Do You Need to Pump and Dump? Understanding Alcohol and Breastfeeding
Tue Feb 03 2026
Ciarra is joined by Jessica Semar, IBCLC, to discuss the complexities of alcohol consumption during breastfeeding. They address common myths, such as the necessity of pumping and dumping after drinking, and provide insights into how alcohol metabolizes in the body and its effects on breast milk. The discussion also touches on societal judgments surrounding breastfeeding parents who consume alcohol and the importance of evidence-based information for making informed choices.
Jessica Semar is a board-certified lactation consultant and mom of three boys who has been helping families navigate their feeding journeys since 2017. She supports parents through all aspects of lactation care and has expertise in oral function and ties, breast and bottle refusal, NICU transitions, induced lactation, low milk production, extended breastfeeding, and weaning. Jessica is passionate about providing care that’s evidence-based, inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming, and tailored to each family—no matter how they choose to feed their babies.
Website: www.itsmorethanmilk.com
IG: @jessica.semar.ibclc
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.
For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.
For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE.
Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
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The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.
Ciarra Morgan:
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com
www.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:
www.beautifullymadedc.com
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Ciarra is joined by Jessica Semar, IBCLC, to discuss the complexities of alcohol consumption during breastfeeding. They address common myths, such as the necessity of pumping and dumping after drinking, and provide insights into how alcohol metabolizes in the body and its effects on breast milk. The discussion also touches on societal judgments surrounding breastfeeding parents who consume alcohol and the importance of evidence-based information for making informed choices. Jessica Semar is a board-certified lactation consultant and mom of three boys who has been helping families navigate their feeding journeys since 2017. She supports parents through all aspects of lactation care and has expertise in oral function and ties, breast and bottle refusal, NICU transitions, induced lactation, low milk production, extended breastfeeding, and weaning. Jessica is passionate about providing care that’s evidence-based, inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming, and tailored to each family—no matter how they choose to feed their babies. Website: www.itsmorethanmilk.com IG: @jessica.semar.ibclc Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com