"My objection to cautions about alcohol ingestion ("to reduce potential 
risks") is that there are no data showing that alcohol in human milk hurts 
babies.........except for that one case report where the mother was drinking
  over units a day! Folks that drink moderately can drive and breastfeed and =20
whatever else they want to do..."

I suppose one would have to be clear on what defines "moderate drinking"  Some are fine to drive after consuming two drinks, others are not.  Other factors come into play when talking about the blood alcohol level, such as the weight of the person, the amount of food recently eaten, type of alcohol, etc.  Also, the age and weight of the baby would matter, too. I don't think a breastfeeding mother being cautioned about alcohol ingestion would lead to unnecessary weaning. A mother should use common sense about alcohol consumption, breastfeeding and parenting. After all, alcohol is a drug, and does pass into breastmilk. I understand that you are saying the studies are not showing alcohol in breastmilk hurts babies, but from what I have read, I feel safer being more cautious and going with "an occasional drink," there are too many other factors to consider.

Mary Ellen Spencer RN IBCLC in NJ

ps and I do always love your posts, Nikki, always a wealth of great info!

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