Beer And Breastfeeding: Does Beer Increase Milk Supply?

There is a long-standing belief that drinking beer can help boost breast milk supply. While it is true that a polysaccharide found in barley and malt (not the alcohol) may increase prolactin levels, which aids milk production, the alcohol in beer interferes with the oxytocin release necessary for breast milk letdown.

Beer was prescribed to breastfeeding women in the past

As far back as 2000 B.C., there are records that seem to show beer being prescribed as a milk-boosting agent. This idea has been encouraged in numerous cultures for centuries, with low-alcohol beer marketed in the United States as early as the late 1800s and even today, specifically for lactating women.

The belief that beer can increase milk supply stems from the fact that it does contain barley, which can boost prolactin production. Prolactin is a hormone necessary for milk production. However, the alcohol in beer decreases milk production and inhibits the milk ejection reflex.

While the idea that beer increases milk supply is not supported by research, it is important to note that non-alcoholic beer, especially if rich in barley or hops, can have a positive impact on milk supply. This is because the barley in beer can increase prolactin levels, which is the hormone responsible for milk production.

In the past, the beer used by mothers to increase their milk supply was also nutritionally rich and low in alcohol. The traditional method of brewing beer involved a process called "mashing," where the malt, grains, and herbs were boiled twice with the same ingredients. This resulted in two types of beer: a strong alcoholic beer from the first batch and a low-alcoholic beverage called "small beer" from the second batch. The "small beer" was viewed as a healthy and nutritious drink that could be consumed by people of all ages, including breastfeeding mothers.

Today, commercial beers are quite different from the traditional beers used in the past. They are typically light-colored and alcoholic, with higher alcohol content and fewer lactogenic ingredients. As a result, they are more likely to reduce milk supply if consumed regularly.

Barley in beer increases prolactin, a hormone that aids milk production

While there is no concrete evidence that beer increases breast milk supply, some studies suggest that it may have an effect on prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that aids milk production. Interestingly, it is not the alcohol in beer that causes the rise in prolactin, but rather the barley.

Research has shown that beer can stimulate prolactin secretion, with one study finding that non-lactating women who consumed beer had higher prolactin levels than those who drank water or water with ethanol. However, it is important to note that these studies were conducted on non-lactating individuals, and the link between beer, prolactin, and milk supply in lactating women has not been established.

Barley, a key ingredient in beer, is believed to be the component responsible for the increase in prolactin levels. Animal studies have indicated that a polysaccharide found in barley may be the reason for the rise in prolactin after beer ingestion. Furthermore, a human study found that mothers of preterm infants who consumed a commercial galactogogue product containing barley malt produced more milk than those who took a placebo.

While the research suggests a potential link between barley and increased prolactin levels, it is important to note that this does not necessarily translate to increased milk supply. IBCLC Tori Sproat of Tiny Tummies Lactation Services states that "despite the fact that prolactin is required for lactation, there has been no evidence for direct correlation of serum prolactin levels with the volume of milk production in lactating women."

Additionally, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. Alcohol passes directly from the parent to the baby through breast milk and may decrease milk production by interfering with the hormone oxytocin. It is recommended to wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol before nursing or pumping to minimise the amount of alcohol passed to the baby.

Alcohol in beer decreases milk production

While some people believe that drinking beer can boost lactation, the scientific evidence supporting this claim is inconclusive. The idea that beer increases milk supply may come from the fact that the grains used to make stout beer contain a polysaccharide that is known to increase prolactin, a hormone associated with lactation. However, the alcohol in beer can have the opposite effect.

The alcohol component of beer decreases milk production and inhibits the milk ejection reflex, resulting in lower milk intake for babies. Research published in 2001 found that babies consumed approximately 20% less breast milk during the first four hours after their mothers had consumed alcohol, despite spending a similar amount of time breastfeeding. Similarly, when mothers pumped within two hours of consuming alcohol, they obtained significantly less milk than normal.

Excessive alcohol consumption can affect a breastfeeding person's milk ejection reflex or let-down and can even lead to a reduced milk supply. Studies have suggested that breastfeeding after one or two alcoholic drinks might cause a decrease in milk intake by babies of around 20%.

If you are looking to increase your milk supply, non-alcoholic beer may be a better option as it provides the potential milk supply-enhancing benefits of barley without the negative effects of alcohol.

Alcohol is not trapped in breast milk

While alcohol does pass into breast milk, it is not trapped there. As a mother's alcohol blood level falls over time, the level of alcohol in her breast milk will also decrease. In other words, as alcohol leaves the bloodstream, it leaves the breast milk.

The alcohol level in breast milk is essentially the same as the alcohol level in a mother's bloodstream. Alcohol levels are usually highest in breast milk 30 to 60 minutes after a woman consumes an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol can be generally detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours per drink after it is consumed.

The more alcohol a mother consumes, the longer alcohol can be detected in breast milk. For example, alcohol from one drink can be detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours, while alcohol from three drinks can be detected for about 6 to 8 hours.

Blood alcohol levels and the length of time alcohol can be detected in breast milk after drinking will depend on several factors, such as the amount of alcohol consumed, how fast the alcohol is consumed, whether it is consumed with food, the mother's weight, and how fast alcohol is broken down in a mother's body.

It is important to note that drinking alcohol while breastfeeding can have potential negative effects on the baby. Alcohol can interfere with the milk ejection reflex, leading to decreased milk production over time. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption while breastfeeding can affect the infant's development, growth, and sleep patterns. Therefore, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours after consuming a single drink before breastfeeding or pumping.

Alcohol can negatively impact a baby's sleep

While it is believed that drinking beer can increase a mother's breastmilk supply, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, alcohol consumption can negatively impact a baby's sleep patterns and growth/development.

Alcohol passes directly from parent to baby through breastmilk and can interfere with the milk ejection reflex, or "letdown". This can result in decreased milk production over time and may cause your baby to consume less breast milk. Additionally, alcohol can impair your baby's REM sleep and increase startling/arousal, resulting in poorer sleep quality.

The effects of alcohol on a baby's sleep and development are supported by a 2018 study that showed that 6- and 7-year-old children who had been exposed to alcohol in their mother's breast milk as babies scored lower on reasoning tests compared to their peers who had not been exposed.

To minimise the impact of alcohol on your baby's sleep and development, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding or expressing milk. The alcohol level in breast milk is similar to the alcohol level in a mother's bloodstream, so as the mother's blood alcohol level decreases, so does the level in her breast milk. However, it is important to note that the more alcohol consumed, the longer it can be detected in breast milk. For example, alcohol from 2 drinks can be detected for about 4 to 5 hours, and from 3 drinks, for about 6 to 8 hours.

Therefore, while occasional alcohol consumption may not be harmful to your baby, regular drinking above the recommended limits can have negative consequences for both you and your baby. Excessive alcohol consumption can decrease your milk supply and impact your baby's sleep, growth, and development. It is important to prioritise your baby's health and well-being and seek professional advice if you have any concerns or questions about alcohol consumption while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions