Wine

While breastfeeding it is recommended to avoid use of alcohol or do it occasionally and moderately (ABM 2015). Drinking beer does not increase milk production (Comité LM AEP 2012, Mennella 2001-1993).

Alcohol consumption may cause sedation, failure to thrive and psychomotor delay in the infant and older child (Sachs 2013, Backstrand 2004, Koren 2002, Moretti 2000, Little 1989), although the data are inconsistent and may depend on the amount and chronicity of alcohol consumption (Gibson 2020 y 2018, Wilson 2017, ABM 2015, Haastrup 2014, Little 2002).
One case of Pseudo-Cushing Syndrome was reported that disappeared after alcohol stop by the mother (Moretti 2000).
It is controversial that alcohol consumption is associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding (Mgongo 2013, Rebhan 2009, Giglia 2008).

Despite of low increase of Prolactin serum level (Sarkola 1999), acute consumption affects the infant with sedation, and, inhibits Oxytocin secretion in the mother (Cobo 1973, Coiro 1992, Chien 2009) and hence affects the ejection reflex of breast milk with a decrease of 10% to 25% of milk production (Mennella 2005-2001-1998-1997-1993-1991).
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with delayed Lactogenesis II, onset of copious milk (Rocha 2020).

Excessive acute ingestion by the mother may induce coma, seizures and danger of death in the infant (Swiderski 2011).

Both beer 0.0% and non-alcoholic (<1%) may be drunk by the nursing mother (Schneider 2013, Koletzko 2000). Increase of anti-oxidant properties of the milk have been recognized (Codoñer 2013).

Elapsing time required to resume breastfeeding after occasional consumption of alcohol by the mother in order to ensure disappearance of milk and blood (Ho 2001) depends on mother's body weight (lesser weight needs longer time to wait), and, on the amount ingested (higher amount needs longer time). Stop breastfeeding for longer than two and a half hour for every 10 - 12 g of ingested alcohol: 330 mL of 4.5% beer, 120 mL (1 glass) of 12% wine, or, one cup of 40% - 50% liquor. Suggested time-periods to stop breastfeeding for a 60 kg of body weight woman are: 1 glass of wine = 2.5 hours; 660 mL of beer = 5 hours; 3 cups of liquor = 7.5 hours (ABM 2015: See reference values at Can Fam Physician 2002)

Some medicinal products containing high concentrations of alcohol as an excipient should be avoided during breastfeeding (Nice 2000).

Avoiding bed-sharing is recommended to mothers who have drunk alcohol (UNICEF 2013, Landa 2012, ABM 2008, UNICEF 2006).

When topically used as disinfectant, alcohol is compatible with breastfeeding (WHO 2002).

See below the information of this related product:

• Alcohol (topical use) (Very Low Risk)