Galactogogues

Ever wonder what a galactogogue is?? And do you need one? Galactagogues are simply things that increase milk production. Often they are herbs such as fenugreek and blessed thistle, but can also be medications like metoclopramide.

Some galactogogues are found in common foods, such as many of the ingredients in some of my favorite mommy-bars: Milkful Bars . Dina, the owner and Mommy herself, has created a delicious snack for nursing mommies that helps to promote adequate milk supply. The galactogogues she includes in her bars are oats, brewers yeast, flax seed, black sesame seeds, nuts, and fenugreek. She uses all natural ingredients and doesn’t have hidden sugar like many ‘lactation cookie’ recipes have.

Most nursing moms don’t need a specific galactogogue to have a proper milk supply, though eating the foods mentioned above is a great way to take care of yourself when you are nursing. But there are occasions when a galactogogue can be very useful – such as low milk supply. The best way to approach low milk supply is to first nurse more frequently, offer both breasts to baby at each feeding, and even consider taking a ‘nursing vacation’ where you and baby rest in bed and do nothing but nurse and watch movies for 2 days. If you truly suspect a low milk supply issue, it is best to see a lactation professional to get help, and they may suggest the use of galactogogues.

Try a Milkful Bar today and you may find yourself eating one everyday!

LAUREN GORDON, CNM

Lauren is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in Washington DC and Maryland. She has been practicing in the DC area for 6 years and loves her profession. Previously, she taught childbirth education classes in a hospital setting, which helped spur her on to form Stork Childbirth Education with her beloved partner, Flynn, in order to give expectant parents the best up-to-date and evidence-based education available. Lauren is mom to 3 small children, Jackson, Lilah, and Cara, each of whose births hold a special place in her heart as she teaches other soon-to-be mamas. Lauren lives in Washington DC with her kiddos and her husband, Tyler.