The effects of alcohol consumption during breastfeeding are not as well studied as those during pregnancy.The majority of breastfeeding women drink alcohol only occasionally. What can be observed is that the proportion of women who drink alcohol while breastfeeding increases with the age of the newborn child. For example, one study showed that 30% of breastfeeding mothers of one to three-month-old children drank alcohol, while the proportion of alcohol-drinking mothers of seven to nine-month-old children had already risen to 75%.
Ethanol (alcohol) passes from maternal blood into breast milk at a high rate (passive diffusion). The concentrations of ethanol in the mother’s blood plasma (blood fluid) and in breast milk are comparably high. However, nature has arranged it so that the maternal absorption rate of alcohol is lowered during breastfeeding. The concentration in breast milk is highest about 30-60 minutes after alcohol consumption. However, the infant only reaches a body weight dose of about 1% of the maternal dose.During the first two months of the infant’s life, the activity of the main alcohol-degrading enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, is still limited. Nevertheless, the risk to the child is considered low when the mother’s alcohol consumption is low to moderate.
Negative effects of alcohol consumption during lactation include:
- Decreased milk production and delayed milk-donor reflex – Ethanol impairs secretion (release) of the maternal hormones oxytocin and prolactin, which influence milk formation and release and the milk-donor reflex. Milk formation and secretion are particularly impaired by high levels of alcohol. As a result, the risk of milk stasis increases. With low to moderate consumption, a delay in the milk-donor reflex occurs that lasts as long as alcohol is in the maternal bloodstream.
- It is possible that the infant’s sleep may be negatively affected by high alcohol consumption. There may also be decreased suckling ability, increased weight gain and, in the worst case, signs of intoxication.
- Occasional and moderate alcohol consumption will cause the baby to take in less milk in the first few hours after drinking. The children may be more restless and irritable.
- Ethanol is associated with a shortened overall breastfeeding duration.
Occasional, moderate alcohol consumption is compatible with breastfeeding. After consumption, however, a breastfeeding break of two to two and a half hours should be observed in any case.To exclude possible adverse health effects from alcohol consumption during breastfeeding, larger amounts of alcohol and regular drinking should be avoided.
For more information on the topic of “Alcohol Consumption,” see “Stimulants” in the “Micronutrient Medicine” super-topic.
