Alcohol and Breastfeeding Calculator
Alcohol and breastfeeding can be a sensitive topic for new mothers. Understanding how long it takes for alcohol to leave your system is crucial for safe breastfeeding. Our calculator helps you make informed decisions.
- Enter your weight in kilograms.
- Enter the number of standard drinks (10g alcohol) consumed.
- Enter the time passed since your last drink in hours.
- Click ‘Calculate’.
The calculation is based on the Widmark formula, which estimates alcohol elimination rate at about 0.015 g/100ml per hour. The formula is:
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) = (Alcohol consumed (g) / Body weight (kg)) * r
where r is the elimination rate (0.015).
| Country | Elimination Rate (g/100ml/hour) |
|---|---|
| USA | 0.015 |
| UK | 0.017 |
| Australia | 0.015 |
| Drink Type | Volume (ml) | Alcohol (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Beer (5% ABV) | 355 | 17.75 |
| Wine (12% ABV) | 148 | 17.76 |
| Spirits (40% ABV) | 44 | 17.6 |
- Pump and dump: Express milk while alcohol is in your system and discard the milk.
- Wait: Allow enough time for alcohol to leave your system before breastfeeding.
- Moderation: Limit alcohol intake while breastfeeding.
How long does it take for alcohol to leave breast milk?
Alcohol leaves breast milk at the same rate it leaves your bloodstream.
Can I drink alcohol while breastfeeding?
Occasional alcohol consumption is generally considered safe. However, it’s best to avoid regular or heavy drinking.