Alcohol in breast milk?

carajadep · December 2015

I couldn't get my search function to work on the app so not sure if this has been discussed yet but just wanted some advise on how the body metabolizes alcohol and ABV levels of breast milk after drinking.
LO is sleeping at his nannas tomorrow night, and I plan on having my first drink since February! I've pumped enough milk to last him 24 hours just in case but don't plan on having more than a few drinks whilst doing My Christmas wrapping. I planned to pump and dump but recently read an article that claimed the ABV level of breastmill when intoxicated is similar to that of orange juice and that the main reason drinking whilst BF is frowned upon is because of the risk to baby of mam injuring them whilst drunk, should I think twice about dumping my liquid gold? Anyone have any advise or experience with this?

Edited because half the post disappeared???

kmd91 · December 2015

The current recommendation I keep hearing is if you're okay to drive you're okay to nurse, and that the real concern there is not the milk but your ability to handle the baby while intoxicated. So given that, there's is no need to discard milk due to drinking. However, I'm no doctor. So if you have any concern about it, it may be worth contacting your pediatrician for their opinion on the matter.

MercyC1130 · December 2015

Yeah, no doctor here, but the pump and dump from my understanding has been deemed unnecessary.
I had a healthy sized glass of wine the other night and waited 3 hours (was only planning on two, but little guy was fast asleep) I drank a lot of water afterwards as well.

dramaphile · December 2015

I was told there is no reason to pump and dump unless you feel drunk. One drink (probably two depending on your body weight) won't raise your blood alcohol enough to make your milk alcoholic. If you get drunk, the alcohol is gone from your milk when you are sober again. Pump and dump if you feel like you have to because you're full if you're still drunk, or just wait. I've also heard that if you're worried, you can mix your pumped milk with "sober" pumped milk to dilute it.

I've been having an oatmeal stout a few times a week and it's not enough to make me feel tipsy or buzzed, so I'm feeding her.

taykerslake · December 2015

I was told that the alcohol leaves your milk at the same rate as leaving your blood stream. So every two hours for one drink. It depends on your metabolism and weight because obviously for a smaller girl it will take longer. You should be ok by morning though.

Pontot31 · December 2015

I've never pump and dump. I go by the rule if you would drive then you can nurse.
I usually have a glass of water along with what I'm drinking and eat food. I don't have more than 2 glasses of wine in an evening usually.

jlynnd75 · December 2015

The first night I drank since having my son I was extremely paranoid about my milk because I did drink a lot. For more of peice of mind I did dump it.. And boy it hurt watching all that precious milk go down the drain lol! But I also second what the other moms said, research now is as long as you're fine to drive you're fine to nurse. It's even recommended now that dark beer helps milk production. Funny how that works lol enjoy yourself momma you deserve it!

sacrazy · December 2015

You can always get test strips, like the ones attached, at Target.

brianna91chavez · December 2015

I would only pump and dump if you become so full that it is uncomfortable for you. Otherwise you don't have to.
I have found that if I have a glass of wine or one beer (usually with food) that the alcohol is no longer in my breast milk 2 and a half to 3 hours later. I use the test strips. I bought mine at Target.
It could be longer or shorter for everyone. It depends on your body weight and how your body metabolizes alcohol.

https://www.llli.org/faq/alcohol.html

AmoLovesAud · December 2015

I heard to avoid all alcohol for the first 3 months. Baby's system isn't capable of processing even tiny amounts until then, so it can build up over time. But I might be extra paranoid. My LO barely goes 2 hours between feeds, so I'm waiting until she can consistently go at least 3 hours. I thought about pumping so I have a bottle or 2 ready so I can have a little eggnog at a Christmas party, but that kind of makes me feel like a delinquent mom? IDK, I'm overly sensitive about it I guess.

bravoandprosecco · December 2015

I've been having a glass of red wine at night but drinking it slowly, I'm not worried, one glass won't hurt!

JamieA322 · December 2015

sacrazy said:
You can always get test strips, like the ones attached, at Target.

These strips do work. A little pricey but worth it for the peace of mind.

Ceridwen77 · December 2015

Here's a chart that shows how long it takes X number of drinks to leave your breast milk based on your weight.

https://www.beststart.org/resources/alc_reduction/pdf/brstfd_alc_deskref_eng.pdf

MercyC1130 · December 2015

For those who have had a glad or two, how did it feel for you? I thought a glass of wine would make me so tipsy after all this time... It really didn't. I've always had a high tolerance, but still..

helloaustin123 · December 2015

I asked my pedi if I could have one glass of wine every night and she said that's totally ok. If I wanted to wait to nurse she said you really don't have too but if it makes you feel better then wait fifteen minutes. The amount of alcohol is very miniscule if it even reaches the breast milk by the time you nurse. It can pass through bloodstream quickly depending on person, weight and if you have eaten or not

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