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The aim of this paper is to provide a critical review of the most recent literature from 2005 onwards, on the effect of alcohol intake during lactation on the hormonal control of lactogenesis; breastmilk alcohol concentration; the breastfeeding infant, and on the breastfeeding outcomes of the mother and infant dyad. An update on public policy guiding alcohol consumption during lactation nationally and internationally is explored. The databases PubMed, CINAHL, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, ScienceDirect, Medline and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched from 2005 onwards. Alcohol inhibits the role of oxytocin in breastfeeding women, resulting in an increased time to milk ejection and a decrease in total breastmilk yield. Breastfeeding women are less likely to consume alcohol at high-risk levels, and drinking at these levels is associated with the early cessation of breastfeeding. A higher level of education and a higher income level are the characteristics of the maternal drinker during lactation. Available public health policy in Australia provides direction for breastfeeding mothers who choose to drink alcohol during this important stage of infant development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]