Alcohol and breast feeding: calculation of time to zero level in milk.

OBJECTIVE

To create a nomogram that will guide lactating women who drink socially on how to avoid neonatal exposure to ethanol through breast milk.

DESIGN

Pharmacokinetic modeling of ethanol elimination from milk based on reference values. Calculation of the time to zero alcohol in breast milk for a range of doses and body weights.

RESULTS

The elimination of alcohol and time-to-zero levels in breast milk are described in a nomogram as a function of the amount of alcohol consumed and the body weight of the woman.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful planning of a breast feeding schedule, by storing milk before drinking and/or waiting for complete alcohol elimination from the breast milk, can ensure women that their babies are not exposed to any alcohol.