Breastfeeding isn’t always as easy as it seems. In some cases, women struggle with milk production postpartum. Either their baby is eating more than they produce, or they want to produce extra to freeze for backup. Luckily, there are breastfeeding supplements to help with these problems. 

How do these supplements work?

Supplements made to increase milk production are called “galactagogue” or “lactagogue”. They work by increasing prolactin levels, which is the hormone that induces the production of milk in a woman’s breasts. 

What types of supplements are the best?

The most commonly used galactagogue is Fenugreek. Fenugreek is a herb that’s a member of the pea family. It’s been used for many years in Indian and Chinese cooking, and has a sweet nutty flavor to it. Many women say that when taking Fenugreek they begin to smell like maple syrup and that’s how they know it’s working. In most cases, results are seen within 24-72 hours and can be discontinued once milk supply has reached the desired amount.

Another commonly used supplement for increasing milk production is blessed thistle, an herbal galactagogue. Blessed thistle comes in the form of a capsule or tincture, but is typically blended with fenugreek to provide the best results. Blessed thistle can also help with digestion which is another benefit for postpartum mothers.

Having supplements like Fenugreek available for new mothers is extremely important. It’s great for them to know that there are ways to make up for any deficiencies, including milk production. Fenugreek can be taken as a capsule, liquid, or powder – whatever works best for the mother.

If you are interested in adding these supplements to your brand, contact us today and we can talk about it!