Pump and Dump: Why You (Probably) Don't Need to Toss that Breastmilk

Pumping and dumping? Learn why it's often unnecessary and how to safely feed your baby after drinking or taking medications. Breastfeeding Tips.

This one is for parents and perinatal professionals, so hear me out!

Uggggg, that dreaded “pump and dump” phrase that ruffles every lactation consultant's feathers.

If you’ve heard it before, chances are it came with a side of stress + confusion.

Parents everywhere are told to pump and dump their milk for all kinds of reasons—had a glass of wine? Pump and dump. Took medication? Pump and dump. Stubbed your toe!?!? Pump and dump

But guess what! Pumping and dumping is rarely necessary!

Let’s break this down so you can ditch the fear and save yourself - and your milk - from unnecessary waste.

The Truth About Alcohol and Breastfeeding

Having a glass of wine or beer doesn’t turn your milk into something harmful. According to the CDC, alcohol passes into breast milk in small amounts and clears out of your milk as it does from your bloodstream.

Breastfeeding doesn’t need to stop after drinking, but moderation is key. Drinking more than one drink per day while breastfeeding isn’t recommended. Alcohol levels peak in breast milk about 30–60 minutes after a drink and typically clear within 2–3 hours per drink.

So, there’s not usually a need to pump and dump! If you wait a couple of hours per drink, your milk is usually safe for your baby. Enjoy that glass without the guilt (in moderation).

Medications and Breastfeeding

Here’s where things get tricky—and unnecessarily complicated. Many peoeple are told to pump and dump if they need to take medication, but research often says otherwise.

Most medications are safe for breastfeeding, according to the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Even for those that aren’t, it’s not always a “dump it all” situation. Talk to a lactation-informed healthcare provider or check reputable resources like LactMed or Medications and Mothers' Milk by Dr. Thomas Hale. These tools can help determine if the medication requires any precautions.

Other Myths That Won’t Die

- "I had caffeine!" Your baby isn’t going to get a latte-level jolt from your morning cup of coffee. Moderate caffeine intake is generally fine.

- "I was sick!" Most illnesses don’t require you to dump your milk. Even Better, your milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby.

- "I need imaging with contrast dye!" Most imaging, like MRIs or CT scans with contrast dye, doesn’t require you to pump and dump. Research shows that the small amount of dye that might transfer to milk is not harmful to babies. Always check with a lactation profession, or ask your provider to REALLY look it up before they tell you to dump your milk, it’s typically safe to keep feeding!

When Pumping and Dumping *Might* Be Necessary

Okay, so there are rare instances when it might actually make sense. If you’ve been exposed to certain drugs, environmental toxins, or medications that are known to affect your baby, then yes, pumping and dumping might be recommended. But even in these cases, a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can guide you.

Save the Milk, Save the Stress

What it boils down to: your milk is precious, and so is your peace of mind. Pumping and dumping is outdated advice for most situations. When in doubt, consult trusted resources like the CDC, LactMed, or a lactation consultant who (really) knows their stuff.

Because let’s face it, being a parent is hard enough without worrying unnecessarily about throwing away perfectly good milk.

Keep calm and keep that milk flowing!

Now go enjoy that coffee (or wine) with confidence. 😉

Birthworker or Perinatal Professional? Are you looking to feel more confident supporting breastfeeding and pumping families? Learn more about my Bridge Training and Mentorship Program.

Sources:

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Alcohol and Breastfeeding

- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)

- Hale, T. W., & Rowe, H. E. (2017). *Medications and Mothers' Milk*