The holiday season brings celebration, connection, and — for many parents — questions about whether it’s safe to enjoy a drink while breastfeeding. As a postpartum doula and newborn specialist, I want you to feel confident, informed, and empowered to make the best decision for your family.

Here’s what the research says and what you truly need to know.

🎄 Can You Drink Alcohol While Breastfeeding?

Yes — breastfeeding parents can enjoy alcohol safely, as long as they follow evidence-based timing guidelines.

The key idea to remember:

Alcohol leaves your breastmilk at the same rate it leaves your bloodstream.

If you feel sober, your milk is typically clear of alcohol too.

✨ How Long Should You Wait After a Drink?

General timing guidelines based on average metabolism:

1 standard drink → wait 2–3 hours 2 drinks → wait 4–5 hours 3 drinks → wait 6–8 hours

A “standard drink” is:

5 oz wine 12 oz beer 1.5 oz liquor

Your weight, metabolism, and whether you drank while eating can all influence timing.

🍼 Do You Need to Pump and Dump?

Only if you’re feeling overly full or uncomfortable.

Pumping and dumping does not remove alcohol from milk — only time does that.

You may pump to:

Relieve engorgement Maintain comfort Keep supply consistent

But the pumped milk during the “waiting period” should not be fed to baby.

🎁 Tips for Drinking Safely While Breastfeeding

Here are practical ways to enjoy the holidays without stress:

✔ Plan feeds ahead of time

Breastfeed before you have a drink to maximize the waiting window.

✔ Have pumped milk ready

If you think baby might need a bottle during your waiting window, have milk on hand.

✔ Eat while drinking

Food slows absorption and helps your body process alcohol more steadily.

✔ Hydrate

Staying hydrated supports your system and prevents postpartum fatigue.

✔ Choose your timing

Evenings often work well — feed baby, enjoy a drink, then allow enough time before the next feed.

⛔ When to Avoid Alcohol Completely

Skip alcohol if:

Baby was born premature Baby has medical or metabolic concerns You’re co-sleeping or planning to bedshare You are feeling unsteady, sleepy, or impaired in any way while caring for baby

For safety, never sleep with baby after drinking.

💛 A Judgment-Free Note From Your Doula

You deserve to enjoy your holiday season — with accurate information and zero guilt.

Breastfeeding should support your life, not restrict it. With planning and awareness, alcohol can be enjoyed safely and responsibly.

If you have questions specific to your baby, feeding plan, or comfort level, I’m always happy to help.

📚 Additional Support

If you’re preparing for the postpartum period or want help creating a plan that works for your family, download my FREE Postpartum Planning Guide here:

👉 https://www.canva.com/design/DAFlz0z8BjU/rCFWlm-RBsw-GEtCs8KAWw/view