What is a galactagogue and how does it increase your milk supply?
A galactagogue is a herb or food that helps to induce, increase or maintain milk supply. These foods and herbs have been traditionally used in various cultures for thousands of years to support the breastfeeding mother.
The most common galactagogues used are fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, nettle and brewers yeast .
How does Fenugreek increase milk supply?
Is a herb from the pea family and has been traditionally used throughout India and the Middle East for thousands of years. It is suggested that compounds within fenugreek, like diosgenin active as a precursor to the hormone prolactin necessary to promote milk supply. Fenugreek has also been shown to increase the milk ejection or “let down reflex” by activating a flow of oxytocin, another key hormone involved in breastfeeding.
How does Blessed Thistle increase milk supply?
Is a herbal medicine which grows abundantly in the Mediterranean region. It is proposed to stimulate blood flow to the breast tissue, in turn promoting lactation. Anecdotally. Dr. Jack Newman, an MD and IBCLC indicates that the combination of blessed thistle and fenugreek during the early postpartum period to be the most effective in improving milk supply .
How does Fennel increase milk supply?
Is wildly used as a digestive aid and may help to ease symptoms of colic when consumed by the breastfeeding mother. It also has mild estrogenic properties which again may help to maintain breastmilk production mother. It has also been noted to help increase prolactin levels, a hormone involved in regulating milk supply (4).
How does Nettle increase milk supply?
Is another herb that is traditionally believed to support breastmilk production, although the exact mechanisms is still unknown. It has been suggested however that due to the nutritive qualities of nettle, including substantial amounts of iron, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium, that this promotes the mothers milk supply. Iron deficiency anaemia can actually lead to low milk supply, and thus consumption of nettle to improve iron status may in turn support milk supply.
How does Brewers Yeast increase milk supply?
Is also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an inactive yeast used to promote milk supply. There is a large body of anecdotal evidence suggesting the milk boosting powers of brewer’s yeast. Nutritionally, brewer’s yeast is rich in B-vitamins, beta-glucans, mannan oligosaccharides and chromium which can work to increase breast milk production by improving the overall nutrition status of the mother (5).
How do you use galactagogues?
Our Lactation Boost Breastfeeding Protein formula contains a blend of these five galactagogues to support and maintain your milk supply. Plus, Lactation Boost contains other essential nutrients needed by a breastfeeding mum like protein, calcium, iron, B vitamins and iodine. Lactation Boost is gluten and dairy free and tastes delicious!
