Everything you need to know about Galactagogues

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocol on galactagogue use states: “Prior to the use of a galactagogue, a thorough evaluation should be performed the entire feeding process by a lactation expert. Reassurance may be offered, if appropriate. When intervention is indicated for the dyad, modifiable factors should be addressed: comfort and relaxation for the mother, frequency and thoroughness of milk removal, and underlying medical conditions. Medication should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors.” Every woman’s nursing difficulties are different and each situation must be treated individually, hence why galactagogues do not work the same for every woman since each woman’s situation is unique. “

  Galactagogues are any foods, herbs, and medications that are purported to increase milk supply are called galactagogues. The most commonly suggested galactagogues include oatmeal, fenugreek, flax seed, brewer’s yeast, goats rue and blessed milk thistle.By suggesting galactagogues you are reinforcing the notion that breastfeeding requires special stuff or outside help in order to be successful. Galactagoguesgues are often used as an easy fix without resolving the underlying issue or concern. We live in a society that values quick fixes, and it’s tempting to suggest and to use those things that will give us fast results. This undermines a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed.  True low supply is very rare and these quick fix foods and supplements will not fix it. Please seek an IBCLC if you think you may have true low supply because each mom should be evaluated as an individual and underlying factors addressed before galactagogues should be used. However, oversupply is a common problem we see that can lead to many side effects that may negatively affect the mother child nursing relationship.

• The effectiveness of galactagogues is supported by anecdotal (inconclusive research-based) evidence. The quality and quantity of herbal preparations do not have to be consistent in order to be marketed.
• Galactogogues are not regulated by the FDA, thus you cannot be sure if you’re using the correct or even the same dosage each time.
• Fenugreek can interfere with the absorption of the medication, vitamins, minerals, etc.
• The transfer of fenugreek into milk is unknown, untoward effects have been reported. Fenugreek is considered safe for nursing moms only when used in moderation and is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s generally recognized as safe list.
• Fenugreek can also have an effect on blood sugar levels.
• Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, and in the few studies using it as a hypoglycemic also reduces blood cholesterol.
• Dosages higher than recommended may result in hypoglycemia in some mothers. Fenugreek should not be used by those who do not have good control of their blood glucose levels.
• Mothers with hypoglycemia should also use fenugreek with caution.
• Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, so diabetic mother’s insulin dosages may need to be adjusted.
• Fenugreek may also enhance the effects of antidiabetic drugs such as Glipizide.
• Inhalation of fenugreek powder can cause asthma and allergic symptoms
• .Gas, fussiness, loose stools and green stools have also been reported in infants with prolonged fenugreek usage.
• Galactogogues also have the potential to decrease your supply. Galactogogues only provide a supply boost for as long as you are consuming them. If you are relying exclusively on the use of galactagogues to increase your supply, discontinued use may result in decreased supply.