Alcohol passes into breast milk and the level of the alcohol in breast milk is similar to the amount in mom’s own bloodstream. Having an occasional alcoholic drink while breastfeeding has not been shown to be harmful to your baby. Heavy drinking should be avoided.
Too much alcohol can affect how much milk your baby drinks and also your baby’s development. If you have one alcoholic drink, you should wait at least 2 hours before you breastfeed again. Breast feeding before having a drink is a way to ensure your breast milk is free of alcohol.
Planning on attending a special event where alcohol will be served?
If you are breastfeeding and have questions about using alcohol, you can find more information by following the links to the Motherisk website, Canada’s leading experts on drug, alcohol and chemical exposures in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. You can also make a confidential call to the Motherisk Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline for information about the effects of alcohol, nicotine and drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy at 1-877-327-4636.
For more information, call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, or click Your Health Connection and speak with a public health nurse.
