The safest choice is not drinking alcohol if you are
breastfeeding.
Alcohol passes into your breastmilk but is not stored
long-term in your breastmilk. The amount of the alcohol
in your breastmilk is similar to the amount of alcohol
in your bloodstream. Only time will remove alcohol from
breastmilk.
Alcohol does not increase your milk production. Alcohol
decreases the letdown reflex so your baby may get less
breastmilk. Your baby also may not like breastmilk
containing alcohol so they may drink less. Heavy
drinking may decrease your milk supply.
Planning on drinking alcohol or attending a special
event where alcohol will be served?
You can drink mocktails or other non-alcoholic drinks.
If choosing to drink alcohol on a special occasion,
limit your alcohol to 1 to 2 standard drinks.
Breastfeed before having a drink, not after. This
allows time for the alcohol to leave your bloodstream
and breastmilk before the next feeding.
If you are thinking of drinking more than 2 drinks per
occasion, express and store breastmilk ahead so that
breastmilk is available for your baby during this time.
Have someone you trust care for and feed your baby
until you are completely sober. Allow enough time for
the alcohol to be eliminated from your body before
breastfeeding again. On average it takes up to 2 hours
for one drink and 6 hours for 3 drinks. During this
time, you can express your breastmilk to maintain your
milk supply or for your own comfort. Heavy drinking and
breastfeeding should be avoided as it may affect your
child’s development.
Visit:
MotherToBaby
Help and Support:
Talk to your health professional and/or make a
confidential call, text, chat or email to:
Connex Ontario English / Francais 1-866-531-2600
