$Unique_ID{BRK00078}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Beer Drinking and Milk Flow of Nursing Mothers}
$Subject{nursing milk beer motherhood child care Pregnancy Drinking childbirth
lactation liquid liquids breast feeding alcohol wine Drink Drinks lactate
lactations birth baby infant breast-feeding breast-feed}
$Volume{K-19,S-19}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Beer Drinking and Milk Flow of Nursing Mothers


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QUESTION:  Is there any truth in the old adage that a beer a day enhances the
milk flow of nursing mothers?

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ANSWER:  Frequently in any old wives' tale there's a morsel of truth, which
we sometimes too easily dismiss in this age of high-tech medicine.  Probably
that small gem is there because the old midwife showed a lot of common sense
in treating the whole person, not just a part.
     Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating inebriation as a state of being
for nursing mothers.  But considering the fact that beer is a liquid and
soothing, and lactation depends on both the amount of liquids you consume and
your being relaxed, by all means have a glass of beer, or a glass of wine, a
day.  Of course, you might get the same benefits from warm milk, fruit juice,
whatever tickles your palate.  Any liquid that both soothes and relaxes you
can cause an increase in your milk flow.
     With alcohol, of course, never over do, and be sure to check with your
physician before beginning any beer therapy.  There have been some cases where
alcohol intake had the opposite effect for nursing mothers.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.