Guidelines for Alchohol Consumption during Lactation: A Literature Review

Author

Rachel Lee

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Concentration

Family Nurse Practitioner

Abstract

"This literature review aims to clarify the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on the lactating mother and nursling. There is evidence that alcohol consumption reduces lactation performance and breast milk intake, disrupts infant sleep-wake patterns, and can result in a preference for alcohol later in life. Because a safe level of alcohol in breast milk has not been established, guidelines extrapolated from the literature emphasize timed feedings to avoid infant alcohol exposure. Blood and corresponding milk alcohol concentrations are lowered by pumping or breastfeeding one hour prior to moderate drinking, eating a concomitant meal, and ""pumping and dumping"" after. To avoid all risks, women should refrain from alcohol during lactation. To decrease the risks, women should not breastfeed for at least two hours per standard alcoholic drink consumed. Consistent practice guidelines concerning breastfeeding and moderate alcohol consumption are needed; however the dynamic interaction between lactation and alcoholrequires further research. Key Words: Alcohol, Ethanol, Lactation, Breastfeeding, Breast milk"

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