Guinness And Breastfeeding: To Pump Or Not?

There is a long-held belief that drinking Guinness beer can help boost milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. This idea has been passed down for centuries and is still recommended by some nurses and parents today. However, it is important to note that the research on this topic is limited and conflicting. While some claim that the barley in beer can boost prolactin production, others suggest that the alcohol component of beer decreases milk production and inhibits the milk ejection reflex. Ultimately, the consensus is that drinking alcohol-free beer is the best way for breastfeeding mothers to enjoy a beverage while also boosting their milk supply.

The history of beer as a galactagogue

Evidence of beer as a galactagogue can be found in pictorial hieroglyphs, which show that women and slaves were involved in large-scale beer production in Egypt. In Greek and Roman times, barley was combined with lactogenic herbs and fruits, which were likely enjoyed by breastfeeding women. Greek doctors Dioscorides and Antyllus both mention alcoholic beverages containing lactogenic ingredients.

During the Dark Ages, brewing techniques were passed into the hands of women as domestic work. Each family brewed its own beer, and the term "Brewster" referred to a woman who brewed at home. Brewsters used barley and other grains with herbs added for taste and medicinal properties, including lactogenic herbs such as pepper, cinnamon, coriander, caraway, and anise.

Hildegard of Bingen, an influential nun, author, and herbalist, is said to have advocated for hops as the standard herb in beer. Hops is an estrogenic galactagogue with a strong reputation for the milk ejection reflex.

Guinness, a British brewery, specialises in a stout made with barley malt and grain, which is thicker and silkier due to beta-glucan, a polysaccharide that increases prolactin. It is often recommended by breastfeeding mothers as it is one of the few beers that still contain beta-glucan.

While alcohol is anti-galactagogue, historic beers such as "small beer" and "second brew" were preferred by breastfeeding mothers as they had lower alcohol content and higher nutritional and herbal value. These beers were also given to children, servants, and men performing hard labour.

The pros and cons of drinking Guinness while breastfeeding

For decades, women have been told that drinking Guinness, a dark Irish beer, can boost their breast milk production and nourish their newborns. This belief has been passed down for centuries, with records from as far back as 2000 B.C. suggesting that the Sumerian people prescribed beer as an aid for breastfeeding.

Pros:

• Historical and Cross-Cultural Acceptance: The idea of drinking beer to boost breast milk production is not new, and it has been a part of various traditions worldwide. Clinical pharmacologist Maija Bruun Haastrup notes that this belief is "cross-cultural," indicating its widespread acceptance.
• Potential Milk-Boosting Benefits: Some studies have suggested a link between a polysaccharide (a type of carbohydrate) found in barley hops and an increase in prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. This may explain why some women feel that drinking beer has positively impacted their milk supply.

Cons:

• Alcohol's Impact on Milk Production: While the barley in beer may boost prolactin production, the alcohol component of Guinness can decrease milk production and inhibit the milk ejection reflex, known as the "letdown." This reflex is triggered by the hormone oxytocin, which is inhibited by alcohol consumption. As a result, breastfeeding may become more challenging, and babies may consume less milk.
• Altered Flavor of Breast Milk: Research by biopsychologists Gary Beauchamp and Julie Mennella found that alcohol consumption can alter the flavor of breast milk, leading to infants feeding less over a certain period.
• Negative Impact on Baby's Sleep: According to Dr. Mennella's study, infants whose mothers consumed alcohol during lactation slept for significantly shorter periods in the hours after nursing.
• Potential Long-Term Effects: A 2018 study suggested that children exposed to alcohol in breast milk as babies scored lower on reasoning tests at ages 6 and 7 compared to their peers who were not exposed. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential long-term implications.
• Health Risks for Mother and Baby: Regularly drinking above the recommended limits can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Excessive alcohol consumption can decrease milk supply and cause sleep, growth, and developmental problems for the baby.

In conclusion, while there may be a historical belief in the benefits of drinking Guinness to boost breast milk production, the scientific evidence is limited and conflicting. The potential cons, including the negative impact on milk production and the baby's sleep, as well as potential long-term effects, should be carefully considered. As always, it is important to follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals and drink in moderation, ensuring an occasional drink and a gap of at least two hours before breastfeeding.

