However, note that while it’s very common to be concerned about whether or not your baby is getting enough breastmilk, sometimes, this worry is unwarranted. In fact, studies show that many women perceive that they have an insufficient milk supply, but they are often producing adequate amounts, particularly those that breastfeed exclusively. Tracking your baby’s weight gain and wet/soiled diaper output are good indicators of proper newborn nutrition. Additionally, check with a lactation consultant and/or your baby’s doctor to check on whether or not your supply is actually low. If you do have a low supply, there are many effective ways to increase it, the most effective one being breastfeeding exclusively and more often. Adding safe herbs to boost your supply may be helpful, as well.
When Herbs for Breastfeeding May Help
There are many reasons why your supply may (or may simply seem to be) low. As noted above, your breasts will often produce more milk in response to your baby’s sucking, so breastfeeding more often usually can help. Also, your breasts never fully empty, so even when soft, trust that your breasts are still producing some milk for your baby. However, there are times when your supply may not meet demand, these times of decline may include when:
You are menstruating You are pregnant You begin supplementing with formula You begin to take hormonal birth control You have a schedule change You have additional stress in your life Your baby is having a growth spurt
During these times, or if you just feel that your milk supply is low, talk to your doctor or a lactation professional to see if adding an herbal treatment is right for you—or if they recommend other interventions, such as modifications to your nursing technique or schedule. Since different herbs have different actions, it’s important to get professional advice to address the specific issues you may be experiencing.
How to Get the Best Results
Herbs and other galactagogues (breastmilk promoting substances) do not often work on their own. To increase your breast milk supply, you still have to stimulate your breasts while you’re taking the herb. Again, you can accomplish this by breastfeeding more frequently, nursing for a longer duration at each feeding, and/or pumping after and in-between each feeding.
Precautions and Side Effects
As noted above, always talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant before taking any herbal treatments (or medications). For many centuries, herbal remedies have been used as medications, but this does not mean that lactation herbs are without risks, so you should always use caution.
Be extra careful if you are pregnant. Some herbs can be dangerous and lead to preterm labor or miscarriage.It’s important to let your baby’s doctor know if you’re taking any herbal supplements while you’re breastfeeding.Just like prescription drugs, herbs and plants can have side effects, and while they may be “natural,” that doesn’t mean they are always healthy for you or your baby. In fact, depending on the preparation and concentration, some herbs can be toxic.
After discussing the use of breastfeeding herbs with your healthcare provider and getting their go-ahead, be sure to purchase them from a reputable company. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbs, be sure to use caution. However, most reputable tea preparations are not harmful, and the commercial brands that you see in the supermarket are generally safe. A good rule of thumb is to never exceed the recommended doses, as an herb that is beneficial in small quantities, can quickly become harmful if you consume too much. However, the herbs here have a long track record of being used to increase supply, can often be safely added into your food, and generally, when used appropriately, are considered beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. Fennel can be consumed in teas or in food. It is often used fresh in salads or sautéed with other vegetables. Because sprouts are grown in warm, moist environments, conditions that are conducive to bacteria-growth, alfalfa sprouts can easily become contaminated with germs. This is why sprouts are sometimes associated with outbreaks of foodborne illness, including salmonella. For this reason, anyone with a compromised immune system, including pregnant women and children, should avoid eating raw sprouts and use extra caution. Wash them thoroughly before consuming them, and consider cooking them, as well. Though some babies seem to like the taste of garlic, others may not tolerate garlic well and it may increase body odor in the mother and baby. It may cause gas, colic, or fussiness, as well. If you notice an adverse reaction in your baby after consuming garlic, you may want to eliminate it from your diet. Otherwise, there are no established limits on safe garlic consumption. If your supply really is low, but herbs, increased breastfeeding, and other interventions don’t prompt an adequate supply, know that even small amounts of breast milk (supplemented with formula) are still very beneficial for a baby. Furthermore, feel good about any breastfeeding you do (and time spent one-on-one with your baby), as studies show it provides your baby with immense benefits, even in small quantities.
