Day: January 11, 2015

It’s been a good while  since you had a nice cold sip (or warm if that’s how you take it) of alcohol–probably, oh, about 40 weeks, and now here you sit breastfeeding that adorable new baby thinking to yourself, “My wouldn’t a glass of wine be fine,” and then just as quickly, “Is alcohol and breastfeeding safe?”  The answer is sort of yes, drinking alcohol while breastfeeding can be done, but there are some things you should know.

What do the doctors say about alcohol and breastfeeding?

“When a lactating woman consumes alcohol, some of that alcohol is transferred into the milk. In general, less than 2 percent of the alcohol dose consumed by the mother reaches her milk and blood. Alcohol is not stored in breast milk, however, but its level parallels that found in the maternal blood. That means that as long as the mother has substantial blood alcohol levels, the milk also will contain alcohol. Accordingly, the common practice of pumping the breasts and then discarding the milk immediately after drinking alcohol does not hasten the disappearance of alcohol from the milk as the newly produced milk still will contain alcohol as long as the mother has measurable blood alcohol levels.” from Alcohols Effect on Lactation by Julie Mennella Ph. D.

In translation, yes if you drink alcohol while breastfeeding it can end up in your baby’s system. “Pumping and dumping” meaning to pump your breast milk and then pour it out is a pointless measure, because the alcohol is not stored in the milk itself. The new milk that is produced after pumping will still contain alcohol. The contamination comes from your own blood.

However, a breastfeeding mother can enjoy a glass of wine as long as she allows sufficient time after consumption for the alcohol to be processed by her body.

How long after drinking alcohol should you wait to breastfeed?

It takes one hour for one unit of alcohol to be processed by the body. One unit is the equivalent of a half pint of 3% beer, 25 mL of spirits (40%), or one 125 ML glass of your average wine. Keep in mind 125 mL is actually about 2/3 of your basic wine glass. Processing times can also vary by weight, height, liver function, and even what you’ve had to eat. Basically, think of the rules of driving after drinking and apply them to alcohol and breastfeeding.

What effects can consuming alcohol and breastfeeding have?

Studies show that drinking alcohol and breastfeeding can decrease milk supply. In addition, babies who regularly feed from mothers who consume alcohol on a daily basis exhibit decreased motor development, interrupted and shorter sleep patterns, and may have learning issues later on.

So, do alcohol and breastfeeding mix?

To sum it up, you can consume alcohol and breastfeed, however, regular consumption is not recommended as it can have adverse effects on your baby. If you do decide to drink alcohol and breastfeed, you need to wait before nursing. Basically one glass of wine with dinner won’t hurt your baby as long as you give it around two hours before breast feeding– Getting wasted every night, however, is not a good idea.

You might also find useful:
Marijuana and Breastfeeding
Caffeine and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Diet

 

 

While 62 percent of the population consumes coffee on a regular basis, far more consume some sort of caffeine without even realizing it. Caffeine is a natural plant derivative found in a wide variety of products from pick-me-up favorites such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks to sweet-tooth delights such as chocolate. Its caffeine’s way of sneaking into some consumables mothers may not think about that makes understanding the effects of caffeine while breastfeeding important.

Does caffeine while breast feeding affect my baby?

Caffeine does pass through breast milk to your baby. Current research suggests about 1 percent of the caffeine in your system passes to your baby while breastfeeding. When tested, breast milk showed the highest concentrations of caffeine one hour after consumption. This means unlike alcohol, it may not be effective to simply drink or consume caffeine and wait to breast feed unless the wait time was significantly longer. Caffeine enters the blood stream quickly, peaks at the one hour mark, and begins to dissipate after 3 to 7 hours, but remains in your body for 6 to 14 hours depending on the individual and amount consumed.

How much is too much caffeine while breastfeeding?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding mothers should not exceed 300 mg of caffeine a day. To give you a rough idea that’s around three 8 oz. cups of regular coffee or two 8 oz. milk chocolate bars. Exceeding this amount can affect your baby’s health negatively. Some studies have also found that caffeine in excess of 300 mg a day can alter the composition of breast milk reducing iron content by as much as one third.

What effects can caffeine while breastfeeding have on my baby?

Infants process caffeine far slower than adults, so with continued regular consumption via cross over from breast milk, levels can build in the body causing negative health effects such as:

-Sleep issues

-Irritability

-Hyperactivity

-Gastrointestinal upset including constipation or diarrhea

These affects are said to subside over time when caffeine levels dissipate. It takes the average newborn 160 hours to metabolize what an adult can in 14 hours. While the long-term effects of caffeine while breastfeeding have yet to be positively proven, some researchers have suggested high caffeine intake may also affect cardiovascular and neurological development.

Is it safe then, to consume caffeine while breast feeding?

It is safe to consume caffeine while breastfeeding in moderate amounts not exceeding 300 mg a day. If in excess, you should wait at least 3 to 6 hours so caffeine levels have lowered in your blood stream.

You may also find relevant:

Alcohol and Breastfeeding: Is it safe?
Marijuana and Breastfeeding: Is it safe?