Many new mothers worry that they are not producing enough milk for their newborn babies. A good rule of thumb is that well-fed breastfeeding newborns produce six or more wet diapers a day and about one to two dirty diapers a day. Consult your pediatrician and possibly also a lactation consultant if you're still concerned. There are prescription drugs available to help increase a nursing mother's milk supply, but they come with substantial side effects. While herbal supplements also carry certain risks, in the case of breastfeeding, their side effects are much milder. There are also other natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments that can help increase your natural milk supply.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seed is the leading galactogogue prescribed by natural practitioners to increase breast milk. Fenugreek is a culinary herb most frequently found in curries and other South Asian foods. You may take it in capsule form; it is also a common component in herbal tea blends designed to increase milk supply. On its own, it is rather bitter. Although scientific studies support fenugreek's effects, its mechanism is not entirely known. Most researchers believe that fenugreek contains estrogenic compounds that stimulate the proper hormone production to increase a nursing mother's breast milk. Some women report that their milk supply drops significantly once they stop taking fenugreek. The most common side effect of fenugreek is that your body odor might start to smell like maple syrup. Allergies are rare but known to occur. Do not take fenugreek if pregnant. If you are diabetic or asthmatic, consult your doctor before taking fenugreek.
Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle is a medicinal herb that is also highly favored as a galactogogue. Blessed thistle may be consumed either in capsule form or as tea. It is often used in conjunction with fenugreek in either form. Do not confuse with milk thistle. Do not take blessed thistle while pregnant. Avoid blessed thistle if you are allergic to ragweed.
Other Herbs
If fenugreek and blessed thistle don't seem to be working or are ruled out for other reasons, there are still other galactogogue herbs you can try. Fennel seeds promote the let-down reflex and are effective for your digestion besides. Red raspberry leaf has beneficial hormone precursors. Nettle, besides being a gentle galactogogue, is high in mineral content. Goat's rue is a powerfully effective breast milk stimulant that should be taken in small doses under the care of a trained herbalist.
Beer
Drinking a bottle of dark beer a day is sometimes recommended as a folk medicine technique for increasing breast milk. Why it works is unknown, but the extra liquid plus a dose of B-complex vitamins may be the cause. Beer also contains hops, which is sometimes recommended as a galactogogue, although Herblore recommends against using hops due to its occasional depressive effects. Alcohol can be passed in small amounts through breast milk to your baby, so be cautious with this technique. All the alcohol from your single beer will be metabolized two to three hours after consumption and your breast milk will then be completely safe for your baby.
Breast Massage
Breast compression and massage can help prevent and clear clogged ducts and stimulate your milk-producing glands. You can massage your breast while your child is nursing or whenever you find the spare time. Pregnancy and Child Care expert Dr. Sears recommends using two fingers in a small circular motion, similar to the method used in your breast self-exam technique.
Pumping
Using a breast pump can encourage milk production by simulating a baby's feeding. Pumped milk can then be stored for later use. Pumping will not produce as much milk as a proper nursing session would, so don't be dismayed if your output seems a little low. Consult a lactation specialist to see how long and how often you should pump.
Nutrition, Fluids and Sleep
New mothers need proper food, proper hydration and adequate sleep to properly maintain milk production. Eat a diet high nutrient-dense foods -- both you and your baby need vitamins, minerals, protein and, yes, fat. You may want to snack or eat frequent small meals instead of two or three big ones to keep up your energy and milk supply. Drink plenty of water; it is often easiest to have a large water bottle handy to sip from all day long. Sleeping may be the hardest requirement to manage for a new nursing mother, especially since breast-fed babies sleep for shorter periods than formula-fed ones. Your baby can learn to "night nurse" while you both doze in bed together. Or you can let someone else feed your baby pumped milk from a bottle while you catch a nap.
References
- AskDrSears.com: Increasing Your Milk Supply
- Herblore: Plugged Ducts, Mastitis & Low Breastmilk Production
- Breastfeeding Basics: Galactogogues
- BabyCenter: Can the Herb Fenugreek Increase a Mom's Milk Supply?
- Canadian Breastfeeding Association: Herbs for Increasing Milk Supply
- KidsHealth: Breastfeeding FAQs -- Your Eating and Drinking Habits
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