Beer And Breastfeeding: Is It Safe To Drink?

It is generally considered safe for a breastfeeding mother to consume a small amount of alcohol, such as one beer, and continue nursing. However, it is important to wait for a certain period, typically around two hours, to allow the alcohol to metabolize and leave the breast milk before nursing again. While occasional and moderate alcohol consumption is not expected to cause harm to the baby, excessive drinking can lead to poor weight gain, disrupted sleep patterns, and possible long-term cognitive and motor development issues in the child. Therefore, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to drink responsibly and plan ahead to ensure the safety and well-being of their baby.

The effects of alcohol on breast milk

Breastfeeding mothers often receive conflicting advice about alcohol consumption. While it is widely advised that alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy, the risks of drinking while breastfeeding have not been as widely researched.

Alcohol's effect on breast milk supply

It is a common belief that alcohol, particularly beer, can help to increase a mother's milk supply. However, this is not supported by scientific evidence. In fact, studies have shown that alcohol consumption may slightly reduce milk production.

Alcohol's transfer to breast milk

When a mother consumes alcohol, a small amount is transferred into her breast milk. Alcohol levels in breast milk closely parallel blood alcohol levels, with the highest levels occurring 30 to 60 minutes after drinking an alcoholic beverage. As alcohol leaves the bloodstream, it also leaves the breast milk.

The effects of alcohol on the infant

The possible long-term effects of alcohol in breast milk are still unknown. However, research has shown that even small to moderate amounts of alcohol can have negative effects on the infant, including:

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

Recommendations for breastfeeding mothers

If a breastfeeding mother chooses to consume alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to wait until the alcohol has been metabolized before nursing again. Planning ahead is crucial, as going even a few hours without breastfeeding can be challenging. It is recommended to breastfeed right before consuming an alcoholic beverage and to have expressed milk ready to feed the baby before the alcohol has cleared the mother's system.

While occasional alcohol consumption is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is important to prioritize the baby's health and well-being and to be aware of the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.

The effects of alcohol on the baby

While drinking alcohol while nursing is not against the law, it is important to understand the effects of alcohol on the baby. The impact of alcohol on the baby is directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed by the mother.

Sleep Disturbances

Research has shown that alcohol can cause sleep disturbances in babies, including shorter sleep periods, more frequent wakefulness, and less total active and REM sleep. Sleep patterns can be disrupted for up to 24 hours after exposure to alcohol.

Decreased Milk Intake

Alcohol can inhibit the milk ejection reflex in mothers, leading to a decrease in milk intake for the baby. Studies have found that babies nurse more frequently when their mother has consumed alcohol, but they take in less milk.

Impaired Immune Function

Alcohol consumption by the mother can impair the immune function of the baby, making them more susceptible to illnesses.

Delay in Motor and Cognitive Development

Regular exposure to alcohol in breast milk has been linked to delays in motor development, such as psychomotor delay, and potential impairments in cognitive development.

Abnormal Weight Gain

Consuming large amounts of alcohol while breastfeeding can cause abnormal weight gain in infants. It can also lead to slow weight gain or failure to thrive if the mother is dependent on alcohol.

It is important to note that the long-term effects of alcohol exposure through breast milk are still unknown, and there is conflicting advice on whether alcohol consumption can negatively affect the baby. However, it is generally recommended to limit alcohol intake and plan ahead to reduce the baby's exposure to alcohol.

The effects of alcohol on the mother

It is important to note that while moderate alcohol consumption, defined as up to one standard drink per day, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, the specific effects on the mother can vary. Firstly, alcohol can interfere with the mother's milk ejection reflex, also known as letdown. This reflex is crucial for effective breastfeeding as it helps the baby to nurse and extract milk from the breast. Impairment of this reflex can lead to a decrease in milk production over time, which may ultimately result in a shortened breastfeeding duration.

Secondly, alcohol consumption can impact the mother's judgment and ability to care for her child safely. Excessive alcohol intake can impair cognitive function and motor skills, making it unsafe for the mother to care for her infant. In such cases, it is recommended to arrange for a sober adult to care for the child until the alcohol has cleared the mother's system.

Thirdly, alcohol consumption can have an impact on the mother's sleep patterns. As alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, it can disrupt the mother's sleep quality and duration. This can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers who already experience sleep disruptions due to their infant's feeding schedule.

Additionally, alcohol consumption can have an impact on the mother's overall health and well-being. Excessive alcohol intake is associated with various health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. These risks are not specific to breastfeeding mothers but are important considerations for anyone consuming alcohol.

To minimize the potential negative effects of alcohol on the mother and the infant, it is recommended to follow guidelines for moderate alcohol consumption and to wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding. Expressing or pumping milk after drinking can help ease physical discomfort, but it is important to discard any milk expressed within two hours per drink, as this milk may still contain traces of alcohol.

