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Effects of Alcohol on Breastfeeding

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Avoiding alcohol consumption is the safest option while breastfeeding. The below article briefs about the effects of alcohol while breastfeeding.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Arjun Chaudhari

Published At May 31, 2023
Reviewed AtMarch 25, 2024

Introduction:

Alcohol is considered a recreational drink. It is a fermented beverage that has been consumed for many years. It has always been a topic of argument regarding its merits and demerits. Debate states that alcohol taken in a limited or moderate amount serves good effects on the body and that more quantity can lead to harmful effects. The consumption of alcohol by breastfeeding mothers is always a matter of debate. There is always a concern about the food consumed by a new mother, as it may highly affect breast milk, in turn affecting the newborn. Warnings are given at a high rate during pregnancy about not consuming alcohol, as it can impact baby development and damage the unborn child. This article further discusses the effects and risks related to drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.

What Is Breastfeeding, and Why Is It Important?

Breastfeeding is a natural process where a lactating mother feeds the newborn with breast milk. It is important for both the mother and the newborn. This helps in creating a natural bond between the mother and baby, along with offering immense benefits of nutritious breast milk to the infant. Breastfeeding offers benefits like:

  • It acts as the best source of nutrition, a growing baby needs all the essential nutrients a breast milk has.
  • Breast milk reduces a mother's risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
  • Breast milk protects infants against short and long-term illnesses and diseases, like SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), type 1 diabetes, asthma, and obesity, along with reducing the risk of stomach, lung, and ear infection.
  • Breastmilk shares antibodies from the mother to the infant that helps in developing a stronger immune system and acts as a barrier against illnesses.
  • Breastfeeding is a convenient way to feed babies, without worrying about carrying bottlers and formula preparations. It can be provided to infants anywhere anytime and also comforts babies in travel.

How Does Alcohol Affect Breastmilk, the Baby, and the Mother?

Consuming alcohol does affect the body of the mother and infant.

Effects of Alcohol on Breast Milk:

  • Alcohol freely passes from the mother’s bloodstream to breastmilk, So the concentration of alcohol in the milk is similar to that of the blood. This concentration actually depends on the fraction of alcohol that the mother consumes, like five to six percent of the weight-adjusted dose.
  • Alcohol is also a potent inhibitor of oxytocin. Oxytocin helps in post-delivery uterine contractions and is also associated with milk ejection. This may decrease the reduction in milk availability for the infants.
  • The alcohol level in the breast milk goes high for about 30 to 60 minutes after a single shot.
  • More the consumption, the more the concentration stays in milk. It is also believed that alcohol taste is not preferred by infants thus this concentration of alcohol in milk will make infants to drink less.

Effects of Alcohol on Infants:

  • Kids up to the age of three metabolize alcohol at half the rate an adult does. Babies have immature liver cells and rapidly developing brain cells, both of these are more susceptible to alcohol.
  • Daily consumption of more than one drink by a mother can contribute to disrupted sleep patterns, delayed psychomotor skills, poor weight gain, and even cognitive delay in the later life of kids.
  • Infants are prone to drink less milk, if their mom has consumed alcohol.
  • Studies have shown reduced cognitive skills in kids at the age of six to seven years who were breastfed by mothers who consumed alcohol.

Effects of Alcohol on Mothers:

  • It is a myth that alcohol promotes milk production in new mothers. Research shows alcohol decreases the hormonal response to infants sucking and thus results in less milk while nursing.
  • Drinking more than two drinks can decrease milk ejection. Over time it can reduce the milk supply due to not fully emptying the breast with each feed.
  • No doubt, heavy consumption can impair the mother's ability to carry the baby safely.
  • Along with the above, it can impair a mother’s overall health.

What Is a Better Way of Pumping or Dumping to Get Rid of Breast Milk With Alcohol?

It is a myth that pumping and dumping the breastmilk and throwing it out. Pumping and dumping is not a quick solution to get rid of alcohol from breast milk. Alcohol does not stay trapped in milk, but it goes up and down according to how much alcohol is present in the bloodstream. As long as alcohol is present in the blood, it will also be present in milk. The only reason to pump after drinking alcohol is to get the mother's physical comfort if the breasts feel too full, though it is not the time to nurse the baby. The best option to feed a baby immediately after a drink is to wait for at least two to three hours to nurse the infant again.

Avoiding alcohol while breastfeeding can actually offer more peace of mind, and it is safe for the babies. For the new mother to relax and enjoy a recreational event, a number of mocktail recipes are available. The new mother can try something refreshing and non-alcoholic drink. A good massage, yoga, a hot bath, and herbal teas can also help the new mother relax more than a glass of wine. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Moderate drinkers did notice changes in energy levels. When they stop drinking alcohol, it helps decrease the number of diseases and improves sleep. Avoiding alcohol while breastfeeding is best for the infant's health.

Conclusion:

The harmful effects of alcohol during pregnancy are well established, but very little information is provided regarding its effects while breastfeeding. Although a considerable quantity of alcohol is recommended for breastfeeding mothers, some health care providers urge abstinence, while others suggest alcohol consumption by breastfeeding women carries little risk. It is important for a feeding mother to know the accurate information and risks of alcohol exposure by alcohol transfer to the infants while breastfeeding. It is important to consider that breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed infants until they are one, and wise decisions on food intake and drinks can help avoid exposing babies to alcohol.

Dr. Arjun Chaudhari
Dr. Arjun Chaudhari

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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