Does Root Beer Increase Milk Supply?

Root beer is a carbonated drink flavored with extracts of roots, bark, and herbs that have been fermented with sugar and yeast. Although there is no scientific evidence to support a link between increased milk supply and root beer consumption, some studies and the experiences of mothers suggest that drinking root beer can increase breast milk production.

Mothers need a nourishing diet and plenty of fluids while breastfeeding; it helps increase their production of breast milk. Although root beer is considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is important to keep in mind some potential risks associated with drinking carbonated drinks. There have been mixed views about the intake of root beer while breastfeeding.

Benefits Of Root Beer

The following are some benefits of root beer:

• Root beer and other carbonated drinks help in increasing the breast milk supply. These drinks help in stimulating the let-down reflex which aids breasts in releasing more milk.
• Root beer can also help in soothing the upset stomach. Drinking root beer will help you calm the acid reflexes in your stomach and ease your stomach problems.
• It is believed that the sweetness of root beer might impact the breast milk supply. Sugar helps in stimulating the release of a hormone called oxytocin, which aids in increased milk production.
• Root beer that is brewed at home from different kinds of leaves, berries, and roots can help in boosting milk production and soothe colic babies.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers have reported that they crave root beer, thus drinking root beer can satisfy your cravings and also gives you a change in flavor. Mothers need to consume lots of fluid during breastfeeding thus switching between other drinks and flavors can be a nice sweet break.

Risk Factors Associated With Root Beer

Let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages and risks of drinking root beer.

• Root beer contains high levels of fructose corn syrup. Intake of high amounts of extra sugar can cause weight gain and insulin dependency.
• Root beer from some brands contains caffeine, which can pass to your baby through the breast milk flow and keep your baby awake.
• The high content of sugar in root beer can disturb your baby’s sleep pattern and make them agitated.
• Root beer also contains caramel and artificial flavoring which can cause allergies in babies.

Is Root Bear Safe For Breastfeeding Mothers

Root beer is partially considered safe for mothers who are breastfeeding their children. Many nursing mothers tend to crave root beer, this might be due to the lower levels of dopamine in the body, which cause a craving for sugar and sweet things.

However, the sugar content is quite high in root beer, which is why it should be consumed in smaller quantities. A breastfeeding mother should maintain a healthy, balanced diet and not give in to cravings every time.

It is important to note here that root beer, which contains caffeine, should be avoided at all costs, as caffeine is not good for your little ones. It can disrupt their sleep pattern and make them agitated.

Other Food Items To Avoid While Breastfeeding

A breastfeeding mother has a long list of dietary restrictions that are advised so the babies can take all the nutrients and minerals from the breast milk. Let’s take a look at other food items that a breastfeeding mom needs to stay away from.

• A breastfeeding mother should not consume alcohol as it can cause developmental delays in her baby.
• It is advised to limit your intake of caffeine and sugary drinks.
• You should avoid eating fish that is high in mercury content.
• Breastfeeding moms are also advised to not consume raw and processed meat.

Healthy Food Options To Increase Milk Supply

We all know that a well-balanced diet plays an important role. Let’s take a look at some healthy and beneficial food items that have been tried and tested for centuries for increasing the production of milk.

• Water

There is no substitute for cups of water. Water is the most important thing needed for a proper breast milk supply. You can consume coconut water or any other flavored water.

• Nuts & fruits

Nuts and fruits are considered a superfood. They are the most beneficial and healthiest food items for increasing milk supply. Eating almonds and cashew nuts can boost your milk supply. Consuming apricots and dates can increase prolactin in the body, a hormone that tells your body to produce milk. Fruits and nuts have the highest levels of antioxidants and good fats.

• Ginger 

Ginger is another superfood. Make ginger tea and consume it to increase your breast milk supply.

• Oats & oat milk

Consuming oats in either porridge form or oat milk has been proven to increase breast milk supply. Oats contain a higher concentration of dietary beta-glucan that can raise prolactin levels in the body resulting in an increased milk supply.

• Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are also considered beneficial in promoting breast milk supply because they have estrogen-like properties.

• Garlic

Consuming garlic by adding it to your food can also be very beneficial. Garlic has many nutritional properties and is associated with boosting breast milk supply. Ginger also helps with the let-down reflex.

• Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a rich source of protein and breastfeeding mothers are advised to consume a protein-rich healthy diet as it helps in boosting the breast milk supply.

• Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are an enriched source of fatty acids. They contain phytoestrogens that have been linked to increased milk supply.

The Bottom line

To sum it up, root beer is considered safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It has been linked to increased milk supply in mothers and helps them initiate a letdown. This might be possible because of the sugar content, as sugar intake helps stimulate the let-down reflex.

However, a high amount of sugar intake is not suggested, so that’s why breastfeeding mothers should consume root beer in moderate quantities. We hope this article answers your question and helps you make a conscious decision.

Reference:

https://www.verywellfamily.com/foods-that-increase-breast-milk-supply-431598