Does beer help stimulate the letdown reflex when breast feeding?

Question

I've been told by MD's that it's okay.... and some have recommended their patients to do so.

Answer 1

Not specifically, it may have the effect of relaxing you which can help the letdown reflex. But if you have alcohol in your system then there is alcohol in your breastmilk, and you don't want the baby to be consuming alcohol. If you're having trouble with the letdown reflex try taking a hot shower.

Answer 2

I have successfully breastfed three and am currently nursing number 4 (5months old) while working full-time (I'm so happy, not bragging, just happy). It isn't the actual "beer" that helps milk production but the yeast. If you are concerned about alcohol getting into your milk then I would suggest using a non alcohol beer, even though a can here and there definetly would not hurt your child because only a small amount from one can would actually enter into your breast milk-not enough to even have an effect.

Also I found that eating lots of bread and drinking lots of water helps. I was recently foolish enough to go on a fast for a couple of days and had to rebuild my milk supply. This suggestion was given to me from one of the helpful ladies on this site and it really helped! After one day of eating lots of bread and drinking plenty of water I was pumping 7 ounces of milk per 15 min. session.

I've also tried the beer to and found it to be useful. The only problem I had was that my oldest son didn't like the taste of my milk after having a beer and he wouldn't nurse for a couple of hours after drinking it. So I would nurse him with the little milk I had, drink a beer, then nurse him again after maybe 2 or 3 hours which worked and fine and gave my body chance to build the milk supply. Sorry this is so long, but hope it helps some.

Answer 3

That's what I've heard...

I drink a half a beer once or twice a week.
Brewers yeast helps too and so does "Nursing Mom" tea (available at any healthfood store near you or online)

I started with the beer about a month ago and it does help...however...I've noticed...that if you just drink mad water that helps more than anything...

If you're dehydrated...nothing is going to help production.

Make sure you drink at least 80 ounces of non caffinated liquid a day to keep up production.

And just so you know...ITS NOT LIKE GIVING YOUR BABY A BEER.... an infinitesmal amount may make it to your milk...but we're talking about having a quarter to a half a bottle of beer here people...so like 3 to 5 ounces ...and it's beer...not whiskey...

There's more alcohol in your mouthwash.

And it's not the alcohol that does it...it's the Hops and the Brewers Yeast.

Answer 4

Drinking alcohol to help breastfeeding is a myth, and one that shouldn't really be practiced. The alcohol is deposited into your milk supply, giving it to the baby. What I do to help my letdown reflex when I am pumping (I don't need help when nursing, all my son has to do is cry and I start leaking, its quite embarassing actually) is kinda stand hunched over shake my breast slightly and let gravity assist. I have been able to pump about 6oz. in 20mins. Another thing that works, and could work for pumping or for nursing, is to "milk" or massage your breasts before and during nursing/pumping. I apply pressure at the very top of my breast and push all the way down to the nipple around my breasts and it helps to bring it all down.

Answer 5

Yes it does. My doctor told me to drink a little beer. Not too much. ANd if you are worried about the alcohol, you can pump out some milk and dump it down the sink.

Answer 6

My doctor also told me to drink beer because it helped with milk production. Just drink the non-alcoholic type. It's the hops and barley in it that helps.

Answer 7

Probably not, but I honestly don't know for sure though because I would imagine that it would cause horrible gas for the infant that would offset any beneficial yeast intake or hydration? I agree with the water thing... Try that first.

Guinness isin't good for everything... Just most things.

Discard the widget... That's not for babies either...

*Smiles...

Answer 8

no person has the main suitable to whinge approximately it, and in the event that they did or do whinge, there is not any longer something that the employer can do, as they might get their @sses in hardship if the breastfeeding mom might whinge to the pinnacle place of work of that employer or above. And definite, you're are suitable, that lady could have been the 1st to whinge if the mummy in simple terms enable the baby cry. this is a damn in case you do, damned in case you do no longer concern. subsequently the mummy needs to do what she needs to to. she is going to be frowned upon it the two way, so what the hell. And besides, her infant is extra considerable then the convinience of others in any case. With that pronounced, i'll confess that at one factor, i did have a concern with bf'ing in public. i'm no longer ashamed of it, I do and could admit whilst i'm incorrect. i does in no way whinge approximately it out loud tho. no longer a lot bf'ing itself yet i consistently theory they ought to be lined up or stepping into a nursing room. it consistently made me uncomfy whilst i might turn around and notice a mom bf'ing her infant through fact i did no longer desire the mummy to think of that i replaced into counting on objective. stupid i comprehend. yet subsequently i felt uncomfy, yet i knew in my techniques they had each suitable to and that i incredibly them feed their infant then to pay attention a screaming infant. yet now, does not worry me the two way. I pumped and bottle fed my daughter, yet breastfed my son through fact he did latch, and it fairly is the main alluring journey that a mom could have. I under no circumstances bf in public tho, in simple terms through fact i got here across those benches and chairs so uncomfy and that i'm no longer in all hazard tall, so my ft do no longer precisely attain the floor once I sit down lower back. lol. of direction, i had comprehend that the mall incredibly had a nursing room, then i might have. :) human beings incredibly might desire to alter their perspectives on it, and that's a threat, i replaced mine. :) yet i assume for some human beings, lack of expertise is a thank you to stay, i suposse. :)

Answer 9

Drinking beer to help your milk flow is not practical. It will also transfer to your baby. Try a hot shower or warm washcloth compresses instead.

Answer 10

you dont drink beer and breastfeed.