Any herb, medication or substance that increases the supply of breast milk is a galactagogue, according to Kellymom.com. Herbs in this category include fennel, fenugreek, milk thistle, motherwort, asparagus racemosus, red raspberry and chamomile. Dr. William Sears says that these herbs have not been scientifically proven by the medical community to increase milk supply, although women around the world believe in their effectiveness. Mothers should consult with a doctor, midwife or other health-care professional before adding any herb to their daily regimen for safety purposes.
Step 1
Meet with a trained breast-feeding professional to discuss your concerns regarding low milk supply. Certified lactation consultants and midwives are professional resources to help women establish milk supply and breast-feeding relationships.
Step 2
Choose an herb with the advice of your health-care professional. Discuss any underlying medical conditions and any prescription medications or herbs that you are taking. Certain herbs used to increase milk supply may adversely react with other medications. Sears explains that herbs, while they are naturally derived from plants, are drugs themselves and should be used cautiously.
Step 3
Take the herb daily and as directed for the recommended period of time to increase your milk supply.
Step 4
Increase the frequency that you nurse your baby in combination with the herbal supplement. Kellymom.com says that herbal galactagogues work best when the mother nurses more often. Increased nursing sessions stimulate your body to produce more milk as the supply increases to meet the demand.
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