Awareness

Can Breastfeeding Mothers Drink Alcohol?

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Last Updated on: 01 Feb 2025

The relationship between alcohol and breastfeeding is always talked about but never with facts. There are too many myths and confusions surrounding it. Since breastfeeding is when mothers provide the nutrients to the baby, their food and drinks are often carefully designed. In the following sections, let's understand if breastfeeding mothers can drink alcohol and what the guidelines are for drinking during the period.

Can Breastfeeding Mothers Drink Alcohol - The Conditions

Breastfeeding mothers can drink alcohol. However, there are conditions and limits. The mother needs to understand how alcohol can affect her and the baby when she is breastfeeding. Alcohol, when consumed when breastfeeding, can pass into the milk, which then reaches the baby. 

Effects of Alcohol on Breast Milk

Alcohol can have several effects on the milk and the baby. Alcohol changes the composition of the milk of a nursing mother. The change in composition may also change the taste of the milk, which may cause infants to refuse breast milk. Young babies who have yet to develop a taste for other foods are particularly sensitive to taste changes. Furthermore, alcohol can decrease breast milk production for some time. If the mother’s blood has a high amount of alcohol, it can interfere with the milk ejection reflex, thereby making it difficult for the baby to feed.

The breastfeeding mother’s alcohol-to-blood ratio is what affects the breast milk quality. If alcohol concentration rises in the body, the effects are significant.

Effects of Alcohol on Baby

One of the most important things to consider is the effects of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding on the baby. Alcohol, when consumed by a nursing mother, can change the composition of the milk and pass into it, making the milk alcoholic. The reason why one must be aware of the relationship between alcohol and breastfeeding is because the organs of infants are in the developing stage. They have immature liver enzymes that are directly impacted by alcohol. Therefore, babies are incapable of handling alcohol the way adults can, so any amount can be harmful to them. As a result, the baby can suffer from a lack of food and sleep and even have delayed development.

A higher amount of alcohol percentage in the mother’s body with high frequency can affect the baby’s sleep, behaviour, and even motor development by getting influenced by alcohol. If babies get exposed to alcohol frequently, they may suffer from stunted or slow growth, facing problems with weight gain and feeding issues. 

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends caution when drinking for breastfeeding mothers because of the risks linked to the babies’s health.

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System for Breastfeeding?

Several factors influence the time alcohol stays in the system, such as the mother’s metabolism rate, body weight, and amount of consumed alcohol.

The body is expected to metabolise a standard drink per hour. However, the rate may change from person to person. A standard drink can be defined in the following manner-

• 12 ounces of beer
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (like vodka or whiskey)

Now, with that rate in mind, you can calculate how much time the alcohol will stay in the body depending on the amount and the type of drink. It is highly recommended to wait till the system or your body flushes out the alcohol before breastfeeding. The safest thing to do is to keep drinking alcohol to a minimum for easy metabolism and fewer risks.

When You Should ‘Pump and Dump’

There is a common myth about breast milk and alcohol that if breast milk is pumped and dumped immediately after drinking alcohol then the alcohol gets removed from the body. But what most people don’t understand is that it's not true. 

The reality is that the alcohol will leave the body when it's metabolised. So it happens based on the calculation done in the above section and not with a milk pumping. Pumping and dumping is an activity that helps the mother to feel comfortable and light. It has got nothing to do with alcohol removal.

Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol While Breastfeeding?

It is safe to drink alcohol while nursing but in moderation. The key to maintain safety is controlling the amount and the timing of drinking. Nursing mothers should avoid high alcohol concentration in blood so controlling the frequency and amount of alcohol is necessary. Also, drinking after nursing the baby gives the body some time to metabolise the alcohol before feeding again. The idea is to avoid exposing the infant to alcohol as much as possible. 

How Much Is Safe to Drink When You’re Breastfeeding?

Nursing mothers should avoid drinking as much as possible. However, there are safe limits which can allow mothers to drink without exposing the baby to the adverse effects of alcohol. For example, one standard drink, once a week should have no effect on the baby. However, ensure that you drink after breastfeeding and there is 2-3 hours time before the next nursing schedule. Also, one can pump and dump in between for added precaution. In any case, frequent or binge drinking alcohol should be avoided for the infant.

How Can Jagruti Rehab Help Breastfeeding Mothers With Alcohol Addiction?

Mothers with alcohol addiction should come to Jagruti Rehab as soon as possible. Our expert panel can help the nursing mothers control the addiction and protect the baby using several ways. We use healthy habits, mindfulness, yoga, exercise, therapy, and medication if needed to control the urge and aid in overall health and wellness both for the mother and the baby. 

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.