Galactogogues

Using Galactogues to Increase Milk Production

Galactogues are substances that are used to stimulate the milk supply in nursing mothers.  Galactogues can help mothers that need to increase their milk supply. They include both pharmaceutical and herbal preparations that have been more widely used for many years in different cultures.

Pharmaceutical Preparations:

If you are having difficulty with milk supply, your health care provider can prescribe one of the following medications that are safe to the new born child:

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

The suggested dose for metoclopramide is 10mg to be taken three times a day for 5 days and then tapered off. Metoclopramide has a quick onset of action but has the potential for exacerbating depression. It should therefore be avoided in mothers who suffer from postpartum depression.

Domperidone

While domperidone has a slower onset of action, it maintains a better milk supply than metoclopramide and is safe to use while nursing preterm infants. Domperidone is not FDA approved in the US but can be formulated by a compounding pharmacist.

Herbal Galactogues:

Mother’s Milk Tea

Mother’s milk tea is a blend of fenugreek, fennel, nettle and blessed thistle in different combinations, depending upon where you purchase it.

Fenugreek tea is an extremely effective galactogue and is widely used in many cultures. It can however and cause uterine contractions and nursing mothers that are expecting another baby should not use fenugreek tea due to the risk of miscarriage. It should also be used with caution in diabetics since it can cause hypoglycemia. Mothers should not take more than 2-4 capsules up to three times per day.

Fennel Seed increases milk production, stimulates the let down reflex and also eases colic in the nursing infant. Fennel seeds can be prepared into a tea that is taken up to three times per day.

Blessed thistle is useful in keeping the digestive tract clean and improving milk supply.  Like fenugreek seeds it should not be used by nursing mothers that are expecting another baby.

Other herbal galactogues include:

Brewer’s yeast – It comes in the form of tablets that are best taken in juice. The recommended dose is 3-5 tablets up to 3 times per day.

Anise – It also increases milk production while relieving gas in the newborn child like fennel seeds.

While herbal products are natural and relatively safe, it is important to check with your health care provider before using such remedies since they could have side effects for you and / or your baby. Lactation consultants are well trained in this field and can provide a lot of assistance in helping to increase your milk supply.

For More information, see The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.