There are also other herbs known
as galactagogues, that when taken or put into foods may increase your supply.
The effect
of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short - term catch - up of birth weight in the first week of life.
It does seems to be a bit of mystery although women all of the word have been
using galactagogues for centuries to increase milk supply.
There is not that much official research on the use of medicinal breastfeeding herbs (also
called galactagogues) to increase breast milk supply.
I've been experimenting
with galactagogues in the kitchen and came up with lactation beer.
Blended with traditional herbal
galactagogues like organic Fennel seed and mineral packed herbs, Organic Milkmaid Tea helps keep breast milk flowing from happy mama to hungry baby.
And in the event that you experience any difficulty establishing your milk supply, Nursing Blend also contains
natural galactagogues such as fenugreek to help you build and maintain your milk supply.
If you are still concerned, an in person consult with an LC may also help so she can evaluate your flanges fit and offer tips and products such as
galactagogues which many have found increase milk.
The roots and leaves of Asparagus plant (racemosus), also known as shatavari, are used as for immune support as
well galactagogues.
However,
galactagogues such as barley, oatmeal, and millet or spices such as ginger and turmeric seem to be effective in boosting milk supply for many mothers.
Please note:
many galactagogue herbs are not recommended for use during pregnancy in greater than culinary amounts.
Note that breastfeeding mothers have been
taking galactagogues throughout history to increase milk supply.
A lot of breastfeeding women cook and
include galactagogues food in their diets to help ensure a steady milk supply.
-------------------------------------------------- Earth Mama HQ response: Many natural
galactagogue herbs are often also used for stomach upset, gas, bloating and indigestion.
Not much clinical research has been done as far as how and why
different galactagogues work — especially herbal galactogogues like fenugreek and blessed thistle.
I went to a nursing support group, I talked to a lactation consultant, I got prescribed Reglan, and I tried all the varieties of
galactagogues out there.
And up until the 1990s many experts thought
dietary galactagogues worked by a placebo effect (mind over matter).
Some moms find that
galactagogue supplements like more milk plus, or galacta, are more effective than (inaudible), or the tea.
Many of the recipes are
powerful galactagogue triple - whammies that have flax seed, brewers yeast and oats.
The
term galactagogue is derived from the Greek word «galactos» meaning «milk» and «agogue» which means «bringer of».
A systematic review of the efficacy of herbal
galactagogues published in the Journal on Lactation found five trials that showed an increase in breast milk production.
There have been a couple of quality scientific studies done which show that domperidone appears to be an
effective galactagogue too (1,2).
So one of the things that we're going to find today is the different people are going to say: «What do you mean that's the most
favorite galactagogues because it's different than where were you are.»
Kellymom and other reputable sources of breastfeeding information recommend oats as a
potential galactagogue (i.e. a food that will increase milk production in a nursing mother).
Although galactagogues have not been scientifically proven to increase milk production, generations and generations of breastfeeding women have passed down this knowledge and strongly believe that these supplements helped their supplies.