The Best Supplements to Increase Milk Supply
If you have chosen to breastfeed your baby but are struggling to boost milk supply then supplements to increase your milk supply may help you produce more milk and have more peace of mind.
In my The Ultimate Guide to Making More Breast Milk you’ll find several ways to increase your milk supply (and how to find out of it’s truly low), from hands-on techniques to supplementation and milk-boosting foods. But, if you have found no other method working for you, then worry not. You still have another option – lactation supplements.
Supplements to increase milk supply include herbs or medicines that women have been using for ages to boost breast milk production. These supplements can be in the form of a capsule, drops, tea, or other varieties. Their dosage and ingredient lists are provided by the manufacturers. So, read them carefully before getting started, and always consult with your doctor or an herbalist prior to trying any new herbs.
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Do Supplements Really Work to Increase Milk Supply?
Most of the women, who consume these supplements, do not stop talking about their great results and encourage others to try, as well to boost milk supply. On the other hand, there are some who do not see any positive effect no matter how long they try a supplement. Since we all are unique so our bodies can react differently to these supplements. If one lactation supplement does not work for you try another.
If you, too, are planning to try these supplements then do not get disappointed if it’s one type that does not show the results that you were expecting. There are many other options available that you can try until you get the one that is more suitable and effective.
For your convenience, we have mentioned the top-most supplements along with their brief descriptions so you can make a knowledgeable choice.
Best Supplements to Increase Milk Supply
Deciding to feed your little one breast milk is a great way of starting parenthood. The following supplements to increase breast milk are the best among all other supplements available in the market. They work well for most women and boost their milk supply even in a few days.
Fenugreek Capsules
Fenugreek is an herb quite popular among lactating moms. Research studies conducted on this herb conclude that mothers who took this herb while lactating noticed a significant increase in their breast milk supply. The reason behind its positive effect is yet not clear but it is said the phytoestrogen present in the fenugreek encourages milk production.
Fenugreek seeds are grounded and enclosed in capsules which make their intake pretty easier for busy moms. Start with its low dose if you do not see considerable results increase it gradually. Fenugreek has a maple-like smell. So don’t get surprised when you start smelling like that, too.
A word of caution: some women notice the opposite effect (reduction in milk supply) when using fenugreek due to its potential drying effects on the body long-term. My favorite brand is Nature’s Way and you can read the reviews and find it here. As with any herb or supplement, keep an eye on how your body responds to it and any effects on your baby.
Mother’s Milk Tea
It is a commonly recommended herbal tea for lactating moms. If you are fond of herbal teas, then this is a good choice for you. Mother’s milk tea is a combination of different herbs like (fenugreek, fennel, anise, and blessed thistle). A small portion of these herbs is added to make a healthy mixture.
The extra benefit it may give is you will be calmer after having this hot soothing tea. Its taste resembles the taste of licorice. You can add a sweetening agent if you prefer. You can drink 3 to 5 cups of this tea in a day. My two favorite brands are Traditional Medicinals and Earth Mama– both are organic and support healthy milk production.
Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle is another popular herb that women have been consuming to stimulate their breast milk supply. The capsules have a combination of leaves, flowers, and stems. Most of the studies are on the effects of blessed thistle and fenugreek together. So you can also try it with fenugreek to boost its effects.
The recommended dose is mentioned in the ‘how to use’ section of the bottle. Try this supplement for a few days and keep an eye on your milk supply.
Liquid Gold
Liquid gold is another blend of organic herbs like goat’s rue, fennel, alfalfa, milk thistle, and anise. Its manufacturer, Legendary Milk, hasbeen producing many similar products to assist breastfeeding moms. However, this supplement is one of their favorites and I’ve also heard great results from moms in my group.
Take it in moderation as recommended by the manufacturers. All the herbs they have used to make this supplement are known for having a positive effect on milk production. For instance, goat’s rue (which is an herb and belongs to the same family as fenugreek) is known for increasing breast tissue and subsequently the overall milk supply in nursing moms.
So, if you have a low milk supply, consider taking this herb.
Pink Stork Total Lactation
Pink Stork Total Lactation capsules are made up of different natural herbs that are lactogenic in nature. These herbs boost milk production by providing the body with extra nutrients that it needs to make milk. The common herbs used in these capsules are milk thistle, fennel, blessed thistle, and fenugreek. Pink Stork also makes tea that you can purchase. I really like the values of this company and all products are third party tested which is important when you’re looking for any quality supplement. If you’re looking for both, they also offer a breastfeeding bundle which has the capsules, tea, and nipple cream.
Breastfeeding moms who take these supplements often claim that it makes the milk taste sweeter. So, the tastier the milk is, the more your baby will likely feed. This will eventually help you increase milk production naturally since baby is actively nursing longer, so this product can work two-fold.
Moringa
Moringa is a real food found in nature and comes from the moringa tree commonly found in Asia. This is one of the few lactation supplements that have research studies to prove its effectiveness. You can find moringa in the loose-leaf form to put in teas, recipes, or smoothies, or you can buy it in capsule form. It’s best to choose an organic variety that has been third-party tested and verified for good manufacturing practices.
Conclusion
These supplements are the best-known supplements known among moms. We rely on the anecdotal evidence, and thousands of years’ worth of mom’s sharing information to know that the previously mentioned supplements and herbs work to increase milk supply. They can increase your milk supply and give you the confidence of making plenty of milk to feed your little bundle of joy. These supplements are made up of natural ingredients so are safe to consume if taken in a moderate amount.
These supplements should not replace the care of a lactation provider.
Before you start introducing supplements, find out if your supply is truly low, and learn techniques you can do at no cost in The Ultimate Guide to Making More Breast Milk. If you have tried all these supplements and other methods to increase your milk but still there is no increase in your milk volume then visit a lactation consultant or a healthcare provider to find the real cause behind your low milk supply.
If you have chosen to breastfeed your baby but are struggling with healthy milk supply then supplements to increase your milk supply may help you produce more milk and have more peace of mind. Some moms opt for supplements when all other methods like pumping, on-demand breastfeeding, and diet fail to assist in any way.
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