Published July 29, 2025

Can You Drink Alcohol While Breastfeeding? Let’s Clear It Up
By the NAPS experts Emily Silver, NP-C, IBCLC and Jamie O'Day, RN, IBCLC
Let’s talk about something a lot of new parents wonder about — but don’t always feel comfortable asking: “Can I have a drink while I’m breastfeeding?”
The short answer is: yes, you can. But we know the longer answer is what you’re really after. Between well-meaning relatives offering conflicting advice and outdated myths still floating around online, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. So let’s break it down, once and for all — with the clarity and support you deserve.
Where All the Confusion Started
Last month, in one of our New Moms Survival Groups, a parent shared that her mother-in-law told her to drink beer to increase her milk supply. Believe it or not, that myth has been around for decades — dating back to the 1960s, when people would actually bring beer to new moms in the hospital, thinking it would help their milk come in.
Fast forward a few years, and we entered the “pump and dump” era. Moms were told to discard their breast milk if they’d had anything to drink — even just a single glass of wine. The logic? Alcohol lingers in your milk until you get rid of it. But as we’ll explain below, that’s not how it works.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or pumping and feel torn between relaxing with a drink and worrying about your milk, you’re not alone. Let’s clear things up so you can make confident, informed choices for yourself and your baby.
What Actually Happens When You Drink Alcohol?
When you drink, alcohol enters your bloodstream, and from there, it can pass into your breast milk. But the amount that actually makes it into your milk is very small.
Alcohol is not stored in your milk like it’s trapped in a bottle. It moves in and out of your milk just as it does with your blood. As your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises and falls, so does the alcohol level in your breast milk. That means once the alcohol is out of your bloodstream, it’s out of your milk, too.
So how much really reaches your baby? According to studies cited in the LactMed database, even after a moderate amount of alcohol, the relative infant dose is incredibly low — about 2% of what you consumed. In other words, the risk to your baby from occasional, moderate drinking is minimal.
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Can You Nurse a Baby While Having a Drink?
Yes, you can. Having an occasional glass of wine, beer or cocktail is not harmful to your baby, and the research backs that up. The idea that you have to be completely alcohol-free to breastfeed safely is outdated, and we want you to feel empowered with accurate, up-to-date information.
The truth is, alcohol passes in and out of your breast milk just like it does your bloodstream, and only a small amount ever reaches your milk. So, enjoying a drink now and then doesn’t mean you have to stop nursing.
That said, every parent has different comfort levels, and that’s totally valid! If you’d rather wait before breastfeeding after a drink, or if you just want a plan in place to feel more confident, we’ll walk you through the timing and how to use pumped milk as a backup. This isn’t about one-size-fits-all advice — it’s about helping you make informed decisions that feel right for you.
Pumping and Dumping: Is It Necessary?
Here’s the good news: You probably don’t need to “pump and dump.” The idea here is that alcohol gets stuck in your milk until you manually remove it. But that’s not how alcohol works in the body — or in breast milk.
Alcohol naturally dissipates from your milk as your BAC goes down. If you’re not ready to nurse or pump immediately after drinking, the best approach is usually to wait it out, hydrate and breastfeed later. You can always offer previously pumped milk in the meantime.
There are, however, a few situations where pumping might still be helpful:
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You’re feeling full and uncomfortable and need relief.
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You want to maintain your milk supply on schedule.
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You plan to be away for several hours and want milk on hand for your baby.
But pumping and dumping because you had a drink is generally not necessary in most cases.
How Long To Wait Before Nursing or Pumping
So, you’ve had a drink (or two), and now you’re wondering: “How long should I wait before nursing or pumping again?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on a few personal factors, like:
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How much alcohol you had
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Your body weight
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Your metabolism and alcohol tolerance
Generally, one standard drink (like 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of spirits) will take about two hours to clear from the milk of a 150-pound person. Someone who weighs less might need closer to two and a half to three hours, while someone heavier may clear it more quickly.
Here’s a rough guide you can follow:
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1 drink: wait ~2 hours
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2 drinks: wait ~4 hours
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3+ drinks: wait 6+ hours or until the next day
You can reference this chart to figure out the right timeline for you!
A simple rule of thumb: If you’d feel comfortable driving a car, it’s likely safe to breastfeed. And if you feel buzzed or tipsy, it’s best to wait. In those cases, use previously pumped milk if your baby needs to eat before you’re ready to nurse again.
