beer and breast milk production

[staceylambert]

So my boyfriends roommate told me that if you drink one beer a day it will help with the production of breast milk..he has a son and said thats what the nurse told his chids mother while breastfeeding...dont really know if i should believe it and would like some insight. i am currently trying to breastfeed my 1 week old daughter but im having a little bit of difficulty beacsue she was 4 weeks preterm.

[zazou]

Malt is great for increasing breast milk perhaps that's what it is. I drink a malt-based drink (Ovaltine) which I love (regardless of that fact) but also fenchel and anise teas are very good. Not only do they increase your supply (drink 3-4 cups a day) but help when the baby has gas.

[AnnieBrooke]

I drank non-alcoholic beer when breastfeeding.  Don't drink any alcohol.  But the non-alcoholic beer and a kind of tea called "Mother's Milk" tea helped me.

[myenzoorka]

It may or may not help with the production of milk, I don't know.  But I definitely know that having alcohol in your milk will NOT help your baby - especially a premie!  Drinking lots of fluids, getting rest, decreasing your stress, and nursing often for longer periods of time will all help your milk supply - without introducing harmful chemicals to your daughter.  Find your local chapter of LaLeche League or call your local hospital and ask for a lactation consultant - they will be able to help you safely.