Beer or Barley? What is Best for Breastfeeding Mom?
If you have ever nursed and struggled with low milk supply then I bet someone has given you the advice: drink a beer.
And you wonder, will a beer really help increase my milk production?
The honest truth is no. Beer or any other form of alcohol is not going to increase your milk supply. If anything, alcohol may inhibit milk production and your let down reflex, ultimately reducing the amount of milk your baby receives.
So where does this old wives tale come from?
It’s not the beer.
It’s the barley.
Barley is rich in tryptophan and beta-glucan, which are both responsible for an increase in prolactin, the breastfeeding hormone.
So there you have it … now how to cook and eat barely?
For cooking purposes, pearl barely is what you will want to use.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
- 3.5 cups water
- pinch of salt (optional)
Directions:
In a 4-quart saucepan, place barley, water and salt. Bring to a boil. Uncover and simmer for 25 – 30 minutes. Once the barely is tender, drain in a strainer and serve.
Will store for a few days in the fridge and can be added to soups, salads and stews. You can also serve as you would oatmeal and top with dried apricots, maple syrup, and pecans.
Cheers to boosting breastmilk with barley!
I bet you were wishing for a different answer and ending to this post …
