Herbal Teas & Low Milk Supply When Breastfeeding

Some herbal teas may contain powerful compounds known as galactogogues, thought to increase milk production in lactating women. These herbs work by stimulating prolactin or are thought to aid in the milk ejection process. Stick with herbs that have a good safety record, such as red raspberry leaf, fenugreek seed and alfalfa, and consult your doctor before using herbal teas to increase milk production.

Herbs to Increase Milk Supply

Two of the most common herbs used to increase milk supply are fennugreek seed and fennel. Fennel is also thought to relieve colic in fussy babies, while fenugreek seed contains protein, iron, vitamin C and potassium, according to Diana West, author of "Making More Milk."

Other herbs traditionally used to increase milk supply include red raspberry leaf, nettle, blessed thistle, oat straw and milk thistle. Many of these herbs are used throughout pregnancy to promote overall health and stamina.

Herbs are available loose, in capsules, in tinctures or in commercially packaged teas. Many herbalists custom-make teas for pregnant or nursing women. Some herbs, such as blessed thistle, have a very bitter taste. Use these in a capsule form, rather than a tea.

Effectiveness

Herbs and herbal teas are not tested or regulated by the FDA, so claims about their effectiveness are largely based on anecdotal evidence and personal experience. In one small study, according to West, human milk production doubled through the use of fenugreek seed. The actual effectiveness can vary considerably from woman to woman, depending on the potency of the herb, as well as the reasons for the milk deficiency.

Identify and address underlying issues that may be causing low breastmilk production before trying herbs. Herbal teas work best in conjunction with other strategies. Poor latching, infrequent feedings or inadequate nutrition and fluid intake are common, easily-solved reasons for low breast milk production.

Safety

Although herbs are rarely studied under controlled scientific conditions, the most commonly used pregnancy herbs, such as red raspberry leaf, alfalfa and nettle, have been used for hundreds of years and are generally presumed to be safe. Herbs in commercially prepared herbal teas are usually offered at such low doses as to pose no health risks.

Talk with your doctor, though, before taking any herbal teas or supplements, especially if you are currently taking other medications. Ensure that your herbs come from a reputable source, since herbs from other countries may occasionally be contaminated with heavy metals, according to West.

Avoid herbal teas made with the following ingredients because of potential side effects: licorice, ginseng, comfrey and sassafras, according to Dr. William Sears.

Use

Just the act of making a warm cup of tea and taking the time to sit and drink it is nourishing to a new mother, and may have as much to do with increased milk production as the herbs in the tea. Follow package directions for herbal teas since brewing for too little time decreases the tea's effectiveness, while brewing too long may cause a bitter taste to develop.

To make your own pregnancy and breastfeeding tea, make this custom blend adapted from Diana West: Mix equal parts of dried red raspberry leaf and nettle, along with a slightly smaller amount of alfalfa and red clover. Add 1 tsp. fenugreek seed and steep for several hours. Drink warm or iced with sweetener.