In a message dated 11/16/2005 10:38:00 AM Eastern Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

For this  reason, the Institute of Medicine recommends that it is OK to have 
the  ocassional drink - 
one beer or one glass of wine and drink it right after  feeding the baby so 
it clear the system 
before the next feeding.   They recommend pumping and dumping if more alcohol 
is  consumed.



Susan, I saw this report and these are my opinions.  The  recommendation to 
pump and dump is to do what?  Make the mother feel  better?  Protect the baby 
from ever getting the small amount  of alcohol that would be in the breast 
milk?  The possible side  effects of taking in this small amount of alcohol would 
have more negative  effects on the baby both short term or long term than a 
mother giving formula  while she is pumping and dumping?
 
As others have written, the alcohol content in the breast is not a  constant. 
 It passes in and out of the breast milk while in the mother's  blood.  When 
her blood levels are high the most would pass in and then out  again.  As her 
blood levels drop there is even smaller amounts that are  passing in and out 
of the breast milk.
 
I think what is most appropriate for us as lactation consultants or any  
other health care provider is to give information to mothers and parents about  
safe parenting.  Getting drunk, smoking, not using car seats, or  taking illicit 
drugs are not safe parenting.  
If a mother goes to a wedding and has more than one drink, this does not  
make her an alcoholic.  I think we need to be very careful that we not make  a 
mother feel that on an occasion if she drinks that we assume she has a problem  
or she chooses to give formula.
Let us give accurate information and telling her to pump and dump after  
drinking does not fit.
 
Ann Perry, RN IBCLC
Boston, MA
 

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