Alcohol and Breastfeeding: What Every New Mom Should Know

Alyssa is a tired but happy new mother. Her six-week-old baby is peacefully napping in the crib, and she’s ready to pour herself the first glass of wine she’s had since before her pregnancy. “I deserve a little break after another day of diaper changes and lullabies, don’t I?” she wonders.

It feels like a well-earned reward, but then she pauses and asks a crucial question: Is it safe to drink alcohol while breastfeeding? According to more than ten years of scientific research, the answer strongly leans toward “no.”

How Alcohol Enters Breast Milk and Affects Your Baby

When a breastfeeding mother drinks alcohol, it doesn’t just stay in her system. It enters her bloodstream and passes into her breast milk. Studies show that alcohol levels in breast milk match those in the mother’s blood. Even more concerning, infants process alcohol much more slowly than adults because their livers and digestive systems are still developing. This means alcohol stays in their systems longer, which can negatively impact their sleep, motor skills, cognitive development, and overall growth.

Alcohol’s Impact on the Nutritional Quality of Breast Milk

Beyond direct exposure, alcohol can also reduce the nutritional value of breast milk. Research indicates that alcohol interferes with the absorption of key nutrients, including lactose—the primary sugar that supports a baby’s growth. This interference can lead to nutritional deficiencies, affecting the infant’s health and development.

How Alcohol Can Reduce Milk Supply

Ironically, while a drink might seem like a way to relax, it can actually increase stress by affecting milk production. Alcohol can lead to an inadequate milk supply, making feeding more difficult and potentially affecting the baby’s growth and contentment. A study published in Pediatrics also found that breast milk from mothers who drank alcohol was less appealing to babies due to changes in odor.

Long-Term Risks of Drinking While Breastfeeding

Emerging research points to possible long-term effects for children exposed to alcohol through breast milk. A 2018 study in Pediatrics showed that even small amounts of alcohol could contribute to cognitive and behavioral issues later in life, such as learning difficulties and behavioral challenges.

Healthy and Tasty Alternatives to Alcohol

If you’re craving a refreshing drink after a long day, there are plenty of satisfying, non-alcoholic options to try:

• Mocktails: Get creative with alcohol-free versions of your favorite cocktails using fresh fruits, herbs, and sparkling water.
• Herbal Teas: Enjoy calming options like chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus, served hot or iced.
• Fruit-Infused Water: Add slices of fruit, cucumber, or mint to water for a refreshing twist.
• Non-Alcoholic Beers and Wines: Many brands now offer great-tasting alcohol-free alternatives.
• Sparkling Water: Add a splash of juice or a squeeze of citrus for a fizzy, uplifting drink.

What to Do If You Choose to Drink

“Pump and dump” is a common practice where a mother pumps and discards breast milk after drinking alcohol to avoid exposing her baby. While this can help, it’s important to remember that alcohol takes time to leave your system. The CDC recommends having no more than one drink and waiting at least two hours before breastfeeding. Still, the safest choice is to avoid alcohol entirely while nursing.

Key Takeaways on Alcohol and Breastfeeding

So, can a breastfeeding mother drink alcohol? While it might be tempting, especially during the demanding early months of motherhood, the risks to your baby’s development and well-being are significant. Decades of research confirm that alcohol and breastfeeding are a risky combination.

Instead, explore the wide variety of delicious non-alcoholic drinks available. You can still raise a glass to celebrate the joys and challenges of motherhood—just without the alcohol. Remember, the breastfeeding stage is a short but precious time in your child’s life. The wine can wait.