Alcohol and Breastfeeding: A Practical Guide for New Mums

Hey, mumma! If you’ve been to any social gatherings since baby was born, the question of having alcohol and breastfeeding has probably popped up. Suddenly, thoughts rush in about how it might affect your little one, and you’re left wondering what’s safe and what isn’t. Figuring out how drinking alcohol and breastfeeding fits together into your life can be a bit of a puzzle.  It’s not always easy when you want to enjoy a drink but wonder about its impact on your baby through breastfeeding. In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about alcohol and breastfeeding, helping you feel confident and informed about making decisions that work for you and your baby.

Is it safe to drink alcohol when breastfeeding?

When it comes to alcohol and breastfeeding, the safest thing that’s lowest risk for your baby is to not drink alcohol while breastfeeding since alcohol does get into your breastmilk. Choosing whether to drink alcohol while breastfeeding is such an individual decision and depends on the level of risk you’re comfortable with. The risk is generally small when having 1-2 alcoholic drinks but increases with how much alcohol you have and how close together you drink them.

Alcohol doesn’t affect milk supply at all (it doesn’t decrease it OR increase it), but it can affect your let down, or how easily your milk flows. The flow will return to normal when the alcohol is no longer in your body.

How Much Alcohol Gets into Breast Milk?

The amount of alcohol in your milk is the same amount as in your blood. Alcohol does pass into breast milk, but the amounts are small. The level of alcohol present depends on various factors like how much you weigh, the type of drinks, and how much and how quickly you consume it, how long since you ate, your fitness level, and the health of your liver.

To give some context, if you had enough alcohol to get your blood alcohol level to 0.05% (the legal limit to drive in Australia), your milk would also have a level of 0.05%. Some fruit juices naturally have a higher alcohol level than that.

How Long Do I Have to Wait to Breastfeed After Drinking Alcohol?

There will be alcohol in your milk 30-60 minutes after drinking. The general advice is to wait about 2-3 hours per alcoholic drink before breastfeeding. This gives your body time to process and get rid of the alcohol.

Technology can be a lifesaver! The Feed Safe app helps you estimate when it’s safe to breastfeed after drinking. It considers a bunch of different factors to give you a clearer picture.

What If I Have Too Much or Baby Needs to Feed Sooner Than Expected?

Take a breath! If you’ve had more drinks or your baby needs to feed earlier, it’s ok to feed your baby. Remember, your baby will get some alcohol when you do this, so it’s a good idea not to do this regularly. If you have expressed milk stored, you might like to use that for that feed and resume breastfeeding when you feel comfortable and safe to do so.

Reducing the Amount of Alcohol in Breastmilk

Time is the only way to reduce the alcohol concentration in your breast milk. Contrary to popular belief, pumping and dumping (pumping and throwing away that milk) won’t remove alcohol from your milk any faster. Time is your best friend here.

Looking After Baby Safely

When it comes to enjoying a drink while caring for your little one, safety is non-negotiable. Make sure you have a non-drinking partner or caregiver to watch over your baby while you indulge in that well-deserved downtime. Having someone reliable allows you to unwind responsibly without compromising your baby’s well-being.

So much of the journey of motherhood, is about finding a balance that works for you and your little one. We covered essential insights about alcohol and breastfeeding: from understanding how much alcohol gets into breast milk and the wait time before nursing to practical tips for ensuring your baby’s safety. Remember, moderation, patience, and prioritizing your little one’s well-being are key. I hope this guide on alcohol and breastfeeding brings you clarity and confidence in making informed choices.

If you found these tips helpful or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you! DM me on Instagram and share your thoughts or any topics you’d like me to cover in future posts. Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Cheers to you, amazing mumma!