Though it is almost universally agreed that consuming alcohol during pregnancy is detrimental to a growing child, there is no clear consensus regarding drinking while breastfeeding. Most experts agree that alcohol consumed by the mother does pass freely into her breast milk, but how much and for how long is still under dispute.
To feel better about enjoying an occasional recreational drink, mothers should familiarize themselves with some facts about alcohol and breastfeeding.
Alcohol in Breast Milk Relates Directly to a Mother's Blood Alcohol Level
It is widely accepted that moderate drinking by the mother (considered to be 1-2 alcoholic beverages) does not compromise the quality of breast milk. Yet all drinks are not created equal. Two stiff highballs contain significantly more alcohol than two cans of beer. It is imperative for mothers to consider the alcohol content of their favorite beverage before indulging. The more alcohol the mother ingests, the more alcohol manifests in her breast milk and the longer it takes to eliminate that alcohol from her system.
Alcohol levels in breast milk peak 60-90 minutes after consumption, therefore it advisable for mothers to nurse directly prior to taking their first drink.
Alcohol is not Stored in Breast Milk
"Pump and Dump," or expressing and disposing of the breast milk that accumulates when alcohol is consumed, is a phrase familiar to many nursing mothers, but the logic behind this practice is flawed. Alcohol is not stored in the breast milk, rather it is metabolized and eliminated from the body at a rate dependent upon the size of the mother and how much she drinks.
According to La Leche League International (LLLI), a widely recognized authority on breastfeeding, "Pumping and dumping, drinking a lot of water, resting, or drinking coffee will not speed up the rate of the elimination of alcohol from your body." That said, it may be necessary to express and discard affected milk to relieve any engorgement that occurs before it is safe to breastfeed again.
Doctors and researchers have developed a simple chart to help mothers calculate when alcohol consumed has been eliminated from their bodies. Although there are other factors that may influence a woman's metabolic rate, such as overall health or food consumption during drinking, this chart gives mothers a reference point to help determine when to resume nursing as usual.
Older Babies Metabolize Alcohol Similar to Adults
Before three months of age, an infant's immature liver processes alcohol at only half the rate of a healthy adult. As babies grow, their liver function begins to mimic that of adults, thus enabling older babies and toddlers to metabolize alcohol in breast milk at the same rate as their mothers eliminate alcohol from their systems.
Regardless of the baby's ability to process alcohol, if the mother can still feel the effects of drinking, the baby will too. Breastfeeding while intoxicated is dangerous for many reasons, not the least of which is passing on the buzz to baby. Mothers should wait until they feel physiologically normal before returning to their regular breastfeeding routines.
Mothers Need Not be Martyrs
Dr. Jack Newman, member of the LLLI Health Advisory Council, states that
"Reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most 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."
If an occasion arises that calls for more than moderate drinking, mothers can often plan ahead. Pumping and storing is easy and ensures that baby will receive the safest and best nutrition available.
Motherhood is an enormous responsibility and while a good, strong drink may seem like the perfect remedy for a stressful day, there are other ways to cope. But mothers who choose to enjoy the occasional drink should not feel guilty. Planning ahead and taking a few precautions will keep baby safe and mommy happy, good news for everyone.
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