What are galactagogue.
Herbal galactagogue
The term "galactagogue" refers to any substance that is known to increase the milk supply or aid in let-down. Historically, many herbs have been used in almost every known culture for this purpose. The list represents the more common herbs that are used as galactagogue today.
You should always do your own research before deciding whether or not to ingest anything
listed here. The substances described here are well known to be safe when taken in the quantities
suggested and have been used successfully by many mothers. We know of no limit to the number
of galactagogue that can be taken simultaneously, nor are we aware of any negative interactions
between any of the herbs listed here. Yet herbs can be as dangerous as any prescription medication
if not respected and used properly. The fact they are organic matter does not mean that the
chemicals contained within the botanical plant are not potentially toxic when ingested inappropriately.
We recommend that you check with your medical caregiver to ensure that no other substance
you are taking will conflict with any of the herbs you wish to try. Be aware, though, that
physicians are not well versed on the uses of herbs, particularly galactagogue, and may be
very conservative in endorsement of their use. Rely upon your own sound, educated judgment
when deciding if the use of galactagogue is appropriate for you
.
AIM
Barleylife® Natural Herbal galactagogue and wholefood supplement.
Prescription and herbal galactagogue are commonly used in the US when inducing lactation or relactating, especially among adoptive mothers. A mother might use a galactagogue after poor breastfeeding management results in decreased milk supply. A mother might also use galactagogue when she is pumping long term because she is working outside the home, has an ill, hospitalized, or premature baby, or has a baby born with a congenital disorder that impacts breastfeeding (e.g., cleft palate, Down syndrome). Some mothers automatically drink "Mother's Milk Tea" (a blend of herbs thought to increase milk supply) from the first day of lactation simply because they are breastfeeding. Herbal galactagogue are used around the world. The evidence for their effectiveness is often historical use.
Prescription galactagogue are drugs.
Herbal galactagogue, like drugs, can produce side effects. "Because herbs may be potent, they should not be used casually. If the mother would like to explore this possibility, suggest she contact someone knowledgeable in their use" (Mohrbacher & Stock 1997). Herbal galactagogue preparations may have other ingredients. "Herbal teas that promise to increase a mother's milk supply may also contain other active ingredients and should be taken in moderation" (Mohrbacher & Stock 1997). Herbal teas commonly used to increase milk supply may have side effects. "'Mother's Milk' tea is a blend of herbs that many generations have believed will increase a mother's milk supply. The mix of herbs in this tea–fennel seeds, coriander seeds, chamomile flowers, lemongrass, borage leaves, blessed thistle leaves, star anise, comfrey leaves, and fenugreek seeds–is free of caffeine, but taken in excess it can have possible side effects, including vomiting, vertigo, insomnia, and restlessness" (Mohrbacher & Stock 1997). An herbal galactagogue may or may not work for any given mother or for any mother. "Although several hundred plants have been described in ethnobotanical literature as galactagogue (increasing the secretion of milk), only a handful of plants have been investigated" (Humphrey 1998).
Galactagogues, herbal or prescribed, are not cure-alls. They should not be used as the first step to correcting problems with insufficient milk supply. All other factors should be addressed first, including correcting latch-on, positioning, and sucking problems, increasing the frequency of breastfeeding or pumping, using switch nursing, using breast compression, expressing milk after breastfeeding, etc.
