Got Milk?

Dr. Tejinder Ghag, ND

It is common knowledge that breastfeeding carries many benefits for the baby. It is recommended for mothers to breastfeed for a minimum of 6 months and to continue for up to 1 to 2 years. So why is breastmilk so important? Breastmilk contains all the necessary nutrients required for an infant to grow and develop. High in protein, breast milk is the primary source of secretory IgA for an infant after birth. An antibody commonly found in mucosal layers, IgA plays a protective role in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and other parts of the body and primes the immune system to ward off pathogenic bacteria. Apart from IgA, breast milk contains lactoferrin, casein and whey proteins, along with healthy fats, carbohydrates, mineral and vitamins (excluding Vitamin K), all of which are needed for a baby to thrive.

Breast milk production includes 2 stages with the second stage occurring after birth. As progesterone levels decrease, high levels of prolactin (released by the posterior lobe of the pituitary) induce high levels of milk production. Agalactorrhea is the term used when there is insufficient flow of breast milk and can present as low output, scanty and thin milk, lack of breast distention or sensation of fullness or no flow at all. Causes of low milk supply vary from pituitary disorders, thyroid disorders, PCOS, insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, smoking, stress, birth control pills, anemia, and physical obstacles.

How can milk flow be increased?

Lifestyle

Stress management – cortisol is known to play a role in the production of breast milk though the exact mechanism is unknown. Techniques such as meditation, herbal adaptogens safe for breastfeeding, yoga, journaling and mindfulness strategies may help if stress is a root cause.
Lifestyle
- Warm compresses – to increase blood flow to the breast
- Frequent nursing and pumping – the process of breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand process thus the more you pump the more milk is produced
- Lactation consulting – Lactation consultants are a great resource if a mother is having trouble breastfeeding or an infant is having issues with latching on to the breast.

Galactagogues

A Galactagogue is an umbrella term used to describe food, herbs or pharmaceuticals that promote the flow of breastmilk. Drugs used for this function act as dopamine antagonists which in turn increase prolactin levels. Though the mechanism of herbal galactagogues is not well understood, the following herbs have shown to be effective in increasing flow of breast milk.
- Trigonella foenum-graceum (Fenugreek)
- Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)
- Cnicus benedictus (Blessed Thistle)
- Galega officinalis (Goat’s Rue)
- Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle)
- Allium sativum (Garlic)

** Some of the above mentioned herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy thus must be discontinued if a women is still breastfeeding and becomes pregnant. It is important to consult with your doctor or health care professional before taking any of the above herbs as doses vary for each and side effects may occur.

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