Alcohol consumption while breastfeeding?

961 Views 10 Replies 10 Participants Last post by mom2threenurslings, Jun 1, 2005

sbgquilt

Discussion Starter · May 31, 2005

Does the alcohol in beer/wine pass into the breastmilk and does the baby get it? I have heard everythign from dont' drink at all to don't worry about it at all to wait an hour after drinking to feed. The waiting an hour makes no sense to me -- seems like it either passes or it doesn't. Any input or resources to consult are appreciated.

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alegna

· #2 · May 31, 2005

the alcohol content of your milk is equal to your blood alcohol content. I do drink occaisionally.... one or two drinks.

-Angela

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kavamamakava

· #3 · May 31, 2005

Yes. Your milk will have the same BAC as your blood. But you don't drink your blood. A blood alcohol level of .08% (the legal limit) is lower than the alcohol in a non-alcoholic beer.

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LoveChild421

· #4 · May 31, 2005

Quote:

the alcohol content of your milk is equal to your blood alcohol content.

I was told a small percentage of the alcohol you drink gets into your milk not the whole amount because it is processed by your liver before it gets to your milk supply? That's why an occassional drink is ok while BF but not while pregnant? (that's the rationale I heard- since the alcohol goes straight to the baby when it is in the womb)

Anyway, not sure about that but my aunt who's an RN and mom said having a glass of wine with dinner won't harm BF baby- no need to pump and dump or anything (you just don't want to be getting sloshed or anything :LOL because a higher and possibly harmful amount of alcohol would be in the milk.

Again this is what my aunt advised me so I'm not 100% sure- can't wait for more info

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KateMary

· #5 · May 31, 2005

The rationale to wait an hour is so your body metabolizes the alcohol during that time. The alcohol leaves your milk over time so there is no need to pump and dump if you just wait awhile after your drink to feed. Its the same rationale for alcohol in your blood. The only thing that sobers you up enough to drive is time, same goes for breastfeeding. I use the rule that if I could drive, I can breastfeed. Its also best to drink on a full stomach too.

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Leilalu

· #6 · May 31, 2005

well, if you nurse directly after drinking, your liver will not have had time to process it. It is best to wait a few hours.BM is composed of what's in our blood. I don't drink very often. At the most a half glass of wine a few times a month.Sometimes I go a long time without any. I have heard that it is not wise to drink more than a glass every now and then.

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sarajane

· #7 · Jun 1, 2005

That is what I have been doing. Just a glass right after a feeding every now and then, that way she won't need to eat for a couple hours at least.

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sbgquilt

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 1, 2005

Tahnks, all. This makes so much sense to me and given that I never drink more than one beer or one glass of wine and those only once or twice a month, I think dd is safe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kavamamakava
Yes. Your milk will have the same BAC as your blood. But you don't drink your blood. A blood alcohol level of .08% (the legal limit) is lower than the alcohol in a non-alcoholic beer.

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homemademomma

· #9 · Jun 1, 2005

nak
actually, the new research shows your peak breastmilk alcohol content after drinking one beer is approximate;y equal to the content of a nonalcoholic beer. very small. obviously, you dont want to be taking care of your kids if youre drunk, but one (or heck, even two lol) will not affect your baby.

ack now ill have to dig out my references from my LC class so everyone will believe me!

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AngelBee

· #10 · Jun 1, 2005

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mom2threenurslings

· #11 · Jun 1, 2005

Yes....blood alcohol content equals breastmilk alcohol content.

Being legally drunk (.08) and breastfeeding means your breastmilk contains less alcohol than in a non-alcoholic beer. (I'm not suggesting that a drunk parent is a responsible parent...just passing along info!

) This means that, even legally drunk, yor baby is getting less alcohol than in a "near-beer".

I'm currently pregnant, so am not drinking, but when I'm not pregnant I enjoy a margarita, wine, beer, etc. without worrying.

Cheers!

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