Monday, July 18, 2011

Beer and breastfeeding?

So many of use have heard from friends and family that having a pint of guiness while breastfeeding will increase our milk suppy..... wrong! In fact alcohol decreases your milk supply. Google an article written by Mennella called Alcohol's Effect on Lactation. The barley in the beer may may increase supply a little so have a non-alcoholic beer instead.
Alcohol transfered to the infant via breastmilk also disrupts infant's sleep-wake cycle contraindicating the folklore that babies sleep better.
This study, by no means, should frighten mothers away from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding will continue to protect your baby and if you wish to have an occasional drink consider "pumping and dumping", always supplementing with previously pummped breastmilk!

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