What Are Galactagogues?
You might have heard the word galactagogues and wondered what it means. A galactagogue is a food, herb, or medicine that may help increase lactation and stimulate milk production. Some moms use them to induce lactation for adoption or surrogacy, while others try them to produce more breast milk when their supply is low.
But here’s the thing—galactagogues aren’t magic pills. They work best when you’re also nursing or pumping often, because your body makes more milk when milk is removed. And before starting any new herb or medication, it’s always a good idea to check with your lactation consultant.
When Are Galactagogues Needed?
If you think you might have a low breast milk supply, first read our pages:
Galactagogues can be helpful in certain situations, but they are not always the first step. Try nursing often, hand expression, or power pumping before adding herbs or medications. Once you’ve done that, galactagogues may support you in these situations:
- Back to work – Many moms see a drop in supply when they return to work. Pumping during breaks plus using galactagogues can help maintain or increase milk supply.
- Premature baby – If your baby is too small or weak to nurse yet, you may need to pump and take galactagogues until your baby can breastfeed directly.
- Inducing lactation – Adoptive or surrogate mothers can sometimes use hormones and galactagogues together to start making milk, even if they have never been pregnant.
- Low milk supply despite pumping – If you’ve tried frequent pumping and hand expression but still struggle, adding galactagogues may help stimulate milk production.
Along with these, remember the basics. Stay hydrated, eat lactogenic foods, and rest when you can. Sometimes the simplest habits are the strongest natural ways to increase breast milk.
Safe Galactagogue Herbs
Many breast milk herbs or herbal galactagogues have been used for centuries to help mothers with increasing breast milk production. Here are some of the most common ones, explained in simple terms:
- Fenugreek – Probably the best-known galactagogue. Some moms see results within a few days. It may cause a maple-syrup smell in sweat or urine. Not recommended if you have thyroid issues or are allergic to peanuts/chickpeas.
- Blessed thistle – Works best when paired with fenugreek. Some women notice mild stomach changes, but it is generally safe.
- Alfalfa – A gentle herb that can be combined with other galactagogues. Some moms also eat alfalfa sprouts in salads.
- Brewer’s yeast – A common ingredient in lactation cookies. It’s full of B-vitamins and minerals. Avoid if you get frequent yeast infections.
- Fennel – Can be taken as a tea or added to food. It may help increase milk supply and ease colic in babies through breast milk.
- Goat’s rue – Traditionally brewed as tea. It may help milk flow, but it can lower blood sugar, so be cautious if you have diabetes.
- Hops – Best when used fresh. Supports hormone balance, which can improve milk production.
- Milk thistle – Not the same as blessed thistle. Often used to support the liver and increase milk supply.
- Red raspberry leaf – Commonly taken as a tea. It supports uterine health and may gently boost milk.
- Nettle – Taken as tea or in capsules. Rich in vitamins and minerals, and mild as a galactagogue.
- Shatavari – An Ayurvedic herb that may support hormones and milk production.
Many moms prefer blends like Mother’s Milk Tea, which combine several safe galactagogue herbs for stronger results.
Mother’s Milk Tea Recipe
Ingredients (for ~4 cups of tea):
| Herb | Amount (dried) |
|---|---|
| Fennel seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Nettles (leaf, dried) | ½ teaspoon |
| Blessed thistle (aerial parts, dried) | ½ teaspoon |
| Fenugreek seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Hops flowers (dried) | ¼ teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Grind or Crush Seeds (optional but helpful): Lightly crush fennel and fenugreek seeds just before making the tea to release their oils. Use a mortar & pestle or clean spice grinder.
- Boil Water: Bring water to just below boiling (about 90-95°C / 195-203°F).
- Steep:
- Put all herbs into a teapot or infuser.
- Pour ~4 cups hot water over herbs.
- Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes. (Not more than 20 min.) This helps balance potency and flavor.
- Strain & Serve: Strain out herbs. Drink warm. You can add a touch of honey if desired.
