Can you drink whilst breastfeeding

All of these drinks contain the same amount i. However, many common drinks contain much more alcohol than this. Consuming one of these drinks would be the equivalent of two standard drinks. Generally, moderate alcohol consumption by a breastfeeding mother up to 1 standard drink per day is not known to be harmful to the infant, especially if the mother waits at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.

Drinking alcoholic beverages is not an indication to stop breastfeeding; however, consuming more than one drink per day is not recommended. Alcohol levels are usually highest in breast milk minutes after an alcoholic beverage is consumed, and can be generally detected in breast milk for about hours per drink after it is consumed. However, the length of time alcohol can be detected in breast milk will increase the more alcohol a mother consumes.

For example, alcohol from 1 drink can be detected in breast milk for about hours, alcohol from 2 drinks can be detected for about hours, and alcohol from 3 drinks can be detected for about hours, and so on. Smoking while breastfeeding did not impact any of the outcomes studied. While these studies raise concerns about the impact of alcohol on a nursing infant, there are many different patterns of alcohol consumption, and it would be erroneous to assume that having an occasional drink carries the same risk as chronic, heavy drinking or binge drinking.

All pregnant and postpartum women should be queried regarding their past and present use of alcohol. While many women with alcohol use disorders are able to abstain from drinking during pregnancy, relapse rates are high after delivery. Proximate to delivery, all women should be provided information regarding use of alcohol while breastfeeding. Although the information is incomplete, our current data indicate that maternal alcohol consumption may affect milk production and infant sleep patterns.

In addition, the most current studies indicate that alcohol passed through breast milk may have adverse neurodevelopmental effects. Guidelines regarding use of alcohol are varied. Although occasional drinking while nursing has not been associated with overt harm to infants, the possibility of adverse effects has not been ruled out.

Occasional drinking, however, does not warrant discontinuing breastfeeding, as the benefits of breastfeeding are extensive and well recognized. Until a safe level of alcohol in breast milk is established, no alcohol in breast milk is safest for nursing babies. It is, therefore, prudent for mothers to delay breastfeeding their babies until alcohol is completely cleared from their breast milk. To minimize exposure, Motherisk has developed a nomogram that can be used to help mothers who choose to drink alcohol while breastfeeding estimate how long it takes to clear alcohol from breast milk, taking into consideration body weight and number of drinks Table 1.

Information about the long-term effects of exposure to alcohol during breastfeeding remains lacking. Therefore, to minimize the risk of adverse events in nursing children, it is best to counsel mothers on adhering to recommendations from healthcare authorities on alcohol intake in breastfeeding women.

Resource Centers. Alcohol and breastfeeding: What are the risks? December 7, Read an updated version of this article here: "Alcohol and breastfeeding: What are the risks? PK and metabolism of alcohol in mother and infant Alcohol consumed by a mother passes freely into her breast milk; alcohol levels in breast milk are similar to those measured in maternal blood and peak 30 to 60 minutes after an alcoholic beverage is consumed.

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research ; Coiro V, et al. Inhibition by ethanol of the oxytocin response to breast stimulation in normal women and the role of endogenous opioids. Acta Endocrinol Copenh Mar; 3 Pediatrics May ; 5 : e2. Beer, breast feeding and folklore. Developmental Psychobiology ; New England Journal of Medicine ; Drinking and smoking at 3 months postpartum by lactation history.

Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. Cobo E. Effect of different doses of ethanol on the milk-ejecting reflex in lactating women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. What is Normal? The length of time varies by woman, but hours for every drink is suggested NHS, You can then skip the first breastfeed after the event and feed your baby with your previously expressed milk instead NHS, If you normally enjoy a drink and want to cut down on alcohol whether or not you are breastfeeding, these ideas may help:.

If you drink a lot and are worried about how to cut down, then talk to your midwife or family doctor. Alternatively, you can call one of the helplines listed below. NCT supports all parents, however they feed their baby. Call our infant feeding support line on to speak to a breastfeeding counsellor if you have questions, concerns or need support, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk.

Breastfeeding counsellors have had extensive training, will listen without judging or criticising and will offer relevant information and suggestions.

You can also find more useful articles here. You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area. Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby. Alcoholics Anonymous AA is concerned with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who ask for help.

National Helpline number Al-Anon Family Groups are there for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking. Call With You is a UK-wide treatment agency that delivers support and raises awareness around drugs, alcohol and mental health.