Guidelines
Current research says that occasional use of alcohol (1-2 drinks) is not harmful to the nursing baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs classifies alcohol (ethanol) as a “Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding.”
Many experts recommend against drinking more than 1-2 drinks per week.
It is recommended that nursing moms avoid breastfeeding during and for 2-3 hours after drinking (Hale 2002).
There is no need to pump & dump milk after drinking alcohol, other than for mom's comfort -- pumping & dumping does not speed the elimination of alcohol from the milk.
Alcohol does not increase milk production, and has been shown to inhibit let-down and decrease milk production (see below).
If you're away from your baby, try to pump as often as baby usually nurses (this is to maintain milk supply, not because of the alcohol). At the very least, pump or hand express whenever you feel uncomfortably full - this will help you to avoid plugged ducts and mastitis.
In general, if you are sober enough to drive, you are sober enough to breastfeed. Less than 2% of the alcohol consumed by the mother reaches her blood and milk. Alcohol peaks in mom's blood and milk approximately 1/2-1 hour after drinking (but there is considerable variation from person to person, depending upon how much food was eaten in the same time period, mom's body weight and percentage of body fat, etc.). Alcohol does not accumulate in breastmilk, but leaves the milk as it leaves the blood; so when your blood alcohol levels are back down, so are your milk alcohol levels.
Always keep in mind the baby's age when considering the effect of alcohol. A newborn has a very immature liver, so minute amounts of alcohol would be more of a burden. Up until around 3 months of age, infants detoxify alcohol at around half the rate of an adult. An older baby or toddler can metabolize the alcohol more quickly.
What are the effects of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding?Many experts have concluded that breastfeeding is the best method of feeding infants at least until the age of six months old. While alcohol consumption is a common social custom all over the world, research studies have concluded that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can increase the chances of severe and avoidable risks to the unborn child, including increased risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Here’s a quick overview about the possible effects of alcohol consumption while breastfeeding.
The risks of alcohol consumption while breastfeeding your child is not truly defined at the present time. Different experts have come to some differing conclusions as to the effects of alcohol consumption on a breastfed baby. Some advise it is safe to drink alcohol in moderation, although there is no "safe" limit currently set.Recent research has suggested that the occasional consumption of alcohol may not be harmful to a breast fed baby, as long as it is only one or two drinks. Other studies suggest if the mother is sober enough to drive, she is safe to feed her baby.
Research studies have suggested that the occasional drinking of alcohol by a breastfeeding mother is not deemed to be harmful to the breastfed baby. However, it is recommended by this research, that only one or two drinks per week be consumed. Experts also conclude, that if a mother avoids breast feeding her baby for two to three hours following her consumption of alcohol, there is no need to pump and throw away her breast milk. The alcohol consumed does not accumulate in breast milk. The alcohol leaves the mother's milk as soon as it leaves her blood.
In regards to drinking alcohol while breastfeeding, it is important to remember that alcohol can decrease the production of breast milk. Alcohol can remain in the mother's blood and milk supply for various amounts of time depending on factors including:
* the mother's height and weight
* the mother's body fat content
* when the last time the mother consumed a meal.
The time the alcohol can stay in breast milk varies from woman to woman.
While many research studies have concluded no ill effects linked between alcohol consumption and breast feeding, other studies would disagree. Firstly, the volume of the mother's breast milk can decrease noticeably with alcohol consumption. A baby's sleep patterns can be affected, as well as an increased chance of dying from SIDS.
Daily alcohol consumption by breast feeding mothers can cause slow weight gain in her child, as well as decrease the baby's motor skills development and hyperglycemia.
While studies on this subject are conflicting, the safest thing for mother and child is NOT to consume alcohol while you are breastfeeding.
http://www.betterhealthcentre.com/breastfeeding/breastfeeding_alcohol.htmDoes not sound definitive to me.
