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Binge Drinking
Binge drinking (4+ drinks for women) is strongly advised against while breastfeeding. High alcohol levels impair your ability to safely care for your baby and can lead to dangerous levels of alcohol in your breast milk. If you do have multiple drinks, do not bed-share and arrange for a sober caregiver. Wait until you are completely sober before nursing.
Breast milk alcohol levels closely mirror blood alcohol levels. At blood alcohol of 0.08% (legal limit), breast milk contains approximately 0.08% alcohol — equivalent to about one-third the alcohol in orange juice naturally, but the concern is the total volume consumed over a feeding. More importantly, intoxication severely impairs the judgment and reflexes needed for safe infant care. Bed-sharing while intoxicated is a significant SIDS risk factor. If you've had multiple drinks, pump and discard your milk (to maintain supply, not for safety), wait until fully sober to nurse, and have stored milk or formula available for feedings in the interim.
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
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