- How Much to Drink: Start with 1 cup per day. If you tolerate it well, you can increase to 2-3 cups/day as needed. Don’t overdo it. Monitor how you feel and any effects on your baby.
Galactagogue Foods (Lactogenic Foods)
Foods that act as galactagogues are sometimes called lactogenic foods. These are everyday foods you can add to your meals to gently support increasing milk supply:
- Dark leafy greens – Spinach, beet leaves, chicory, and other greens are full of minerals and nutrients that support lactation.
- Oats and barley – Oats are one of the best-known foods that increase milk supply. Barley water is also a traditional breast milk booster.
- Carrots, beets, and yams – Root vegetables that provide vitamins and may support hormone balance for milk production.
- Nuts and seeds – Almonds, sesame seeds, and flaxseed oil are nutrient-rich and easy to add to snacks or baking.
- Garlic – Some studies show babies nurse longer when milk has a mild garlic flavor, which may increase supply.
- Ginger – Can be cooked fresh, made into tea, or added to meals. Supports circulation and digestion along with lactation.
- Green papaya – Often simmered in soups. A popular food for boosting milk in Asian cultures.
- Dill seed – Can be used in tea or sprinkled on meals. Traditionally taken in small amounts for lactation.
These foods are gentle, natural ways to increase breast milk while also keeping your own body nourished.
Milk Boosting Lactation Cookies
Pair them with a glass of water or a warm cup of Mother’s Milk Tea for an extra boost.
Medications That Act as Galactagogues
Sometimes, food and herbs aren’t enough. In these cases, a doctor may prescribe galactagogue drugs. These medicines are stronger and usually only needed for a short time.
- Metoclopramide (Maxolon, Pramin) – May increase milk production by up to 40%. Side effects can include tiredness, anxiety, or stomach cramps.
- Domperidone (Motilium) – Helps raise prolactin, the hormone that drives milk production. Often used when other methods haven’t worked. Has fewer side effects than metoclopramide but may not be available everywhere.
- Chlorpromazine and Sulpiride – Less commonly used, but sometimes prescribed for difficult cases.
- Oxytocin spray – Helps with milk let-down (ejection reflex). Sometimes called the “love hormone.”
These should only be used under medical guidance. Every mother’s situation is unique, and a healthcare provider can help choose the safest option.
Inducing Lactation
Some women want to breastfeed when they have not given birth, such as adoptive or surrogate mothers. In these cases, doctors may use a mix of hormones and galactagogues to “trick” the body into thinking it has been pregnant and given birth.
This approach usually involves:
- Hormones that mimic pregnancy and birth.
- Safe galactagogue herbs and sometimes medications.
- Regular pumping to signal the body to produce milk.
It takes commitment and patience, but many mothers find they can successfully induce lactation this way and enjoy the bonding of breastfeeding their baby.
Q&A
A: For many moms, yes. Galactagogues can help increase milk supply, but they work best when paired with frequent nursing or pumping. Some women notice a big boost, while others see only a small change.
A: Galactagogues are foods, herbs, or medicines that may help stimulate milk production. They are often used to increase lactation, maintain supply, or even induce lactation for adoptive mothers.
A: Common galactagogue foods include oats, barley, garlic, nuts, sesame seeds, spinach, and green papaya. These lactogenic foods are natural ways to increase breast milk and can be added to everyday meals.
A: Safe galactagogue herbs include fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, goat’s rue, nettle, and milk thistle. Many moms enjoy them in blends like Mother’s Milk Tea. Always check with your doctor before starting new herbs.
A: Natural ways to increase breast milk include nursing often, power pumping, staying hydrated, eating lactogenic foods, and using safe herbs to boost milk supply. Galactagogues can be added if needed, but regular milk removal is key.
References and Resources
- Fenugreek & Breast Milk Production
- Domperidone vs Metoclopramide vs Placebo
- Safety Notes and Protocol Guidance
