Galactagogues either mimic the hormones that stimulate the production of breast milk or simply provide your body with nutrients that aid its milk production. Intriguing and amazing, I know!

In this article, we’ll explore what galactagogues are, how they work, and which galactagogues you can consume to try to boost your life-giving breast milk. So if you’re a breastfeeding momma looking to nurture your little one with a healthy amount of milk, keep on reading and get ready for a lot of learning! 

Content Overview 

The importance of breastfeeding

How do galactagogues work?

What are the types of galactagogues?

Are galactagogues safe?

What foods are galactagogues?

When to see your doctor

Quick review of why breastfeeding matters

It’s nearly impossible to appreciate galactagogues if you don’t appreciate breastfeeding. If you’re already a strong advocate of breastfeeding, feel free to jump to the next section of this article. If you aren’t so sure, please bear with me as I explain some of the breastfeeding basics. 

Breastfeeding is proven to have short-term and long-term benefits that save lives and boost the overall health of infants. Breastfed babies have reduced risks to certain diseases, including:  

• Respiratory infections
• Gastroenteritis
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) 
• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Otitis media 
• Pneumonia 
• Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes
• Childhood obesity 
• Leukemia 

Not only does breast milk support the development of infants, but it also brings numerous benefits to mothers. Moms who breastfeed reap the benefits of decreased risk to certain diseases, including: 

• Premenopausal breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes

Your breast milk is the main source of nutrition for your infant. It even protects both of you from certain diseases! Plus, when you breastfeed, you also facilitate the strengthening of your bond with your child.

RELATED: 15 Benefits of Breastfeeding For You & Your Child

How do galactagogues work? 

Galactagogues are molecules that can be found in plants or synthetic drugs to induce, increase, and maintain breast milk production. These molecules trigger some complex processes of certain hormones that facilitate lactation. 

What are these milk-generating hormones? There’s prolactin, oxytocin, progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, and insulin, among others. But typically, galactagogues increase the levels of prolactin—the hormone majorly responsible for milk production.

As somebody who personally consumed heaps of galactagogues during her breastfeeding journey, I could say that these substances can work amazing wonders for mommas and their infants. However, you must not solely rely on them to work for you.

Remember that milk supply is triggered by milk demand, so be sure to let your baby suckle your breasts as often as needed. Consider breast pumping if your breasts still feel engorged after a breastfeeding session, especially when you’re trying to build a stash.

Regular pumping doesn’t only help you drain your breasts and avoid engorgement, but it also helps build and sustain your milk production momentum. And of course, pay greater attention to your health while you’re breastfeeding.

Successful lactation is a lot like other health goals—there are no shortcuts or magic pills. You have to see the bigger picture, embrace a holistic approach, and put in the necessary work and commitment.

What are the types of galactagogues?

1. Herbs and food

Herbal medicine has been around for thousands of years, which is why it’s fitting to encounter galactagogues of this kind. Natural galactagogues include kale, oats, dates, and fenugreek, among others. 

The moringa leaf has also been used for centuries to support breastfeeding mothers. There’s a study that reported the success of using moringa to boost prolactin levels and increase milk supply among postpartum moms.

On top of that, babies who were breastfed from the intervention group (moms who took moringa leaves capsule) had a notably longer sleep duration than those in the control group. 

RELATED: Top 20 Moringa Health Benefits

2. Pharmaceutical

This option is usually used by adoptive mothers or by those who have been on hiatus in terms of breastfeeding. However, when herbal galactagogues don’t seem to give you optimal results, it’s possible that your doctor would recommend taking the pharmaceutical route.

Some examples of pharmaceutical galactagogues are metoclopramide, sulpiride, and domperidone—with domperidone being the most popularly used one. 

Domperidone, though typically used for addressing indigestion and reflux, has shown effectiveness in increasing breast milk. The downside, however, is the side effects and certain health risks, like how doses above 30 mg can pose a risk of cardiac arrest.