There’s no need to stress or overthink it. With a little planning and self-awareness, you can enjoy your drink and continue nursing with confidence.


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Going Out or Planning Ahead? Here’s What You Need To Know
Planning a wedding weekend, a date night or a mom’s night out? First — yay! You deserve it. Second, yes, you can still breastfeed and enjoy your evening without stress. With a little planning, you can make sure both you and your baby are covered — so you can relax, celebrate and feel confident in your choices.
Here’s how to prepare:
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Pump ahead of time so you have a bottle or two ready, just in case your baby needs to eat while you're away.
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Feed right before heading out to give your baby a fresh meal and help avoid discomfort or fullness while you’re gone.
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Bring your pump if you’ll be out for more than four to six hours. It’ll help you stay on schedule and keep your supply steady (plus, you’ll feel more comfortable).
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Hydrate well, both before and after drinking. It helps your body metabolize the alcohol more efficiently and supports your overall milk production.
Whether you’re heading to a party, brunch with friends, or just carving out a few hours for yourself, a bit of prep goes a long way. And if you’re not sure how to structure your schedule—or you want help planning for a longer time away—our Feeding Room experts are always here to help you map it out.
Should You Use Alcohol Test Strips?
You’ve probably seen those little test strips on store shelves or online — marketed as a quick way to tell if there’s alcohol in your breast milk. At first glance, they seem like a helpful safety net. But here’s the real scoop: they’re not very accurate, and they’re usually not necessary.
Most of these strips can only tell you if alcohol is present, not how much is actually there — or whether it’s enough to matter. And since even small amounts of alcohol in breast milk aren’t considered harmful after moderate drinking, these strips can end up causing more confusion than clarity.
If you want to be extra cautious, we recommend sticking with a trusted timing chart or simply going by how you feel. And if you’re feeling tipsy, it’s okay to wait it out or use previously pumped milk. At the end of the day, you know your body best!
The Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Your Body
If you’ve ever paused to wonder how alcohol might affect your milk supply or your baby over time, you’re not alone—and it’s a smart question to ask. Fortunately, we have solid research to help guide the conversation. Here’s what the science says:
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Occasional alcohol use — like having a drink now and then — has not been shown to impact infant development in healthy, breastfed babies.
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Chronic or heavy alcohol use (think several drinks daily over an extended period) may interfere with the let-down reflex and can eventually affect milk production.
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As for casual drinking, there’s no strong evidence that it decreases milk supply in the long run.
So if you’re someone who enjoys a drink from time to time, rest assured that occasional, moderate use is not linked to negative long-term effects on your milk or your baby’s health. That said, if you’re drinking more regularly and feeling unsure about how it might be affecting your supply, your body or your little one, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant!
Clearing the Guilt, Embracing the Facts
Let’s be honest — parenthood comes with enough pressure as it is. From unsolicited advice to internet deep-dives to that little voice in your head wondering if you're “doing it right,” the early days can feel overwhelming. When it comes to alcohol and breastfeeding, the most helpful thing you can do is focus on what’s true, what’s safe and what works for you.
Here’s your foundation:
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Know the facts, so you can cut through the noise and trust the science.
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Understand how your body works, because breast milk and alcohol aren’t as complicated as they’ve been made out to be.
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Make a plan that supports both you and your baby — one that fits your comfort level, lifestyle, and values.
And most importantly? Leave the guilt at the door. We’re not here to tell you whether or not to drink. We’re here to tell you that if you do want to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, or toast a friend’s birthday, you can — and you can still breastfeed safely. It’s about informed decisions, not perfection.
You deserve peace of mind, a little freedom and zero shame in the process.
Breastfeeding and Balance: You Deserve Both
Navigating the early days of feeding — whether that’s with breast milk, formula or both — takes strength, patience and a lot of learning as you go. But know that you’re doing an amazing job. So here’s your permission slip: Yes, you can breastfeed and enjoy a drink, too. You don’t have to feel guilty or confused. Just informed, prepared and supported.
Whether you’re heading out for an event, scheduling your first date night post-baby, or just want a little peace of mind with a glass of wine — you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join our weekly Feeding Room support group. It’s free, friendly and led by experts who’ve been there!
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant’s pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.