Herbs are a great way to support your body, and its functions, namely breastmilk production. It is a blessing to be able to breastfeed, and if you are a mama that aren’t able to breastfeed, you are still blessed!
Now, breastfeeding can have its challenges, and many moms worry they won’t be able to make enough milk for their babies, although studies say most women have enough milk to feed their babies.
However, God made our bodies to nourish our children, and he gave us food and herbs that can help support us on our breastfeeding journey. That being said, let’s explore together the different herbal Galactagogues. Galactagogues are substances that help with milk production whether it be food, herbs, etc.
Table of Contents
1. HERB FENUGREEK: Best Reported Results for breastmilk production
Fenugreek is a plant, but you can use its seeds in teas, curries, etc.
The seed is reported to have the taste of maple syrup
If you are noticing a dip in your milk supply you can drink a tea with Fenugreek, and maybe see an increase in your milk supply within the next 24-72 hours according to Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/fenugreek-breastfeeding
Fenugreek is reported safe for babies ingesting through breastmilk in a 2019 study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30005170/
Fenugreek is probably my favorite herb to incorporate into my diet when breastfeeding. I am currently nursing, and I drink tea with fenugreek, I believe it helps with the flow of my milk and supports production. The Tea I drink is “Mother’s Milk”, I add lemon, and honey to the tea to freshen up the taste.
** If you are pregnant, please do not take Fenugreek, please consult your doctor before taking herbs**
2.FENNEL: Best To Help Babies With Colic
Fennel is a part of the carrot family; it resembles celery but is more rounded out at the bottom.
Fennel increases milk production it has been stated that the herb Increases milk volume, fat content, and infant weight gain as mentioned in * insert link* it is also said to aid in reducing colic in infants.
The taste is like licorice (* actual licorice decreases milk production so avoid licorice*)
You can incorporate fennel in different ways, soups, stews, and curries. You can drink it in teas the mother’s milk tea also has fennel.
**Please use Fennel with caution, and consult with a lactation consultant or a doctor. **
3. STINGING NETTLE: Best for women with Anemia
Stinging Nettle is a plant, a part of the nettle family. Nettle has many healing properties, not just lactation benefits I suggest incorporating this herb in your diet in any way. Nettle helps in anemia, so if you are anemic postpartum try to drink some tea infused with stinging nettle.
Nettle can be used to promote lactation there was a 7-day study conducted, and the women who ingested the tea with stinging nettle had an increase in their milk volume. You can read about the study here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501777/
**Please use Nettle with caution, and consult with a lactation consultant or a doctor. **
4.GALEGA OFFICINALIS (Goat’s Rue): Best for women with PCOS
Galega is a plant, and you can ingest the herb by taking it in a capsule as a supplement, or in an herbal tea.
Goat’s rue is good for controlling blood sugar, and most importantly it’s known to aid in breast milk production. It has been said that Goat’s rue can be specifically used for women with PCOS with low milk production due to the herb’s ability to lower blood sugar according to https://twoislandsco.com/blogs/ingredients/goats-rue#:~:text=Because%20of%20its%20ability%20to,such%20as%20those%20in%20PCOS.
**Please use Galgea with caution, and consult with a lactation consultant or a doctor. **
- Blessed Thistle (Centaurea Benedicta)
Blessed thistle is a plant and is different from milk thistle. Blessed thistle has many benefits to it’s use. You can consume Blessed Thistle in an herbal tea
Blessed thistle can be used to help with digestion, coughs, and most importantly breast milk.
**Please use Blessed Thistle with caution, and consult with a lactation consultant or a doctor. **
Being able to feed your baby from your body and having faith that your baby is getting nutrients tailored to their needs is a gift, I do not take for granted. If there are natural ways that can support my breastfeeding efforts, you can bet that I will hop on that train!
It is important to use these herbs with caution, as although herbs are natural, and I believe God’s gift to us, too much of one herb can be potentially harmful, or even can counter interact with any medications you may be on. It is important to consider each herb, its usage, and possible side effects with a healthcare professional. However, most importantly, do your research on each herb you are considering.
If you are breastfeeding working mama, and need guidance on bottles for breastfed babies, take a look at our detailed list here. 3 BEST RATED BOTTLES FOR BREASTFED BABIES
