@karrie_locher “You’re drinking— better pump and dump!”🤔 Some mamas choose not to partake in alcohol consumption while breastfeeding and that’s amazing! But I do think it’s important to know how we can do this safely when/if we choose to drink. A few reasons why “pump and dump” is old and outdated advice: 1. Breastmilk parallels blood alcohol levels. Alcohol doesn’t sit “trapped” in the milk, but clears the milk just as it clears the bloodstream. We will talk further about this below. 2. You can always use breastmilk you don’t feel comfortable feeding your baby for other purposes! I have a separate reel on milk baths where this milk would be incredible! 🧠What we know? Alcohol moves between the bloodstream and milk to stay balanced. It is then broken down and metabolized by the liver until no alcohol remains. When it leaves the bloodstream, it leaves the milk as well. —Pepino MY, Steinmeyer AL, Mennella JA. Lactational State Modifies Alcohol Pharmacokinetics in Women. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 2007;31(6):909-918. The highest alcohol levels in milk occur 30 to 60 minutes after an alcoholic beverage. However, # of drinks you’ve consumed, weight, and food consumption may also be a factor on “when” alcohol clears your milk. Increasing alcohol levels can decrease oxytocin release, which can delay or inhibit letdowns. One study showed a decrease in milk intake in infants BF immediately after alcohol intake in mother by 20-23%. —LactMed ❓Okay, okay, so what does this all mean? Many women choose to follow the “2 hour rule”— nursing or pumping milk for their baby (this can also decrease subsequent alcohol in milk), then consuming their beverage(s), then resuming regular nursing/pumping at least 2-3 hours (for the next feeding) later. If intoxicated, it takes longer for alcohol to leave bloodstream, therefore the milk as well. It may be best to set this milk aside for reasons aside from consumption or disperse! Infant risk center recommends that after moderate drinking, mothers feed their child when they feel “neurologically normal”. So yes, you *can* enjoy some social drinks! Do what feels best to YOU!