Karmienie piersiÄ i alkohol

Children are often exposed to ethanol during intrauterine life or during breastfeeding. In many cultures, alcohol has been considered as a good galactogogue but recent investigations do not support this opinion. This review presents the latest knowledge on the influence of ethanol on neuroendocrine control of lactation, pharmacokinetics of ethanol in human milk and the potential effects of ethanol on the breast-fed infant. In view of the high prevalence of alcohol consumption in our contemporary culture and the necessity of diminishing the adverse consequences of alcohol consumption by breastfeeding mothers, the author presents recommendations regarding alcohol consumption during lactation and problems which arise during the formulation of such recommendations. Possible correlation between the duration of breastfeeding and alcoholism in adult life is also discussed.