What can I take to increase my breastmilk supply?

Many women ask about "taking a pill" to increase their breastmilk. First off we need to consider returning to the basics and evaluate how breastfeeding is going.

By doing this we will observe a feeding, do a before- and after-feeding weight if possible, talk about baby's diapers and frequency of feedings and if mom is pumping or not. There will be some discussion about how to improve milk supply by making adjustments to these first. REMEMBER: you must remove breastmilk to increase production. Then we may discuss taking a glactagogue. What's THAT?

Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC who manages an online resource called KellyMom.com states that it is a "substance that increases milk supply", and also reports that the most common are herbal substances such as "fenugreek, blessed thistle, and alfalfa". But...remember that all substances that you take, whether herbal or prescription can cause side effects. So educate yourself before taking anything.

Kelly Bonyata also reminds us that most women really do not need to take a glactagogue to increase their breastmilk production. She reminds us to always seek a consult with a breastfeeding professional before taking anything.

Taking a galactagogue to improve your breastmilk supply may or may not work, just like some medications work better for some people than others. But it will also work better if you improve your breastfeeding technique with your little ones. Milk out means more milk available.