Is it true beer increases breast milk production? Any experiences with that?

Question

how much beer do you have to drink?

Answer 1

Actually quite the opposite. It's an old wives' tale. The alcohol makes breasts FEEL fuller to the mother, but in truth, less milk is produced. There is also little known about the long-term effects of alcohol on the nursing baby.

Below is in article that talks about one of the studies that shows the actual effects of alcohol:

http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=21&action=detail&ref=1907

Answer 2

First off, let's dispell some myths. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs classifies alcohol (ethanol) as a “Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding.”

It *IS* safe to have alcohol and breastfeed. Breastfeeding *DOES NOT* mean you can never have a drink. And you *DO NOT* have to "pump and dump" to clear the alcohol from your system. You simply have to drink responsibly and wait about 2 hours after having a drink to nurse your child. A good rule of thumb is "if your head is clear, your milk is too." Alcohol is eliminated from your milk in the same way that it is eliminated from your bloodstream.

http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/alcohol.html

That said, what about the issue of beer drinking and milk production? Drinking beer really doesn't do much of anything to help with milk production.

Alcohol does not increase milk production. In fact, babies nurse more frequently but take in less milk in the 3-4 hours after mom has had a drink, and one study showed a 23% decrease in milk volume with one drink (Mennella & Beauchamp 1991, 1993; Mennella 1997, 1999).

http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbal-rem_f.html#hops

Answer 3

it is said that back in the 1700's women drank beer so that they could breast feed more and not lose so much brest mass. The settlers thought that all the ingreediants in beer made it a good way to produce more milk

Answer 4

I've read that this is an old wives tale although lots of people have said that to me. It is okay to have an occasional beer, but you have to time it so that it is right after a feeding. Or you can pump and dump afterwards. Limit the drinks to 2 per week. I have an occasional one now and then.
Also if you drink your letdown reflex may be affected.

Answer 5

Who would drink beer if they are nursing??
What you eat/drink is passed on to the baby.
Would you put beer into a baby bottle?

Answer 6

I had heard that. The only woman I knew who did it was only allowed one beer a day by her husband. I don't think you would want more in your system to share with your baby.

Answer 7

http://www.babyzone.com/askanexpert/answer.asp?qid=1243

I hope this helps.
I wish it worked because I love beer but I would rather not get my baby drunk! I had to give up drinking thought of breastfeeding and I am 17 days into it!
If you pump and feed it will make your body think you need more but you have to keep it up to keep from getting engorged and plugged ducts and mastitis.

Answer 8

nope, not true..if beer is not good for ur body, how much more to a baby's?!?!?!!? soups can increase breastmilk production and constant sucking by the baby...

Answer 9

I do not think beer does

Answer 10

i hope ur kidding, cuz whatever u drink is what ur baby's drinking and the alcohol enters into ur milk. I wouldn't drink or eat anything unhealthy while nursing.