Case Report of Changes in Breastfeeding and Alcohol Consumption During the First 6 Months

This longitudinal case report describes the unique experiences of a single mother–infant dyad focusing on the impact of early pacifier use, scheduled feeding, and alcohol resumption at 3 weeks postpartum on breastfeeding behavior and infant growth. Early pacifier use and scheduled feeding were associated with decreased breast stimulation and suckling frequency. Alcohol resumption at 3 weeks, initiation of pumping at 7 weeks, and increased consumption, coinciding with menses, likely accelerated a decline in milk supply and suboptimal infant weight gain that preexisted. These challenges necessitated formula supplementation and the pharmacologic galactagogue metoclopramide. Alcohol use ceased at 17 weeks during a transition to mixed feeding but resumed at 24 weeks. This case illustrates a cycle where reduced suckling and alcohol-induced inhibition of the milk ejection reflex contributed to low milk supply, early supplementation, and pharmacologic intervention. Nurses play a critical role in providing proactive education on these factors.