The issue of whether or not it is safe to drink alcohol while breastfeeding has long been a point of contention. Although there is ample data to demonstrate that drinking alcohol during breastfeeding has negative consequences, the same cannot be said for lactation.
Alcohol is even said to assist a breastfeeding woman to relax and make more milk by some mothers in some societies (galactagogue). According to research, this is not the case. Alcohol may impair the production of breast milk, and the alcohol in breast milk may pass to the infant, causing acute and long term consequences in the breastfed baby, according to studies.
Breast milk is produced by glandular tissue in a nursing mother’s breasts. It has a complex composition and contains nutrients that are essential for a baby’s growth. Lactation is initiated and maintained by the hormone prolactin, which is generated by the pituitary gland. The more a baby suckles, the more prolactin is generated, and the more breast milk is produced. During nursing, another hormone, oxytocin , is important for milk let-down.
When a nursing woman consumes alcohol, a little amount of it goes into her breast milk, and the amount fluctuates according to the amount in her blood. It peaks between half an hour and an hour after consuming alcohol and then gradually fades. The greater the amount consumed, the longer it takes to expel alcohol.
Alcohol Effects In Breastfed Babies
Although just a tiny percentage of alcohol consumed gets into breast milk (5-6 percent of the maternal dose), it nevertheless has an impact on the nursing process and has short- and long-term effects on the newborn.
Is it true that alcohol can be found in breast milk?
Yes, roughly 2% of the alcohol you ingest ends up in your breastmilk.
About 30 to 60 minutes after you drink, the quantity of alcohol in your breast milk rises (60 to 90 minutes if you drink while eating).
Alcohol is present in your breast milk if you feel buzzed or inebriated. Breast Milk is safe for your baby to consume when you are sober.
Breast Milk and Infant Feeding Behavior in the Short-Term
Researchers did a study in Philadelphia to look into the effects of alcohol on breast milk and infant behaviour. Twelve breastfeeding moms and their breastfed kids were used as subjects in this study, which was conducted twice a week. On both days, the women first expressed a small amount of milk before drinking ethanol-containing juice (0.3 g/kg body weight).
To determine the change in odour, milk samples were taken after a specified period. The babies were videotaped to see if they changed their behaviour, and they were weighed before and after breastfeeding to see how much milk they consumed.
It was discovered that after consuming alcohol, the odour of the milk changed, with the intensity varying in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed. In the 4-hour time after their moms had drunk alcohol, the newborns suckled 20% less. Alcohol is known to decrease the production of oxytocin, which could explain the lower quantity. The study found that when a breastfeeding woman drinks alcohol, the odour of her breast milk changes, as does the infant’s eating behaviour.
Transition In Sleeping Patterns of the Infants: Infants slept less during the 3.5-hour feeding time if their moms had taken alcohol, according to a study of thirteen lactating mothers and their babies.
Effects on Infant Development and Learning Over Time
Consider how old your child is while making this decision. The liver of a newborn has a tougher time absorbing alcohol than that of an older baby. A baby’s liver starts working at full capacity around 3 months of age and can digest things more like an adult’s. At six months of age, it’s even more useful.
Alcohol consumption in breast milk regularly, such as when a mother drinks every day, has been shown to reduce an infant’s weight gain and may lead to developmental impairments. In addition, one study discovered that neonates slept less in the hours after the consumption of breast milk containing alcohol.
However, there have been no long-term problems linked to occasional drinking.
The Myth About Pumping & Dumping
Pumping and dumping refer to when a breastfeeding mother pumps her milk after consuming alcohol and then dumps it or tosses it away.
The good news is that you’ll rarely need to do this.
When the alcohol leaves your system, it leaves your breast milk as well—it doesn’t stay in your breasts until they’re empty.
Pumping will not speed up the rate at which your body processes alcohol. All of this is handled by your liver. It’s necessary to empty your breasts frequently to keep your milk supply (and your comfort) up, so pumping and dumping, while you’re drinking, is a great way to do so.
Let’s say you’re going to a wedding and your baby is staying with Grandma. If you’re used to breastfeeding every three hours, consider pumping every three hours when you’re not with your kid. If the milk you’re pumping contains alcohol, discard it. If not, store it for later and put it in your freezer when you get home.
The Question Still Remains…
Can I consume alcohol while breastfeeding?
For breastfeeding mothers, abstaining from alcohol is the safest option. Moderate alcohol usage (up to one drink per day) is not thought to be hazardous to children, especially if the mother does not nurse for at least 2 hours after a single drink. However, an infant’s development, growth, and sleep patterns may be harmed if he or she is exposed to alcohol at levels higher than moderate through breast milk. Above-moderate alcohol intake can affect a mother’s judgment and ability to safely care for her child.
It is not necessary to stop breastfeeding if you drink alcoholic beverages; nevertheless, more than one drink per day is not recommended.
TME recommends it is not safe to care for an infant when inebriated. Drinking alcohol may impair a caregiver’s judgment and ability to care for an infant safely. If a caregiver drinks too much, he or she should enlist the help of a sober adult to look after the child at this time.