Shawna - posted on 02/17/2009 ( 5 moms have responded )
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Can a nursing mom drink 1 beverage then feed her baby 4 hrs later? Or will she have to wait 24 hrs or will the alcohols stay in the breast until the baby takes it? or should the mother extract it after comsuming alcohol? Im just curious because i have heard of some nursing mothers that went out one night and got drunk, i wonder how they pulled this off
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Patti - posted on 02/17/2009
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I can report that I had an occasional glass of wine (and yes, an occasional beer which DID seem to increase the milk supply!) while breastfeeding, especially after the first few months. My daughter is now 4, happy and healthy as can be and tall and very bright for her age group so I can't see any complications. I think the key to any and all alcohol consumption, whether nursing or otherwise, is moderation. You shouldn't EVER feel the need to "go out and get drunk" but should be able to enjoy moderate amounts of alcohol, especially a glass of wine with a good meal. A more balanced approach is what is needed in our society.
Carmen - posted on 02/17/2009
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I found a lot of useful information on this subject at La Leche League's website. I was also told by a lactation counselor in the hospital that, eventually, alcohol metabolizes out of your breastmilk...even if you had a more than a couple drinks, if you waited long enough (until you were 100% sober) the alcohol would metabolize out of your milk. The lactation counselor said there "is no reason to ever 'pump and dump'." Whether she meant you should never drink in excess or because of your body's metabolism, I don't know. I haven't found anything online to back this up, probably because most would not condone drinking in excess and breastfeeding. I personally think you'd be okay with one drink and feeding 4 hours later, but I'm no expert. I would try it, though...especially if the drink was with a meal.
Melody - posted on 02/17/2009
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The other answers reflect what I, too, have been told. My midwife also actually told me to drink one hoppy beer every night, as it will help with milk production. As long as there is time for the alcohol to metabolize, there is no need for further arrangements.
Sabrina - posted on 02/17/2009
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Our lactation consultant told me that the pump-and-dump method is not necessary and wasteful. I agree with Lisa about waiting 2 hours after consuming 1 alcoholic beverage (beer or wine). You should also drink water. After 2 hours, your body has metabolized the alcohol and you are good to nurse again. Getting drunk it an entirely different thing. In that case, you need some stored milk and you would probably have to pump to prevent engorgement.
Lisa - posted on 02/17/2009
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They either had milk pumped and stored up or they gave their baby formula ( I hope ). You can drink and breast feed, just be smart about it. Alcohol stays in breast milk the same way it stays in the blood stream (this is how it was explained to me). It takes a healthy liver roughly 1-2 hours to process 1oz of liquor (which is equal to 5oz of wine & 12oz of beer). So, if you nurse your child and then have a glass of wine, 4 hours later when your baby is ready to nurse again your milk is fine. I personally wouldn't push it any farther than 1 drink between feedings unless you have some milk stored up to use at the next feeding AND you pump and dump.
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