As a new parent, navigating the world of breastfeeding comes with a lot of learning, questions, and, yes, plenty of advice. One of the most common topics that come up in conversations about breastfeeding is alcohol consumption. Many new parents wonder: Is it safe to drink alcohol while breastfeeding? And if so, how much is okay? What’s the best way to balance a glass of wine with the needs of a breastfeeding baby?
The topic is a bit tricky, and it’s normal to feel uncertain. In this blog post, we’ll break down what you need to know about alcohol and breastfeeding, so you can make informed choices that work for both you and your baby.
When you drink alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and can also make its way into your breast milk. The amount of alcohol in breast milk is roughly the same as the amount in your bloodstream. However, alcohol doesn’t stay in your milk forever. It peaks in breast milk about 30 to 60 minutes after you start drinking (on an empty stomach), and its concentration decreases as your body metabolizes it.
While alcohol in breast milk is not harmful in small amounts, it’s important to understand that consuming large quantities of alcohol or drinking frequently could have negative effects on your baby’s development and well-being. Alcohol can affect your milk production, make it harder for your baby to latch, and even interfere with your baby’s sleep patterns.
The good news is that you don’t have to avoid alcohol entirely while breastfeeding. It’s generally considered safe to have an occasional drink, but moderation is key. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
If you decide to have a drink, the safest approach is to wait before breastfeeding. Most experts recommend waiting at least 2-3 hours after having a drink before nursing. This allows the alcohol to leave your system and minimizes the chances of your baby being exposed to it.
The amount of time you need to wait depends on how much alcohol you consume, as it takes about 1-2 hours for your body to metabolize each standard drink. For example, if you have a glass of wine (which is about 5 ounces) or a beer, waiting for 2-3 hours is usually sufficient. For stronger drinks like cocktails or shots, you’ll need to wait a bit longer.
Many new moms wonder if they need to “pump and dump” after drinking alcohol. The answer is no—there’s no need to express milk to “clear” the alcohol from your system. Once the alcohol has been metabolized, it will no longer be present in your milk. However, if you’re concerned about your milk supply or if you need to maintain a pumping schedule, you can express milk during the waiting period to relieve engorgement. Just remember that pumping will not speed up the process of clearing alcohol from your system.
While a small amount of alcohol is unlikely to harm your baby, it’s still essential to limit your intake. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that if you’re breastfeeding, you should stick to moderate drinking—defined as no more than one standard drink per day. Drinking in moderation ensures that the amount of alcohol in your system—and in your breast milk—remains low.
If you’re planning to have a drink, you might want to time it around your baby’s feeding schedule. For example, if your baby is going to sleep for a longer stretch at night, you might choose to have a glass of wine after their last feed, knowing that by the time they wake up, the alcohol will be mostly gone from your system. Another option is to breastfeed just before you have a drink, and then wait 2-3 hours before nursing again or provide previously pumped milk.
If you’ve had a drink and are breastfeeding, there are some signs to watch out for that may indicate alcohol is affecting your baby. These signs can include:
If you notice any of these signs after consuming alcohol, it may be a good idea to skip breastfeeding for a while and let your body process the alcohol before offering your baby a feed.
If you want to enjoy a drink and are concerned about the timing, one way to reduce the risks is by expressing milk beforehand. By pumping or breastfeeding before drinking, you can have milk stored and ready for when your baby needs it. This allows you to enjoy your drink without worrying about the timing of the next feed.
If you’re planning to be out for a while and want to drink more than one glass of alcohol, it might be a good idea to have extra milk stored in advance, so you have a supply to feed your baby when they’re hungry.
There are many myths about alcohol and breastfeeding, so let’s clear a few of them up:
Ultimately, the key to alcohol consumption while breastfeeding is moderation and awareness. An occasional drink is usually safe, as long as you wait until the alcohol is cleared from your system before nursing again. Timing, monitoring your baby’s response, and avoiding heavy drinking are all crucial to making responsible decisions about alcohol and breastfeeding.
As always, if you have specific concerns about alcohol consumption and breastfeeding, it's a good idea to consult with a lactation consultant, who can provide guidance based on your unique situation. With the right information and a little planning, you can enjoy a drink responsibly while keeping your baby’s well-being at the forefront of your decisions.
Feel free to reach out to me today, your local lactation consultant. Servicing areas in York Region (Markham, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Newmarket), Durham region (Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa).
