🍼 How to Increase Milk Supply with GALACTAGOGUES

🔤 G-A-L-A-C-T-A-G-O-G-U-E-S = Substances that help promote or increase breast milk

production

🌿 Herbal Galactagogues

These are plant-based and commonly used in teas, capsules, or tinctures.

Herb How It Works Notes / Cautions

Fenugreek Stimulates sweat glands (breasts are modified sweat glands); may increase supply

in 24–72 hrs May cause maple syrup odor in sweat/urine; avoid if diabetic or asthmatic

Blessed Thistle Works well when combined with fenugreek; supports digestion and milk

production Safe in moderation; avoid if allergic to daisies

Goat’s Rue May help grow breast tissue and increase production Often used for adoptive moms or moms with IGT (Insufficient Glandular Tissue) Fennel Estrogen-like effects; supports let-down and flow May help with gas in baby; avoid with hormone-sensitive conditions

Shatavari (Ayurvedic herb) Hormone-balancing; supports overall reproductive health Great for

long-term support and hormonal balance

Moringa (Malunggay) Rich in nutrients; increases supply and supports overall postpartum

healing Often used in Southeast Asia; high in iron and calcium

Anise Stimulates prolactin release (milk-making hormone) Has a licorice-like taste; use in

moderation

Nettle (Stinging Nettle Leaf) Nutritive herb rich in iron; supports milk production and

postpartum recovery Also helps with anemia and energy levels

Alfalfa High in phytoestrogens; boosts supply and supports hormonal function May cause gas if overused

️Food-Based Galactagogues

Food How It Helps

• Oats High in iron and fiber; helps lower stress and boost prolactin

• Barley Contains beta-glucan, which supports prolactin production

• Brewer’s Yeast B-vitamin rich and helps with energy and milk supply

• Dark leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale) High in calcium, magnesium, and folate

• Papaya Especially green papaya; used in Asian cultures to promote lactation

• Carrots & yams Rich in beta-carotene, which supports lactation hormones

• Sesame seeds High in calcium, a mineral important for milk production

• Garlic May slightly increase supply and enhance baby’s latch (if tolerated)

💊 Prescription Galactagogues (Use only under provider guidance)

Drug Notes:

Domperidone Common outside the U.S.; increases prolactin levels

Metoclopramide (Reglan) Increases prolactin but has risk of side effects like depression

Oxytocin nasal spray Supports let-down reflex, not necessarily supply

🚫 When NOT to Use Galactagogues

• If there is no demand (not nursing or pumping enough)

• If there are underlying latch issues or tongue-tie

• Without consulting a lactation consultant or provider

• If experiencing thyroid problems, PCOS, or retained placenta (treat root cause first)

✅ Best Practices with Galactagogues

• Always combine with frequent breast emptying (nursing/pumping)

• Stay hydrated

• Use herbs in rotation, not all at once

• Track how you feel—some herbs (like fenugreek) can decrease supply in certain people