Happy Thanksgiving! A Guide to Wine and Breastfeeding

Navigating the Thanksgiving Toast: A Guide to Wine and Breastfeeding

Between the roasted turkey, the family catching up, and the festive holiday energy, Thanksgiving is a time for celebration but if you are currently breastfeeding, raising a glass of wine for the annual family toast can bring up a lot of questions.

Can I have a glass of Pinot Noir with dinner? Do I need to "pump and dump" afterward? Will it make my baby sleepy?

Let’s look at the actual science behind alcohol and breast milk so you can confidently make the best choice for you and your baby this holiday season.

The Golden Rule: Timing is Everything

The short answer from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that moderate alcohol consumption (one standard drink per day) is not known to be harmful to your nursing infant.

However, how you time that drink makes a massive difference:

• The 2-Hour Window: Alcohol enters your breast milk at roughly the same rate it enters your bloodstream. It generally peaks in your system 30 to 60 minutes after you drink.
• The Smart Strategy: The best way to enjoy a holiday drink is to nurse your baby or pump right before you have a glass of wine. Afterward, wait at least 2 hours per drink before nursing again. This gives your body enough time to naturally clear the alcohol out of your system.

What Safely Counts as "One Drink"?

Not all drinks are poured equally, especially when a generous relative is filling your glass at the dinner table. When tracking your 2-hour window, a standard drink equals:

• 5 ounces of wine (about 12% alcohol)
• 12 ounces of regular beer (about 5% alcohol)
• 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (liquor)

If you have a heavy pour or a second glass, you will need to extend that waiting window accordingly (e.g., waiting 4 hours for two drinks).

Busting the "Pump and Dump" Myth

We have all heard the old advice to express breast milk after drinking alcohol and throw it down the drain. You do not need to do this.

Alcohol does not get trapped in your breast milk. As your blood alcohol level drops, the alcohol level in your milk drops right along with it. Pumping and dumping does not speed up this process; only time can clear alcohol from your body.

• The only exception: If your breasts are painfully full (engorged) during your 2-hour waiting window, you can pump for comfort. Because that milk will contain alcohol, you should discard it.

What About Thanksgiving Food Cooked with Alcohol?

If you are eyeing a bourbon-glazed ham, beer-braised sides, or a classic rum cake, you don’t need to stress. While cooking doesn't magically evaporate 100% of the alcohol, the remaining amount left in a single culinary portion is far too microscopic to have any impact on your breast milk. Go ahead and enjoy the stuffing and gravy!

A Quick Checklist for a Stress-Free Holiday

1. Feed the baby first: Give a good feed right before sitting down for the main meal and the holiday toast.
2. Pour a water back-up: Keep a large glass of water next to your wine to stay hydrated.
3. Have a backup bottle ready: If your baby unexpectedly gets hungry during your 2-hour waiting window, have a previously pumped bottle of milk ready so someone else can feed them.

The Bottom Line

An occasional glass of wine to toast with your family is perfectly safe, provided you plan around your baby's feeding schedule. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and relaxing Thanksgiving!

‍