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.