I know, you’re saying, “Galacta–what?” Galactagogues are substances that will increase your milk supply. Most often they are herbal, although there are some prescription medications that will increase your supply as well.
Recently in the forums, many mothers have asked how they can increase their supply. I want to be clear and say that the absolute most effective way to increase your supply is by allowing and encouraging your baby to nurse frequently. Your body is designed to increase your supply based on your baby’s frequency and effectiveness in sucking. However, there may come a time when a galactagogue may help you. It is important to realize though, that a galactagogue is to assist you in increasing your supply and not to maintain it. The idea is that you increase your supply such that your baby will be satisfied by sucking at the breast. The baby nursing in turn, will encourage your supply and so on. Think of a galactagogue as a breast milk “boost” as opposed to something you would do regularly.
Why You May Need a Galactagogue
Most women are perfectly capable of producing enough milk. Generally speaking, if a woman’s supply is low, it simply means that she must nurse more often. However, this isn’t always possible:
* infrequent nursing due to latch on problems; use galactagogue under the direction of an LC to help fix the latch on problem
*infant in the NICU; use galactagogue when you bring the baby home in addition to pumping to help increase supply
*nursing multiples; galactagogues can be very useful in increasing your supply during a growth spurt. Do not restrict nursing of either twin in any way.
A List of Galactagogues
I admit that if you go to a store and ask the clerk for their best selling galactagogue, you will likely be met with blank stares. Here’s a list of common, and not so common galactagogues and where you might be able to find them:
There are numerous teas & herbal mixtures available to nursing mothers. Motherlove is one company and is one of the more popular brands. If you have an herbal store near you, you will likely be able to pick up some there too.
Domperidone or Reglan
These are both prescription medications that actually are not for increasing milk supply. They are generally prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders. However, one of the side effects is spontaneous or excessive milk flow. While excessive milk flow in a mother who is producing adequate milk supply might be a problem–excessive milk flow is not so excessive if you’re starting out with a low supply. Many doctors are not aware that these medications can be used for breastfeeding mothers–but a good lactation consultant or even your baby’s pediatrician should be able to prescribe them for you.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seems to be the herb most often used by mothers to increase supply. It smells like licorice and may cause your baby’s stools or urine to smell like licorice–but it has no side effects. I used this to increase my supply with my twins during their growth spurts.
Other herbal remedies include blessed thistle and alfalfa.
All of you who are trying to increase your milk supply, remember: the best thing to do is to allow your infant to nurse unrestricted. However, if used properly a galactagogue can be a useful tool.