Galactagogues: increasing breast milk supply
Galactogogues are food products, herbs and medicines that increase the volume of milk during breastfeeding and lactation.
What you need to know about galactogogues:
1. Galactogues are generally consumed in the following forms: food products, teas, capsules, tablets.
2. Many galactogogues, their effects on the body, and mechanism of action have not been sufficiently studied.
3. The use of many galactogogues is rather traditional in a certain region, as many ‘traditional’ galactogues have not been found to have effects on milk production.
4. Galactogogues are not necessary for all breastfeeding women.
5. Each galactogogue (‘active’, proven galactogogue) has its own mechanism of action. Therefore, the right galactogogue is chosen depending on the situation.
6. Use may have side effects (in case of herbs and medications).
7. Use of a galactagogue without other measures aimed at increasing milk supply will most likely not bring the expected result.
8. Foods-galactogogues can be an excellent source of essential nutrients for the breastfeeding mum.
Depending on the form of galactogogues, recommendations can be as follows:
The first recommendation in case of temporary "risky" situations (temporary separation, going back to work, illness, stress) are galactagogues-food products.
In cases of reduced milk production, galactogogues-herbs in the form of teas or capsules can be used.
We usually adjust the dose and the galactogogue itself depending on the situation and individual factors. I always inform the breastfeeding mum about side effects. Mummy's homework is to consult a doctor or pharmacist about the use of a particular supplement and read the instructions on the package.
In rare cases, most commonly relactation (return lactation back after a break) or lactation induction (inducing lactation without labour) medications can be used.
Several medications are available, but they have serious side effects. If a woman has the desire, such therapy is prescribed by a doctor.
There is no need for routine use of galactogogues-herbs and even less medications. Galactogogues-food products are healthy to eat, unless you have hyperlactation or allergy to them!
In other cases it is better to seek advice.
If you think that you have reduced milk supply, or you observe slow weight gain or no weight gain in your baby, write to me! Together we will sort out the situation, support lactation and improve baby's weight gain!
Let me remind you that this information is general, introductory in nature and does not replace a consultation with a doctor! To choose the right medicine and/or food supplement for you, be sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist! A food supplement does not replace a complete and balanced diet! You should consult a specialist about nutrition during the breastfeeding period.
Author of the article: Aleksandra Ņekrasova
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