Breastfeeding After Non-Alcoholic Beer: Safe Or Not?

Breastfeeding and drinking alcohol is a topic that attracts a lot of discussion and conflicting advice. While it is well-known that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can harm an unborn child, the effects of drinking while breastfeeding are less clear. It is important to note that alcohol can pass into breast milk and, subsequently, into the baby. However, having an occasional drink is unlikely to harm the baby, especially if the parent waits at least two hours after drinking before breastfeeding.

The risks of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding

Drinking non-alcoholic beer is unlikely to be harmful to your baby, but it's important to check the drink's alcohol by volume (ABV) content. In the UK, drinks that contain less than 0.05% ABV are classified as non-alcoholic. However, some non-alcoholic drinks can contain up to 0.5% ABV. As a general rule, it's best to wait for at least 2 hours per drink before breastfeeding to avoid exposing your baby to any alcohol in your milk.

Alcohol can pass into your breast milk and then into your baby when you feed them. While an occasional drink is unlikely to harm your baby, regularly drinking above the recommended limits can be harmful to both you and your baby. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, it's safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.

Negative effects on the baby

• Sleep disturbances, including shorter sleep periods, more frequent wakefulness, and less total active and REM sleep in the three-hour period after consuming alcohol
• Increased REM sleep in the period from 3.5 hours to 24 hours after exposure to alcohol
• Decreased milk intake by the baby
• Impaired immune function
• Delay of motor development
• Potential impairment of cognitive development
• Reduction in ability for abstract reasoning at school age (6-7 years)

Negative effects on the mother

• Regularly drinking above the recommended limits can be harmful to your health
• Drinking too much can decrease your milk supply
• Drinking alcohol can cause you to share a bed or sofa with your baby, which has a strong association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

How long does alcohol stay in breast milk?

Alcohol can pass into breast milk and subsequently be consumed by a baby during feeding. The amount of alcohol in breast milk is estimated to be 5% to 6% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose. The alcohol consumed by a mother can typically be detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours after a single drink. However, the time period increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Alcohol from one drink can be detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours, but this extends to 4 to 5 hours for two drinks, and 6 to 8 hours for three drinks.

The time it takes for alcohol to leave the breast milk depends on several factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, how quickly it was consumed, whether it was consumed with food, the mother's body weight, and individual variations in alcohol absorption and metabolism. Generally, smaller mothers need more time to process and eliminate alcohol from their bloodstream.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is recommended to wait to nurse at least two hours after the last drink. This is because alcohol peaks in breast milk anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes after consuming an alcoholic beverage. However, it is important to note that this is generalised guidance, and individual body differences in processing alcohol should be taken into account.

How long after drinking can I breastfeed?

It is recommended that breastfeeding parents wait at least two to three hours after drinking non-alcoholic beer before breastfeeding. This is because, although non-alcoholic, these beverages may contain trace amounts of alcohol. The time it takes for alcohol to leave your breast milk depends on several factors, including the number of drinks consumed, how quickly you metabolise alcohol, and whether you consumed alcohol with food.

The highest alcohol levels in breast milk occur 30 to 60 minutes after drinking an alcoholic beverage, but food delays the time it takes for alcohol to peak in the milk. Generally, it is advised to wait two hours after drinking one alcoholic drink before breastfeeding. If you've had two drinks, wait four to five hours. The more you drink, the longer it will take for the alcohol to clear your system and your breast milk.

It is important to note that alcohol can negatively impact your milk supply and let-down reflex. It can also cause negative outcomes for the baby, including sleep disturbances, decreased milk intake, impaired immune function, delay of motor development, and potential impairment of cognitive development. Therefore, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.

Does non-alcoholic beer increase milk supply?

While drinking non-alcoholic beer is safer than drinking regular beer, it is not recommended to consume non-alcoholic beer to increase milk supply. In fact, alcohol is known to decrease milk production and can negatively impact the let-down reflex, resulting in the baby receiving less milk.

Non-alcoholic beer typically contains a very low percentage of alcohol, usually around 0.5% or less. While this amount is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is important to remember that even small amounts of alcohol can pass into breast milk and reach the baby. The effects of alcohol on a developing baby can be harmful, including potential developmental and neurological problems and trouble gaining weight.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is recommended to wait at least two hours after consuming one drink before breastfeeding. This allows the alcohol to metabolize and leave the breast milk. However, it is important to note that the more you drink, the longer it takes for the alcohol to clear from your system and your breast milk.

If you are concerned about your milk supply, there are other safe and effective ways to increase it. Lactation consultants often recommend methods such as frequent nursing or pumping, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet with galactagogue foods, which are known to promote milk production. These foods include oats, fenugreek, garlic, and leafy greens.

In summary, while non-alcoholic beer may not have the same level of risk as regular beer, it is not an effective or recommended way to increase milk supply. It is important to prioritize the health and safety of both the mother and the baby when considering any substance that may pass through breast milk.

How much alcohol is safe to drink while breastfeeding?

It is generally advised that breastfeeding parents avoid drinking alcohol altogether. However, having an occasional drink is unlikely to harm the baby, especially if the parent waits for at least two hours after drinking before breastfeeding. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it takes around two hours for the average adult to metabolize one drink. This means that if there is still alcohol in the parent's system, there is still alcohol in their breast milk.

The amount of time a breastfeeding parent should wait before breastfeeding after drinking alcohol depends on various factors, including the number of drinks consumed and the speed of the parent's metabolism. For example, after two drinks, it is recommended to wait for four to five hours. It is important to note that drinking alcohol can negatively impact the let-down reflex, which can result in the baby getting less milk.

It is also worth noting that alcohol can interfere with levels of prolactin, a hormone that helps produce milk. Additionally, alcohol can cause the breast milk to taste different, which the infant may not enjoy.

Frequently asked questions