’s body.
Wait 2 hours per drink before a mother breastfeeds again, this will reduce the concentration of the alcohol in the ingested milk.
Use previously expressed milk to feed your baby in the mean-time
Direct feeding can be resumed as soon as the lactating parent feels neurologically normal
Minimise the amount of alcoholic beverages consumed, to no more than 0.5g alcohol per kg of lactating parent’s body weight
Experts recommend against drinking more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks per week
Do not bed-share with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol as your natural reflexes may be impaired and there is an increased association of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
If you become drunk (consumed alcohol to the point of vomiting and or disorientation), do not breast or chest feed until you feel sober. You can express milk (for your comfort and to protect your supply), but the milk expressed whilst you are intoxicated should not be fed to your child.
Plan ahead
Express and store breastmilk ahead of time
You can choose to wait for the alcohol to clear your system (2 hours) before resuming direct breastfeeding
If your breasts become full whilst waiting for the alcohol to clear- you can hand express or pump for comfort.
If in doubt, choose an alternatives - see if there is a non-alcoholic drink available, that you can have and enjoy instead
Be safe – choose where and with whom you are around- to ensure you are ok and safe. Arrange for a sober and responsible adult to take care of you and your infant
Eat before or whilst you consume alcohol
Generally, if you are sober enough to drive, you are sober enough to breastfeed. With some thought, planning and discussion with your support structures (co-parent, family, friends, health care professionals) you can enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly, by limiting the consumption and drinking occasionally. If you are worried about your alcohol consumption, seek help from a professional.
“Reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most medicinal drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. The mother can take some alcohol and continue breastfeeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for nursing mothers.” Dr Jack Newman – More Breastfeeding Myths.
Article by Lactation Consultant Niyati Naik
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …