Currently research suggests the occasional consumption of alcohol is not deemed to be harmful to the breastfed baby although it is recommended that one to two drinks per week should be the limit. Some experts suggest that if you are sober enough to drive a vehicle you should be safe to breastfeed.

Experts also suggest you avoid feeding your baby for two to three hours following the consumption of alcohol and other than your own comfort, there is no need to pump and throw away breast milk after you have consumed alcohol.

However if you are not with your baby you should aim to pump as often as your baby feeds to ensure your milk supply is maintained. By pumping with a mechanical pump or your hand, you will also ensure comfort whilst avoiding plugged ducts and mastitis. The alcohol does not accumulate in the milk. It leaves your milk when it leaves your blood.

It should also be remembered that alcohol can decrease the production of milk. The alcohol peaks in your blood and milk supply approximately half to one hour following the drink although each person is different. It also depends upon the time you last eat and the amount of food that was eaten along with your body weight and body fat.

You should always bear in mind your baby’s age when considering drinking whilst breastfeeding. A newborn baby’s liver is very immature and up to around three months of age, the alcohol is detoxified at half the rate of an adult. An older baby should be able to detoxify the alcohol a lot quicker.