WHAT ARE GALACTAGOGUES?

Galactagogue derives from the Greek language “galacta”-milk and “gogos” -leading. Galactagogues are often thought of as only herbs, but can include foods and medications.

Numerous galactagogues are known from generational/cultural usage and historic use, not necessarily scientific research for some. The most prominent ones include anise, fenugreek, fennel, goat’s rue, milk thistle (not blessed!), and lemongrass. There are many, many more! It is believed that parents utilize galactagogues the most, beginning in the first four weeks postpartum. Nearly 20 percent start within seven days of birth.

HERBS

Fenugreek is often marketed as a galactagogue to breastfeeding parents. It is in the same botanical family as peanuts, soy beans, and chick peas, a potential for allergy exists.

Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgere) is a common spice with estrogenic properties that has a reputation as a galactagogue but has no supporting evidence.

Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis) belongs to the same plant family as fenugreek. You should not use the fresh goat's rue plant - it is considered toxic and dangerous. However, it is generally considered safe to take this herb in capsule form or to use the dried plant leaves in tea.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) also has a reputation as a galactagogue. Milk thistle is a member of the family Asteraceae but should not be confused with blessed thistle, which is Cnicus benedictus, an entirely different plant.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a natural galactagogue. It has been used since ancient times to boost breast milk supply as well as providing a source of nourishment for babies and moms. This is our most recommended galactagogue - purchase here!

Some well-known galactagogue foods include:

Raw nuts (almonds, cashews and macadamia nuts)
Grains and legumes (oats, millet, barley, rice, chickpeas and lentils)
Green leafy vegetables (nettle, dandelion, spinach, kale and chard)
Reddish-colored root vegetables (carrot, beets and yams)
Garlic
Ginger
Tumeric
Sesame seeds
Green papaya

PHARMACEUTICAL GALACTAGOGUES

Domperidone is the number one recommended in the world, but here in the US, we do not have ready access to it, as it is not legally marketed here.
Metoclopramide also known by the brand name Reglan.
Metformin

COMMON SUGGESTIONS & WHY

“YOU SHOULD TRY BLUE GATORADE OR BODY ARMOR”

Often the issue that has been resolved is keeping up with hydration. Keeping hydrated is important. Breastfeeding mothers should be taking in about 100 oz. of water per day. Electrolytes are also hydrating. Unfortunately, Gatorade those drinks will also contain dye and other sugars, making it not the healthiest drink to consume. Foods high in electrolytes such as high potassium fruits like bananas, dates, raisins, coconuts, and avocado. Also, vegetable sources include spinach, beans, lentils, and potato. Redmond Re-Lyte and Plain Coconut water can also be great alternatives.

“FENUGREEK IS AMAZING”

Fenugreek is great at regulating blood glucose and total cholesterol levels. Which means a normal blood glucose leveled individual could experience alarmingly low blood glucose levels if taking fenugreek not as needed. Fenugreek also has been shown to alter the balance of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are important in milk production because it influences mammary glands and prolactin. Prolactin is the milk making hormone. Thus again, if thyroid dysfunction is a concern, fenugreek could or could not be amazing in balancing that scale. (Caution; those with blood clotting disorders, peanut allergy, pea allergy, bean allergy. May cause gut irritability, gas and/or bloating in breastfeeds or baby.)

“A CUP OF OATMEAL A DAY SHOULD DO IT”

Oatmeal is high in iron, and since low iron can result in decreased milk supply, the thinking is that a boost in iron could do the opposite, and help increase it. Having very low iron levels can affect your mood, and a risk for exhaustion and depression. With oatmeal also being known as a comfort food and loaded with iron, you may feel more inclined to nurse more, pump regularly, and be in a better mood, thus increasing milk production. The only concern for oatmeal would be if a person has a gluten intolerance.

DO THEY WORK?

Understanding how an herb will affect your body begins with figuring out what is depleted and what herb will support that lack. There is not one herb that will magically fix everything. Ultimately one of the problems associated with herbal galactagogues is that there are no guarantees regarding contamination or accuracy of labeled amounts. For some moms it may work great, for others it could have adverse reactions.

If you are considering using herbs or medications during or after pregnancy, speak with your provider, nutritionist or lactation consultant.