Tips to increase milk production in lactation

Once the baby is born and lactation is established, milk production is achieved with the stimulation of the mother's nipple by her son . This simple action sets in motion a cascade of hormones that make breastfeeding possible. However, something that worries mothers too often is the feeling that we

Once the baby is born and lactation is established, milk production is achieved with the stimulation of the mother's nipple by her son. This simple action sets in motion a cascade of hormones that make breastfeeding possible.

However, something that worries mothers too often is the feeling that we do not produce enough milk, something that is often totally subjective, it does not stop being a sensation (as it can happen in the so-called 'growth crisis').

Home remedies used to increase the production of breast milk

Since the beginning of mankind, or almost, herbs have been used in different cultures whose properties, supposedly, were to la increase the production of breast milk ; is what we know asgalactogogues .Most of these substances have not been scientifically evaluated, so they do not know their real effectiveness. In addition many of the infusions used to increase the production of milk in the mother

are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation , or because they pass into the milk (and consequently the baby, which may cause some harmful effect) or because away to achieve the desired result, what they do is decrease milk production.These remedies of the grandmother,

are not all as safe as they seem , or their effect is not desired. Let's analyze the most used ones:- Fenugreek

: it is a plant of the pea family, it is assumed that milk production begins 48 hours after starting to consume infusions made with leaves. It is valued as quite safe by e-lactancia.org (risk 1)- Cardo Lechal or Cardo de Santa María and goat's rue: it is usually consumed in infusions or tablets. Risk 0 according to e-lactancy.org

- Anise: in the form of dry seeds. Considered unsafe by the web e-lactancia.org (risk 2), it can produce the opposite effect and decrease milk production.

- Alfalfa: Considered unsafe by the web e-lactancia.org (risk 2)

- Fennel: The fruits of the herb are used. Considered unsafe by e-lactancy.org (risk 2) and that can decrease milk production.

- Cumin: It seems to be contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Unknown risk level.

- Chasteberry: Mature fruits are used. ATTENTION risk 3,

totally contraindicated during lactation. Milk production decreases - Beer, brewer's yeast and barley derivatives No: There is no risk for lactation and could increase milk production due to an existing polysaccharide.On the other hand

we have the medicines, there are some that as a secondary effect lead to an increase in the production of prolactin, such as domperidone and methochlorpamide. Others that are also used are sulpiride and chlorpromazine.

These drugs are much more effective than medicinal plants, and their effectiveness has been proven in numerous studies. Your prescription must be made by a doctor, always after the evaluation and correction of all possible treatable causes of insufficient milk. A medical follow-up is necessary, monitoring the possible side effects.

Before using a galactagogue, it is necessary to address the questions referred to the evaluation, correction of some modifiable factor such as the frequency and thoroughness of the emptying of the breast. The medication should never replace the evaluation and advice on the modifiable factors (Always consult the midwife for advice). As with other medications used by women who are breastfeeding, it is necessary to closely monitor both the mother and the baby.