New research is showing certain herbal supplements can function to increase milk supply! You can read the full study here.
Take aways:
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Herbal supplement included fenugreek, turmeric, and ginger.
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Taken 3 times daily for 4 weeks with food
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49% milk production increase at 2 weeks; 103% production increase at 4 weeks
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Participants appear to have been making adequate milk at the start of the trial (~750 mL/day)
Future research needed:
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Do we see the same results in women with low milk supply?
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What is the independent effect of each of these herbs?
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Is there a dose response? If so, what is the minimum dose needed to see effects?
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What is the upper tolerable level of supplementation without adverse effects in the mother?
Current recommendations for low milk supply:
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Make sure the baby is getting enough food; use donor human milk or formula for supplementation if they are not
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Feed the baby directly at the breast (or pump if not feeding at the breast) at least 8 times in 24 hours; at least one of these sessions should be at night (11p-6a) and don’t go more than 6 hours between feeds/pumping sessions
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If feeding at the breast, pump or hand express for 5-10 minutes after the baby feeds and feed or store any expressed milk
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Have the baby’s feeding position assessed by an IBCLC.
Update 3/7/2021:
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I have seen SO MANY parents with low milk supply over the past two years. What I can say is that whether or not a parent is taking an herbal supplement to support milk supply, nothing is as as effective as increasing milk supply as milk removal. If you are struggling with making enough milk, it is likely that your baby (or your pump) is not removing your milk appropriately! Make sure to correct this portion of the problem too.
