Beyond Pump and Dump

When our Beyond “Breast is Best” episode came out, one part of the conversation sparked a flood of questions: substance use while breastfeeding. From alcohol and cannabis to caffeine and smoking, the comments section lit up with “Is this safe?,” “What about just once in a while?,” and “Does it really get into breastmilk?”

In this follow-up episode, we’re digging into those questions head-on. We’ll walk through what the science actually says, where the myths come from, and what’s still uncertain. As always, our goal is to give you clear, evidence-based answers so you can make choices that feel right for you and your baby.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to pump and dump after a glass of wine, if your morning coffee matters, or how cannabis or smoking can affect milk, this episode is for you.