It is generally safest to avoid drinking alcohol, including beer, while breastfeeding. However, moderate alcohol consumption—defined as up to one standard drink per day—and waiting at least two hours before breastfeeding is not known to harm the baby. One standard drink of beer is about 12 ounces with 5% alcohol by volume. Alcohol passes into breast milk and can affect a baby's growth, development, sleep, and feeding patterns if consumed in higher amounts or regularly. Key points:

• There is no defined safe amount, but up to one standard drink occasionally with a two-hour wait before feeding is considered low risk.
• Alcohol levels in breast milk mirror blood alcohol levels and peak about 30–60 minutes after drinking.
• Drinking more than moderate amounts may decrease milk production and interfere with the milk ejection reflex.
• Pumping and dumping milk after drinking does not speed alcohol elimination but may relieve breast discomfort.
• Avoid alcohol in the first month of breastfeeding while milk supply is being established.
• If drinking more than one drink or more frequently, plan carefully to avoid exposing the baby to alcohol and impaired care.

Non-alcoholic beer may stimulate prolactin and lactation without the risks of alcohol. Thus, drinking beer while breastfeeding is not strictly prohibited but should be limited to occasional low amounts with timing considerations to minimize alcohol exposure to the baby.