Breastfeeding and alcohol consumption

The concentration of alcohol in breastmilk is equal to that in blood. After 30-60 minutes of drinking alcohol, it will be present in breastmilk. In order for alcohol to disappear from breastmilk, it takes approximately 2 hours for 1 drink, 4 hours for 2, 6 hours for 3. The effect also depends on the mother's body weight, the amount of adipose tissue, whether the alcohol is taken on an empty stomach or with food.

Pregnant women are generally warned that alcohol use during pregnancy can harm the unborn child; less is known about the effects of alcohol on the baby during breastfeeding. Consumption of a larger amount of alcohol can cause drowsiness, deep sleep, weakness in the child, and reduced milk flow in the mother.

Facts you need to know

• The newborn has immature liver functions, so he/she is more sensitive to alcohol
• During the first three months of life, a child metabolizes alcohol twice as slowly as an adult
• Your weight affects alcohol metabolism: heavier people break down faster than lower-weight ones
• The effect of alcohol is directly proportional to the amount you drink; the more you drink, the more time your body will need to metabolize it
• If you consume alcohol with food, a smaller amount will be absorbed
• It is not necessary to empty the breast, because alcohol is not retained in breastmilk
• A large amount of liquid or coffee will not speed up the rate of alcohol elimination from your body, and therefore from breastmilk

It may seem to you that an absolute ban on alcohol consumption during breastfeeding (which can last up to two years) is an excessive restriction. You may find a slightly more flexible approach more acceptable; one alcoholic beverage on a special occasion, with the above precautions (a two-hour break between alcohol consumption and breastfeeding), will not harm the baby.

It is a misconception that alcohol consumption increases milk production!