BOOST YOUR BREAST MILK WITH THE HELP OF GALACTAGOGUES

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Am I producing enough milk? Is my baby getting sufficient quantity? How are some moms able to pump more?

It is normal to worry about your milk supply when you start breastfeeding.

You are not alone!

Most mothers worry about how much milk they are making and whether their baby is getting enough to meet their growing needs.

Almost all women can produce a healthy supply of breast milk for their babies. When a mother does have a low milk supply, it is more likely due to a poor latch or not breastfeeding frequently than an actual low milk supply issue.

For the baby to get a good supply of breast milk you should:

• Breastfeed every 2 – 3 hours throughout the day.
• Breastfeed for 10 to 15 minutes on each side.
• Be sure your baby is latching on to your breast correctly.

If all these are checked and yet you think your supply is low, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

Stress, exhaustion, menstrual cycle, a new pregnancy, birth control pills, caffeine, smoking, drinking alcohol, to name a few – can all cause a drop in the amount of breast milk that you are making.1

The easiest and most efficient way to naturally increase your breast milk supply is to breastfeed more often. You can also try using a breast pump or a hand expression technique to remove more breast milk after or in between feedings.

For generations, the use of food and herbs that promote lactation has been practiced in different cultures. Scientific studies on many of such galactagogues might be sparse due to the challenges associated with conducting studies on a large number of mothers during a delicate moment of a woman’s life. However, most mothers who have used these feel that these foods did help them.

What Are Galactagogues?

The word “galactagogues” comes from the Greek word “galacta,” meaning milk, and “-ogogue” meaning leading to or promoting.

A galactagogue won’t help boost your milk supply if you are not nursing or pumping regularly.

How do Galactagogues work?

Galactagogues are foods or supplements that increase your milk supply. Most of the galactagogues work by increasing your prolactin levels, which is the hormone responsible for breast-milk production. Foods rich in phytoestrogen (plant-based estrogens) can lead to increased production of prolactin, thereby increasing milk production.

When can a Galactagogue Help?

A galactagogue may help to stimulate the production of breast milk if:

• The return of your menses has caused a dip in your breast milk supply.
• You are exclusively pumping for your baby.
• You stopped breastfeeding and would like to restart.
• You are breastfeeding after breast surgery.
• You are uncertain why your milk supply is low.
• Your breast milk supply has declined along with the start of contraceptive pills.

Galactagogues:

Different cultures from all around the world have special foods that they give to breastfeeding women after childbirth. Here are some of the known foods breastfeeding mothers use as galactagogues:

Fennel – Fennel seeds contain phytoestrogens and have been used traditionally to increase milk supply.

Garlic – People all over the world use garlic for its medicinal properties as well as its culinary flavoring. Used in moderation, garlic may have a lactogenic effect. One study found that babies nursed more often and took more milk when mothers took a garlic supplement before nursing.

Fenugreek – Ever wondered why breastfeeding women are advised to eat methi (fenugreek) in the form of ladoos? That is because fenugreek not only keeps your glucose levels in check but also increases the production of breast milk.

Sesame and Flax seeds – These seeds are rich in phytoestrogens and other nutrients that promote healthy lactation. They are also rich in calcium, protein, and healthy fatty acids that help in replenishing the mother’s depleted nutrient reserve.

Almonds – They are rich in calcium and magnesium that help in maintaining milk supply. They are also dense in iron, protein, and healthy fats. Having them is the best way to consume them, but you can also dry roast or have them soaked.

Some other foods commonly used as galactagogues are ashwagandha root, dill seeds, Gondh (edible gum), ghee (Clarified butter), dark leafy greens, ginger, carom seeds, and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).

A galactagogue can help to improve the amount and the flow of breast milk from your breasts, but if you are not also expressing that milk, your body will not respond in the way you desire. To see real results from a galactagogue, you must use it along with frequent breastfeeding or pumping.

Sometimes medical issues such as underdeveloped breasts or previous breast cancer treatments prevent the production of a healthy breast milk supply, and the body is just not able to respond to galactagogues.

It is important to talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant before trying any medications or herbs. They can help you determine which herb or combination of herbs will work best for your situation.

Stressing about milk production is perhaps natural for a new mother. Make sure that you are nourishing yourself well by choosing the right foods that are nutrient-dense as well.