How long to wait after drinking alcohol before breastfeeding

While there is no definitive answer to the question of how long one should wait after drinking alcohol before breastfeeding, there are some general guidelines and recommendations provided by medical professionals and organizations. Here is a summary of the key points to consider:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend waiting for at least two hours after drinking alcohol before breastfeeding again. This allows the body to metabolize the alcohol before the next feeding session.
• The amount of time needed to metabolize alcohol can vary depending on individual factors such as weight, body composition, and the amount and speed of alcohol consumption. Smaller mothers generally need more time to process and eliminate alcohol from their system.
• The concentration of alcohol in breast milk is similar to that in the blood, and it can take about two to three hours for most of the alcohol to leave the system after a single drink. However, this can vary depending on individual factors.
• It is important to plan ahead and consider the baby's feeding schedule. Breastfeeding right before having an alcoholic drink can help maximize the time between drinking and the next feeding session.
• Pumping and dumping breast milk after drinking alcohol will not remove the alcohol from the milk. The only way to reduce alcohol levels in breast milk is to wait for it to leave the bloodstream naturally over time.
• Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding may have potential negative effects on the baby, including decreased milk intake, disrupted sleep patterns, and possible long-term cognitive and developmental delays.
• The CDC advises that breastfeeding parents of newborns less than three months old should be especially cautious about drinking alcohol, as the baby's brain is still developing during this critical period.
• According to the CDC, "Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 drink per day) is not known to be harmful to the infant."
• It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.

Pumping and dumping breast milk after drinking alcohol

Pumping and dumping refers to the practice of pumping breast milk after consuming alcohol and then discarding it instead of storing it for the baby's next feeding. This is often done out of concern that alcohol will pass into the breast milk and potentially harm the baby.

The practice of pumping and dumping after drinking alcohol is not necessary to remove alcohol from the breast milk or a mother's system. Alcohol will naturally leave the breast milk as it clears from the bloodstream. Pumping and dumping will not speed up this process.

However, there may be other reasons why pumping and dumping could be helpful or necessary:

• Avoiding engorgement and discomfort if alcohol has not cleared the system before the next feeding time.
• Disposing of milk that may still contain alcohol if it has not had enough time to metabolise and leave the bloodstream.
• Maintaining milk supply and stimulating milk production by relieving engorgement.

When to Pump and Dump:

There are several situations where pumping and dumping may be recommended or necessary:

• When taking certain medications that can pass into the breast milk. It is important to consult a doctor or refer to a drug and lactation database like LactMed for specific medication guidelines.
• After consuming caffeine. It is recommended to wait until after nursing or expressing milk to consume caffeine, as it can be detected in an infant's urine.
• After using marijuana. Marijuana can pass through breast milk and stays in the body longer than alcohol, so abstinence or pumping and dumping is recommended.
• When away from the baby and unable to store breast milk safely. Pumping and dumping in this case helps maintain milk supply and ensures the baby receives safe milk.

Effects of Alcohol on Breast Milk:

Alcohol does pass into breast milk and can have several effects on both the mother and the baby:

• Alcohol levels in breast milk peak about 30-60 minutes after consuming an alcoholic beverage and increase with the amount consumed.
• Factors affecting alcohol levels in breast milk include consumption speed, whether food was consumed, the mother's weight, and metabolism rate.
• Alcohol can decrease hormones that aid in the milk ejection reflex, impacting milk supply and flow. This is temporary, as hormone levels return to normal once alcohol is metabolised.
• Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to shortened breastfeeding duration and decreased milk production.
• Alcohol can change the taste of breast milk, which may be unappealing to the baby.
• Negative effects on the baby depend on the amount and duration of alcohol consumption. Long-term exposure may impact the baby's growth, cognition, and development.
• Alcohol consumption can impair a mother's motor skills, reaction times, decision-making, and ability to safely care for an infant, requiring a sober caregiver.

Recommendations for Drinking and Breastfeeding:

While abstinence is the only way to ensure the baby is not affected by alcohol in breast milk, moderate consumption (up to one standard drink per day) is generally considered acceptable by organisations like the CDC. Here are some recommendations for safe drinking while breastfeeding:

• Time alcohol consumption just after nursing or pumping to allow enough time for the alcohol to metabolise before the next feeding.
• Refer to guidelines and charts, such as those provided by Motherisk, to determine how long to wait after drinking before nursing again based on weight and number of drinks consumed.
• If unable to wait, use expressed milk or formula to feed the baby until the alcohol has cleared the system.
• Eat before drinking and stay hydrated. Alcohol should be consumed with food, and staying hydrated is important as alcohol can be dehydrating.
• Consider the baby's age and feeding schedule and plan drinking around their feeding times.
• Be mindful of the type and amount of alcohol consumed. The volume of alcohol in different drinks varies, and more drinks will require more time to metabolise.
• Pumping and dumping is not necessary unless the mother is intoxicated and needs to relieve engorgement or maintain milk supply.

In summary, while moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe while breastfeeding, it is important to prioritise the baby's safety and well-being. Timing alcohol consumption, planning ahead, and being mindful of consumption levels and potential effects are key to ensuring a healthy breastfeeding relationship.

Frequently asked questions