Hello lactnetters.  I've been a browser for several months, but this is my
first note to the network.  I am a toxicologist with the New York State
Dept of Health and did my doctoral thesis in 1992.  The topic was a
risk-benefit analysis comparing the risks of environmental chemicals in
breastmilk, and the benefits of breastmilk compared to infant formula
feeding.  To make a very long dissertation short, it is almost always
beneficial to breastfeed infants despite the presence of chemicals (PCBs,
DDT, volatile organic chemicals such as tetrachloroethene, pesticides,
etc.) in breastmilk.  I believe this analysis would also apply to alcohol,
which would be present in very small amounts in milk of mothers who imbibe.
The documented great protective benefits of breastmilk outweigh the small
(and generally undocumented) risks of chemicals in breastmilk.  Some of
these considerations are included in a chapter I authored in the book
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology of Human Development (Kacew and
Lambert, eds., 1997, Taylor & Francis Publ.).  Those of you who come across
these questions dealing with risks may find Chapter 5 (and other chapters
in this book) helpful to weigh risks and benefits.  I agree whole-heartedly
with Dr. Jack that alcohol risks are likely very small compared to the
benefits of breastfeeding , and given undue attention compared to other
maternal drug intake/risks.   Judy Schreiber, Ph.D., NYSDOH.  You may send
e-mail directly to me at [log in to unmask]