Alcohol and Breastfeeding, is it Safe?

If you are choosing to breastfeed your baby, one of the questions you may have is whether it’s okay to enjoy an alcoholic drink during this time. The good news is that the consensus is that occasional, moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. We have created this blog to address common questions surrounding alcohol and breastfeeding and to provide evidence-based tips to help you enjoy a drink responsibly while maintaining yours and your baby’s health and well-being.

How alcohol affects breast milk

Alcohol passes freely from the mother’s bloodstream into your breast milk, and levels in breast milk can reach approximately the same concentration as in the mother’s blood. However, if you consume small to moderate amounts of alcohol the amount of alcohol your baby ingests will be minimal and unlikely to cause any harm. Here’s what you need to know to consume alcohol safely while breastfeeding:

• How long should I wait between drinking and breastfeeding? It takes about 2–3 hours for one standard drink (e.g., a glass of wine or beer) to leave your system and alcohol levels in breast milk peak 30-60 minutes after drinking. Therefore, it is recommended to wait 2-3 hours after having an alcoholic drink to feed your baby. Remember the more alcoholic drinks you have the longer it takes for the alcohol to leave your system and your breast milk and the longer you should wait before feeding your baby.  
• Should I pump and dump to speed up alcohol elimination? Alcohol naturally leaves your breast milk as it leaves your bloodstream, so pumping and discarding milk after drinking doesn’t speed up the process.
• Does my baby’s age matter? Newborns under three months metabolise alcohol more slowly due to their immature livers. Older infants process it more efficiently; however, the advice for drinking alcohol and breastfeeding doesn’t change based on a child’s age. 

Is it safe to drink while breastfeeding?

Research suggests that occasional alcohol consumption is unlikely to harm your nursing infant if you wait at least 2-3 hours per drink before breastfeeding. However, heavy or regular drinking, including binge drinking, can lead to more significant concerns, such as:

• Reduced milk intake: Evidence suggests that babies may drink less milk in the 3–4 hours after you consume alcohol, even 1-2 drinks may cause this issue if you are drinking regularly. Drinking less milk regularly could harm a baby’s growth and development.
• Disrupted sleep: Contrary to popular belief, alcohol in breast milk can negatively impact your baby’s sleep patterns and behaviour, making them more unsettled than usual.
• Letdown issues: Drinking five or more alcoholic beverages can interfere with your milk letdown reflex which could impact your milk supply and baby’s feeding experience. 

Safety when it comes to alcohol and breastfeeding

The more pressing concern with alcohol is its potential impact on a parent’s ability to care for their baby. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and coordination which could affect a parent’s ability to safely care for their child. To keep your baby safe it is recommended to:

• Avoid co-sleeping after drinking as alcohol consumption can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.
• Plan ahead if you know you’ll be drinking by expressing milk beforehand to feed your baby during the period when you are drinking, and having someone who is not drinking as the main caregiver during this time.

Top tips for managing alcohol intake while breastfeeding

If you choose to drink, here are some practical tips to help minimise your baby’s exposure to alcohol and keep breastfeeding stress-free:

1. Time your drinks: Wait until after a breastfeeding session to have an alcoholic drink and leave 2-3 hours before you next feed your baby.  
2. Express in advance: Pump and safely freeze or refrigerate breast milk ahead of time to use when alcohol may still be in your system.
3. Drink with food: Eating slows alcohol absorption and reduces its concentration in your blood and breast milk.
4. Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink water in between your alcoholic drinks to space out your alcohol intake and pay attention to how much you are drinking. 
5. Limit binge drinking: Stick to occasional, moderate drinking to avoid disrupting your milk supply and letdown reflex. For women, binge drinking is classed as 4 or more drinks within 2 hours. 
6. Swap to alcohol-free options: Alcohol-free options can help you feel like you are enjoying a drink without the risks of ingesting alcohol, in fact, the consumption of non-alcoholic beer appears to enhance the antioxidant capacity of breast milk. 

Conclusion

Breastfeeding mothers don’t need to abstain from alcohol entirely. Occasional, moderate drinking is generally considered safe when paired with precautions like timing feeds and avoiding co-sleeping after drinking. The key to enjoying your social moments while prioritising your baby’s safety and nutritional needs is balance.

If you have questions about alcohol and breastfeeding, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for more personalised guidance.