To Fellow Subscribers-
        My name is Melissa Peterson and I am a nursing student at the
Universtiy of North Dakota in Grand Forks.  As an assignment for my
Childbearing II class I was asked to pose a question to you and monitor
discussions to follow.  I chose the topic of "pumping and dumping".  The
question is as follows:
        It is known that alcohol use among women is highest among 20-40
year olds which correlates with optimum childbearing years (Olds., S., p
463, 1996).  After reviewing the literature on alcohol consumption and
breastfeeding, I found that one or fewer drinks per day has not been
found to be harmful however side effects have been noted if consumption
is increased (Mohrbacher & Stock, p 509, 1997).  Maternal blood alcohol
levels must attain 300 mg/dL before significant side effects are
reported in the infant (Hale, T., p 159, 1996).  However, in a study done
by Binkiewicz, Robinson, and Senior (1978), it was reported that
significant side effects resulted and the mothers blood alcohol level was
only at 100 mg/dL (Riordan & Auerbach, p 343, 1993).  Clearly the blood
alcohol level and severity of side effects is not 100% known.  It is
recommended that breastfeeding during and 2-3 hours after consumption be
avoided because alcohol passes freely into breastmilk and peaks 30-60
minutes after consumption (Hale, T., p 156, 1996).  I know "pumping and
dumping" should be utilized and that it is practiced by lactating women.
What do you suggest to mothers when confronted withthe question of
alcohol consumption and breastfeeding to promote the safety of the infant?
I'd appreciate any ideas or hints-Thank you.

Sources:

        Hale, T. (1996).  Medications and mothers milk '96 (5th ed).
Thomas W. Hale.

        Mohrbacher, N. and Stock, J.  (1997).  The breastfeeding answer
book (5th ed).  Schaumburg, IL:  La Leche League International.

        Olds, S., London, M., and Ladewig, P.  (1996).  Maternal-newborn
nursing:  A family centered approach (5th ed).  Reading, MA:  Addison-Wesley.

        Riordan, J. and Auerbach, G. (1993).  Breastfeeding and human
lactation.  Boston, MA:  Jones & Bartlett Publishers.