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 before nursing. What effect does alcohol have on a breastfeeding infant? However, blood alcohol levels and the length of time alcohol can be detected in breast milk after drinking will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, how fast the alcohol is consumed, whether it is consumed with food, how much a mother weighs, and how fast alcohol is broken down in a mother’s body.
For example, alcohol from 1 drink can be detected in breast milk for about 2-3 hours, alcohol from 2 drinks can be detected for about 4-5 hours, and alcohol from 3 drinks can be detected for about 6-8 hours, and so on. However, the length of time alcohol can be detected in breast milk will increase the more alcohol a mother consumes. Alcohol levels are usually highest in breast milk 30-60 minutes after an alcoholic beverage is consumed, and can be generally detected in breast milk for about 2-3 hours per drink after it is consumed. Alcohol consumption above moderate levels may also impair a mother’s judgment and ability to safely care for her child.ĭrinking alcoholic beverages is not an indication to stop breastfeeding however, consuming more than one drink per day is not recommended. However, exposure to alcohol above moderate levels through breast milk could be damaging to an infant’s development, growth, and sleep patterns. 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. Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. Is it safe for mothers to breastfeed their infant if they have consumed alcohol? Consuming one of these drinks would be the equivalent of two standard drinks. For example, 12 ounces of 9% beer contains nearly the same amount of alcohol as two (1.8) standard drinks. However, many common drinks contain much more alcohol than this. All of these drinks contain the same amount (i.e., 14 grams, or 0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans external icon defines a standard “drink” as 12 ounces of 5% beer 8 ounces of 7% malt liquor 5 ounces of 12% wine or 1.5 ounces of 40% (80 proof) liquor.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines moderate consumption for women of legal drinking age as up to 1 standard drink per day.