All these botanical medicines also have other effects besides serving
as galactogogues.
Certain medications or herbs that act
as galactogogues are added to increase prolactin levels.
If its a question of milk supply there is such a thing
as galactogogues like oatmeal and fenegreek to increase supply.
There is some evidence that herbs, such as fenugreek, blessed thistle or alfalfa can act
as a galactogogue (a substance that increases milk supply).
• «The Magic Number» teaching concept to help mothers maintain their milk supplies while pumping • Breast massage and compression to help mothers increase breast milk yields and overcome breastfeeding difficulties • New, more - conservative guidelines on the use of galactogogues • Fenugreek, milk volume, and prolactin levels in mothers of preterm infants • The safety and efficacy of placenta consumption
as a galactogogue • Preparation, cleaning, and sterilization of breast pump parts • Appropriate use of nipple shields to improve breastfeeding outcomes • The importance of the mother - infant relationship in babies» growth and development
The only scientific backing I could find for the use of Moringa
as a galactogogue (to increase milk supply) is in an old study from the Philippines that looked at the use of this plant for mothers with pre-term babies in the first three days of breastfeeding only, and found:
Not exact matches
I'd caution against immediately jumping into using herbs
as there may be side effects and drug interactions, and in many cases,
galactogogues aren't necessary to increase / maintain supply.
Galactogogues such
as flax seed, fennel seed, fenugreek, moringa powder, and brewers yeast are also shown to potentially increase your milk supply.
Use herbal
galactogogues as necessary: For hundreds of years, nursing moms have been using herbal preparations (called
galactogogues) to help improve breast milk production.
Galactogogues, also known
as lactogenic foods, may be just the key.
Excellent resource for effective herbal and food
galactogogues and dosages,
as well
as which herbs to avoid.
To help mothers with hypoplastic breasts and insufficient glandural tissue to make
as much milk
as they are capable of, there are herbs called
galactogogues which can help your body to produce more milk, and some medications can also help you to produce more milk.
If all you are wanting to do is maintain an already good supply, I recommend a more mild version of
galactogogue that is easier on the tummy and more delicious
as well.
I do strongly suggest you discuss your situation with a trained Lactation Consultant before venturing out on your own to begin taking any herb or medication to stimulate milk production
as some medical history could be contraindicated for some
galactogogues or herbal stimulants.
The most important things to be aware of with
galactogogues is that they will only help if you have effective and efficient removal of breastmilk from your breasts
as well.
Not much clinical research has been done
as far
as how and why different galactagogues work — especially herbal
galactogogues like fenugreek and blessed thistle.
Also, eating a wholesome diet and incorporating
galactogogues such
as oats, lactation cookies, lactation tea, fenugreek and other herbs can boost milk supply.