The alcohol content of Guinness

• Guinness Special Export: 8% alcohol by volume (ABV)
• Guinness Foreign Extra Stout: 7.5% ABV
• West Indies Porter: 6% ABV
• Guinness Baltimore Blonde: 5% ABV
• Guinness Smooth: 4.5% ABV
• Guinness Draught: 4.2% ABV
• Guinness Original/Guinness Extra Stout: 4.2% ABV
• Guinness Hop House 13 Lager: 4.1% ABV
• Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee: 4% ABV
• Guinness Zero ABV: 0% ABV

It is important to note that the alcohol content of beer can vary by market, as is the case with Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, which has different ABV percentages in different countries. Additionally, the serving size can also affect the amount of alcohol consumed, as a pint will have more alcohol than a can, for example.

The effect of alcohol on breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers often receive conflicting advice about whether alcohol consumption can affect their babies. While it is widely recommended that alcohol be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the unborn child, the impact of consuming alcohol while breastfeeding has not been as widely researched.

It is important to note that alcohol can pass into breast milk, and the amount present corresponds closely with the amount in the mother's bloodstream. This means that the more alcohol consumed, the longer it takes for the alcohol to clear from the mother's system and the breast milk. Generally, it takes one to two hours to process one unit of alcohol (around half a small glass of wine, or half a pint of 4% strength beer) until it is cleared from the bloodstream.

The current research suggests that the occasional consumption of alcohol (one to two drinks) does not appear to be harmful to the nursing baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding advises that "ingestion of alcoholic beverages should be minimized and limited to an occasional intake but no more than 0.5 g of alcohol per kg of body weight". This is approximately two beers for a 60kg mother. They also recommend nursing take place two hours or longer after alcohol intake to minimise its concentration in the ingested milk.

However, it is important to note that alcohol can inhibit the let-down reflex and decrease milk production. Studies have shown that infants consume around 20% less breast milk in the three to four hours after their mother has consumed alcohol. This can have an impact on the baby's weight gain and growth. Additionally, alcohol can affect a baby's sleep patterns, causing increased REM sleep and shorter sleep periods.

There may also be potential long-term effects of alcohol exposure through breast milk. A 2018 study found that 6 and 7-year-old children who had been exposed to alcohol in breast milk as babies scored lower on reasoning tests compared to children who had not been exposed. Another study found that infants exposed to a significant amount of alcohol in breast milk experienced disruptions in their sleep patterns and were less active during their wakeful periods.

While the occasional drink is not likely to be harmful, regular exposure to alcohol in breast milk is linked to developmental delays. This can put the child at risk of not reaching the mental and physical milestones that are typical for their age.

Therefore, while the occasional consumption of alcohol while breastfeeding is generally considered safe, it is important for mothers to drink in moderation and allow sufficient time for the alcohol to clear from their system before nursing their baby.

Alternative galactagogues

Galactagogues are medications, herbs, or foods that can provide a small to moderate increase in milk production. While there is little scientific evidence to support their efficacy, they have been used by breastfeeding mothers for thousands of years.

Plant-Based Galactagogues

Plant-based galactagogues come in the form of herbs, foods, and teas. Some of the most commonly used herbal galactagogues include:

• Fenugreek
• Blessed thistle
• Fennel
• Alfalfa
• Stinging nettle
• Goat's rue
• Milk thistle
• Moringa
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Shatavari

Foods

Some foods that are considered galactagogues include:

• Whole grains (oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa, millet)
• Nuts and seeds (especially almonds, chia seeds, sesame, sunflower seeds, flax seeds)
• Dark, leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli)
• Root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, beets)
• Legumes and beans (chickpeas, kidney, black, pinto beans)

Synthetic Galactagogues

Synthetic galactagogues are prescription drugs provided by a doctor. Some examples include:

• Domperidone (Motilium)
• Metoclopramide (Reglan)
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

Frequently asked questions