Did you know that 50% of mothers claim problems with their breast milk production as the reason why they stopped breastfeeding?
Given that we now have access to some of the best breastfeeding multivitamin products and lactation education classes available, this is a hard reality to face.
If you’re one of those 50% of women struggling to increase milk supply and beginning to weigh the breastfeeding vs. formula argument, why not look for alternative solutions to the problem first?
When you’re in the market for a legitimate milk supply booster, why not choose a multivitamin that’s packed with trustworthy galactagogues?
What’s a galactagogue, you might be wondering?
We’re covering everything you need to know about how these incredible supplements can help combat low milk production and help you continue your breastfeeding journey.
What is a Galactagogue, and Are They Safe?
Defining a galactagogue is quite simple: it’s any food, drink, supplement, or medication women can take to increase breast milk production when their milk supply is low. Typically, this process works because the various galactagogues you consume will increase the amount of prolactin in your system, thus increasing your breast milk supply.
Before you start taking any sort of supplement or gorging yourself on milk supply booster-foods to overcome your breastfeeding challenges, however, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or a lactation specialist.
If you do need to increase your milk supply, there’s often a specific reason why. While galactagogues might mask these troubles, they won’t treat the overall problem.
By speaking with a breastfeeding consultant or healthcare practitioner, they can help you determine if you’re suffering from one of the common low milk supply causes, such as:
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Not Feeding Your Baby Often Enough, or Long Enough
- Poor Latch
- Growth Spurt
While low milk production can be a legitimate problem, this occurs in less than 5% of breastfeeding mothers.
How to Increase Milk Supply Naturally: The Top 4 Supplements You Should Be Taking
So, you’ve spoken with your doctor, addressed your low milk supply causes, and have the go-ahead to start using a milk supply booster – where should you begin?
Here are the top four supplements you can take to increase milk supply:
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb that’s native to the Mediterranean and Asia. It’s the most popular supplement recommended by lactation specialists for increasing breast milk production. In fact, in a survey of 124 breastfeeding consultants, it was the most commonly suggested milk supply booster.
Blessed Thistle
Another Mediterranean herb, blessed thistle (also known as holy thistle), has been used as a medical treatment option since the middle ages. Today, it’s often prescribed to increase a woman’s milk supply and is usually brewed into tea or powdered and capsulized.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a dark, leafy green plant that’s considered generally safe for use as a milk supply booster. This is probably why it’s often suggested that women begin taking it right after birth.
Fennel
Not only does fennel help with breast milk production, but it’s also said to enhance the fat content in your milk and help with infant weight gain. Some practitioners even believe that soaking a woman’s breast in an infusion of fennel and marshmallow root can reduce breast inflammation found with clogged ducts or mastitis. Fennel is often taken as a tea.
Is There a Special “Milk Supply Booster” Vitamin that Contains All of the Above?
Wouldn’t it be nice to find a single product that could support you through your milk supply troubles, rather than relying on a wide range of different pills, teas, and powders?
Well, thankfully, there is!
Many products, such as the MamaNatal breastfeeding supplement, offer a curated combination of the best galactagogues available. This particular product, for example, contains each of the top four supplements recommended above.
Supplementing Breast Milk with Quality Galactagogues: Try to Increase Your Milk Supply Before Giving Up
When your baby shows signs that they’re not receiving enough milk, it’s understandable that you’d want to make the quick leap to formula. Before you make any rash decisions, however, why not speak with a breastfeeding consultant who can help you overcome your breastfeeding challenges and enhance your low milk production?
Whether you start drinking fennel tea or begin taking a quality breastfeeding supplement like the one from MamaNatal to combat your low milk supply, there are options available.
Take the time to understand your breastfeeding problems and treat your body kindly. When you want to increase milk supply, there are plenty of ways to make it happen.