I personally tried pharmaceutical galactagogues after having my second baby. But because of the severe headaches, they caused me, I immediately went back to galactagogue foods. 

Meanwhile, I also know some mommas out there who are big fans of pharmaceutical options. So if you aren’t sure whether to try them or not, be sure to consult with your doctor and then observe how your body (especially your breast milk supply) reacts.

Are galactagogues safe? 

The use of herbal galactagogues has a long history, which is why they’re generally considered beneficial for lactating moms, their breastfeeding babies, and even for the general public. Note, however, that scientific data about the safety of herbal and pharmaceutical galactagogues are very limited.

Furthermore, some studies report that women who took domperidone and metoclopramide experienced headaches, diarrhea, and mood swings. Mix these with your postpartum symptoms, and you’ll surely feel terribly sicker. I know I did! 

So talk to your doctor before consuming galactagogues. They will guide you on the dosage you’re allowed to take, the time period for consumption, and any contraindications that galactagogues may cause. 

What foods are galactagogues?

Consuming galactagogues through foods is one of the safest ways to take in these milk-boosting substances. And amazingly, these foods are usually readily available in any grocery store!

1. Oats

Whole grain oats are packed with more fiber, protein, and fat than most other grains. They also contain essential vitamins such as B1, B3, B5, and B6. Even just half a cup of oats are a great source of minerals like magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, and folate. 

2. Papaya

This fruit is rich in antioxidants, folic acid, and fiber. It’ll be a yummy and healthy addition to your breastfeeding diet! 

3. Dark, leafy greens 

Greens like kale, collard greens, and arugula are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and phytoestrogens that can help in lactation. 

4. Moringa 

It’s loaded with Vitamin A and C, antioxidants, iron, calcium, and protein. Consuming moringa leaves as food, drink, or as a lactation supplement can also increase your prolactin levels. 

5. Dates

Dates are a good source of fiber, potassium, manganese, and Vitamin B6. They’re also packed with antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. 

6. Garlic 

Garlic is a source of amino acids and enzymes that help protect your gut health! It also contains antioxidants, potassium, iron, magnesium, and Vitamin C. 

7. Almonds

This yummy nut is filled with Vitamin E, biotin, calcium, magnesium, phenolic acids, and phytonutrients. 

8. Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It’s also a great source of fiber! 

9. Chickpeas

Chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, folate, and manganese. They’re a good source of unprocessed carbs, too!

One great thing about galactagogue foods is that there are many ways to consume them. Eat them whole, powdered, or as ingredients to upgrade your favorite recipes or snacks. They don’t have to be a pain to consume. Mix them with your choice of flavors and yummy-fiers, and you’ll surely enjoy them more!

When to see your doctor

Mommas, it’s essential that you consult your doctor or lactation consultant before you consume galactagogues. Especially if you’re taking any medications, it’s a safe practice to talk to a professional and make sure that there are no contraindications. Better be informed than sorry, right?

Also, take note that galactagogues are not foolproof. In some cases, it’s probable that your milk supply won’t increase to your desired level even after regular pumping and frequent consumption of galactagogues in food, herbs, or medication form. 

Here are some underlying causes as to why some moms can hardly produce enough breast milk: 

• Underdeveloped breasts 
• Breast cancer
• History of breast surgery (procedures that made an incision in the nipple or areola area can damage the milk ducts) 
• History of getting breast cancer treatments 
• Hypothyroidism
• Having infections 
• Stress
• Exhaustion
• Poor health due to smoking, drinking alcohol, and caffeine 
• Being underweight, malnourished, or obese
• Being pregnant again
• Retained placenta 
• Poor social support or certain psychological factors (low dispositional optimism, low breastfeeding self-efficacy) 

If you suspect that your milk supply is insufficient, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. Also, bring your baby to the doctor for weight checks and any examinations to check if they’re getting the right amount of nutrients.