Alcohol can be detected in breast milk.

Moms must realize that if they have a few drinks, some of that alcohol can indeed make its way into breast milk. This does not necessarily mean that moms cannot drink any alcohol throughout the many months they are breastfeeding. In all circumstances, alcohol is best enjoyed in moderation! According to the Centers for Disease Control, alcohol from one drink can be detected in breast milk for about two to three hours, and alcohol from two drinks can be detected for about four to five hours. The more alcohol a new mom consumes, the longer it will take for the alcohol to fully exit her system and for breast milk to be safe again.

Breast pumping immediately after drinking will not reduce the amount of alcohol in breast milk.

Although the idea of “pumping and dumping” has been around for generations, science does not back up this belief. The amount of alcohol that can be found in breast milk is essentially equal to the alcohol level of a mom’s bloodstream, which does not change simply by pumping and discarding any amount of breast milk. The best way to breast pump or breastfeed safely after drinking is to wait at least two hours per standard alcoholic drink consumed. After waiting the appropriate amount of time, a mom’s breast milk will return to normal and will not have detectable amounts of alcohol. If parents want to be extra safe, they can always use expressed breast milk that has been properly stored for the first feeding after drinking alcohol.

Moderate alcohol consumption is not known to be harmful to breastfeeding infants.

Moderation is the key to safely drinking alcohol while breastfeeding! Moderate alcohol consumption is considered one standard drink per day or less. The key to safely drinking alcohol while breastfeeding is to moderate your consumption and give yourself a few hours to ensure all of the alcohol has left your system before breastfeeding or pumping. By waiting at least two hours after finishing a drink, moms can keep their little ones safe from breast milk that may have traces of alcohol. 

There’s no such thing as a perfect mom—only moms who are doing their best to take care of themselves and their babies! And it is possible for breastfeeding moms to enjoy alcohol in moderation while providing breast milk to their little ones. Pumps For Mom is proud to support moms through their breastfeeding journey by providing the best breast pumps through insurance. Explore our available products and qualify for your breast pump through insurance today!

Drinking Alcohol While Pregnant

Before we dive into the facts about drinking and breastfeeding, let’s take a step back and cover the guidelines for drinking alcohol during pregnancy. According to the CDC, there is no amount of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant. The body is working overtime to grow a baby, and alcohol can have some serious health consequences for your little one during and after pregnancy. Any alcohol consumed by a pregnant woman can travel through the umbilical cord to a growing baby and may result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Alcohol can even cause problems in those first few weeks of pregnancy before many moms even realize they are expecting. So if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, it is best to abstain from drinking alcohol entirely.

Can I drink alcohol while breastfeeding?

Many moms are familiar with the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and, understandably, these concerns continue to exist when a mom is breastfeeding or expressing breast milk with a breast pump. Not drinking alcohol at all is certainly the safest option for moms who are breastfeeding, as it eliminates the risk that a growing baby ingests any alcohol. However, experts generally agree that moderate alcohol consumption, specifically one standard drink per day, is not harmful to an infant, especially if a mom waits at least two hours after a single drink before breastfeeding. It is important to note that alcohol can pass into breast milk if moms do not delay breastfeeding long enough for the alcohol to dissipate from the body, which is potentially dangerous for a growing baby.

Tips to breastfeed safely after drinking alcohol

Whether it’s a planned girls’ night or a glass of wine at Thanksgiving dinner, nursing mothers can absolutely enjoy a drink as long as they do it safely. In general, if a mom has one standard drink, she should wait at least two hours after she finished the drink before breastfeeding or expressing breast milk. A standard drink is equal to 12 ounces of 5% beer; 8 ounces of 7% malt liquor; 5 ounces of 12% wine; or 1.5 ounces of 40% (80 proof) liquor. After two hours, a standard drink should have made its way out of the body and will not pass to breast milk. 

The common idea of “pumping and dumping” refers to when a mom pumps breast milk after drinking alcohol and throws that milk away. And although some moms may claim otherwise, this process does NOT get alcohol out of the body more quickly. A mom may “pump and dump” her breast milk, but she must wait at least two hours after finishing one standard drink for that breast milk to be safe. Nursing moms can certainly pump their breast milk and discard it if their breasts are getting engorged or if they feel uncomfortable, but she should not store that breast milk or feed it to a baby. Additionally, each woman’s unique tolerance to alcohol and other factors, like if the alcohol was consumed with food, can impact how long it takes for blood alcohol levels to reach a safe range. For example, if a woman has three standard drinks, it will take at least six to eight hours for that alcohol to not be detectable in breast milk. When in doubt, wait a few extra hours, pump and dump if you feel uncomfortable, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor with specific questions. 

It is possible to safely drink alcohol while breastfeeding if moms know the facts and drink responsibly! We understand the desire for a cup of eggnog or spiked apple cider this holiday season, and breastfeeding moms don’t have to be left out. Just remember to do it safely and give yourself plenty of time between your last drink and a pumping or breastfeeding session.

Pumps For Mom is proud to support breastfeeding moms! When it comes to breastfeeding, our experts know that the right breast pump can make a difference in a nursing mom’s life. We make it easy for new and expectant moms to order a breast pump through insurance so they are ready to breastfeed when their little one arrives. Qualify for your breast pump with our simple form and immediately browse pumps that are covered by your insurance!