Media campaigns against very moderate alcohol consumption while nursing do
not discourage drinking;   They lead to less nursing and earlier weaning.   I
am not aware of any studies which show that a glass of wine or a beer with
dinner a few nights each week adversely affect babies.

Obviously, drinking alcohol is not good for humans, does not increase milk
flow and should not be encouraged by health care practitioners.

The Little, Anderson study in the NEJM (N Engl J Med 1989 Aug
17;321(7):425-430 "Maternal alcohol use during breast-feeding and infant
mental and motor development at one year."
Little RE, Anderson KW, Ervin CH, Worthington-Roberts B, Clarren SK) looked
at women who were "regular" drinkers.   I have always felt that it was
harmful to babies rather than being helpful.

A newer study (Little RE, Nothstone K, Golding J et al. "Alcohol,
breastfeeding, and development at 18 months," Pediatrics 109 (2002) (5) e72)
did not replicate the "motor deficit" findings.

Dr. Mennella writes some of the most fascinating breast milk literature
around, but she's off the mark here.

I tell moms to avoid dairy during pregnancy and lactation, eat plenty of
garlic and other healthy things and to feel free to have a glass of wine with
dinner once in a while.   Moms capable of downing a fifth of Jack Daniels
need counseling.

Jay Gordon



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