Motherhood is hard. Between sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the constant worry about doing everything right, it’s no wonder some new moms crave a little escape in the form of a glass of wine. But what happens when happy hour collides with feeding hour? The truth about alcohol and breastfeeding isn’t always straightforward, and that can make things confusing, even guilt-inducing, for new parents.

At SCA Recovery in Los Angeles, we understand how complicated these moments can feel. You might be trying to unwind, to reclaim a small sense of normalcy, but also feel anxious about the impact alcohol might have on your baby. That’s why we’re here to break down alcohol and breastfeeding guidelines with compassion, clarity, and no judgment.

The Truth About Alcohol and Breastfeeding

Here’s the simple version: alcohol does pass into breast milk. When you drink, the level of alcohol in your blood is mirrored in your breast milk. This means breastmilk with alcohol in it isn’t just a myth. It’s a physiological fact. While that doesn’t necessarily mean a single sip will harm your baby, repeated or heavy drinking can have real consequences.

Many people underestimate how long alcohol stays in the system. On average, it takes about two to three hours for one standard drink to clear from your body. If you drink more than that, or drink more frequently, it takes longer for your breast milk to return to normal.

For new parents who are also dealing with addiction or mental health challenges, this balance can be especially tricky. Alcohol use can spiral from “just one drink” to something more difficult to control, particularly when coping with postpartum stress, anxiety, or disordered eating patterns.

What Happens If a Baby Drinks Breast Milk That Has Alcohol In It?

This is the question most parents worry about, and for a good reason. Babies’ livers are not fully developed, which means they can’t process alcohol the way adults can. Even small amounts of alcohol in breast milk can affect a baby’s sleep, feeding, and development.

Possible short-term signs may include:

• Unusual drowsiness or deep sleep
• Trouble feeding or latching
• Irritability or increased crying
• Slower motor reflexes
• Poor weight gain over time

In more serious situations, if a baby drinks breast milk that has alcohol in it, it could lead to alcohol intoxication, which may look like lethargy, low body temperature, or breathing difficulties. If you notice these symptoms and suspect your baby might have ingested alcohol through breast milk, contact your pediatrician or seek medical help immediately.

How to Know Whether a Breastfed Baby Is Under the Influence of Alcohol

It can be difficult and scary to tell whether a breastfed baby is under the influence of alcohol. Babies can’t tell you how they feel, and many signs of alcohol exposure overlap with other issues like colic, teething, or fatigue.

Here are a few signs to watch for:

• Excessive sleepiness, especially if your baby skips feedings.
• A weak suck reflex or poor coordination when feeding.
• Decreased responsiveness to touch or sound.
• Flushed skin or unsteady breathing patterns.

If you notice more than one of these signs after you’ve had alcohol, your baby may have been affected. The safest approach is to pump and discard your breast milk after drinking and wait until your body has metabolized the alcohol before nursing again.

That said, it’s important not to panic or shame yourself. Mistakes happen. What matters most is recognizing the concern and taking steps to protect your baby and yourself moving forward.

Alcohol and Breastfeeding Guidelines: What Experts Recommend

There’s no universal rulebook when it comes to alcohol and breastfeeding guidelines, but leading health organizations like the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics offer general recommendations:

• Wait at least 2 to 3 hours per drink before breastfeeding again.
• Pump beforehand if you plan to drink and store alcohol-free milk for later feedings.
• Avoid heavy drinking or frequent use of alcohol while breastfeeding.
• Never co-sleep with your baby after drinking, even if you haven’t nursed yet.

These guidelines are meant to help parents navigate alcohol and breastfeeding safely, not to shame or restrict them. The reality is that postpartum life can be messy and emotional, and the occasional drink isn’t uncommon. However, if drinking becomes a regular coping mechanism, it may be time to seek support.

At SCA Recovery, we’ve seen how alcohol use during postpartum life can mask deeper emotional pain or unresolved trauma. For some, it’s not just about the drink. It’s about the pressure to feel fine when things are anything but.

Understanding the Emotional Connection Between Alcohol and Breastfeeding

For many new mothers, drinking can start as a way to relax. A small reprieve from the whirlwind of parenting. But when stress, exhaustion, or mental health issues like anxiety and depression enter the picture, that occasional glass can become a dependency.

Postpartum drinking can sometimes be linked to:

• Coping with postpartum depression or anxiety.
• Trying to manage body image or disordered eating through alcohol use.
• Social pressure to have fun or appear in control.
• Unresolved trauma or past substance use struggles.

Recognizing these patterns doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you human. But acknowledging them early can help prevent bigger challenges down the road. Our admissions team at SCA Recovery specializes in helping individuals navigate addiction with compassion and understanding, including new parents facing this very challenge.

Finding Support and Balance With Breastfeeding and Alcohol

The conversation around breastfeeding and alcohol should never be about shame. It should be about support and education. If you’re struggling to balance recovery, motherhood, and self-care, know that you’re not alone. Many women feel immense guilt when it comes to drinking while breastfeeding, even when they’re trying their best.

Recovery isn’t just about giving up alcohol. It’s about reclaiming your peace, your confidence, and your connection to your child and yourself.

At SCA Recovery in Los Angeles, we help individuals heal from addiction and rebuild their lives through holistic treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health. Our programs are designed to meet people where they are, whether they’re dealing with postpartum challenges, trauma, or long-standing alcohol dependence.

You Deserve Compassion and Care

Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual, and neither does recovery. Whether you’ve accidentally nursed after drinking or you’re realizing that alcohol plays too big a role in your life, there is a path forward.

Understanding the truth about alcohol and breastfeeding isn’t just about protecting your baby. It’s about protecting you, too. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

If you or someone you love needs support, reach out to the admissions team at SCA Recovery today. Our compassionate staff can help you take the first step toward recovery and a healthier, more hopeful future for both you and your baby.