What are the best lactation supplements for an intending breast feeding mom? Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat. It also contains antibodies that help babies fight off viruses and bacteria.
Deciding to breastfeed your baby is personal and though it has been recommended by doctors, sometimes, even when you have made up your mind to breastfeed, you can’t because you don’t have sufficient milk production to feed your baby with.
Have you spoken to your doctor about this and he suggests you take up a lactation supplement? Are you here to find the best lactation supplements? This article provides you with five really good lactation supplements.
WHAT ARE LACTATION SUPPLEMENTS?
Galactagogues is a general term used to describe lactose supplements. They are products that suggest taking them may help increase breast milk production and improve milk flow. Common lactation supplements include herbs, teas, medications, and cookies.
HOW LACTATION SUPPLEMENTS WORK
There hasn’t been much research done on the topic, but it seems to increase prolactin levels in women. Prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for breast milk production BEST LACTATION SUPPLEMENTS
Careful research has been done in successfully creating this list. Pros and cons have been weighed to give you a list of the best lactation supplements you should have in mind when in the supermarket, especially if this is your first time considering using a lactation supplement.
Here is a list of the best lactation supplements:
1. FENUGREEK CAPSULE
Fenugreek is one of the best lactation supplements to get fast results. It is a good place to start if this is your first time.
Capsules containing the ground fenugreek seed have been said to increase the effectiveness of the supplement as fenugreek seed gives an added boost of vitamin C, vitamin B, and beta-carotene. It contains hormone precursors that can help increase breast milk production.
It is easy to tell when fenugreek capsules begin to kick off. If you smell like maple syrup, a few days after you started taking the capsules, you know it’s working.
But if you don’t smell like maple syrup in a few days, and there have been no allergic reactions, you should talk to your doctor about changing the dosage from 2 capsules 3 times daily to 3 capsules 3 times.
Although this supplement is really good, it is not for everyone. Some women suffer from severe asthma symptoms and in women with diabetes, it lowers their blood glucose levels. Pregnant women should not take this supplement.
Some supplements made with fenugreek seeds are:–
Mommy Knows Best Lactation Supplements, Up spring Milk flow, Drinkable Lactation Supplement, WishGarden Herbs Herbal Supplementation, Best Natural Fenugreek Seed Supplement, Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek.
2. OATS
Oatmeal is high in fiber and a great source of iron. It contains saponins which have antibiotic effects. A bowl of oatmeal a day will ensure a steady breast milk supply.
It is advantageous as there is no risk in taking it and it is very affordable, although it is generally limited to the day you eat it, unlike another supplement that you can discontinue after milk supply increases.
There are some supplements with oats as an ingredient, such as Oat Mama Brewer’s Yeast, which is completely gluten-free. So you don’t have to worry about putting on some weight when using it.
3. ALFALFA
Alfalfa is a herb belonging to the pea family. It is safe and non-toxic for both mother and baby and is known to increase breast milk production.
However, excessive consumption can cause diarrhea in both the infant and the breastfeeding mom.
4. PINK STORK LIQUID GOLD
This supplement is composed of many herbs: blessed thistle, fenugreek, marshmallow root, fennel, anise, spearmint, and licorice.
The blend of herbs includes some that can sweeten the taste of your breast milk and if the baby likes it, they begin to nurse more, which can also boost your milk production, and the nutritional quality of your milk. This supplement is fairly expensive.
5. MOTHER’S MILK TEA
This is one of the most common supplements. If you do not like pills, this is a good option for you. The tea contains fennel, anise, coriander, fenugreek, and blessed thistle, all herbs that will help boost your milk production while also providing your baby with all the necessary nutrients.
The manufacturer recommends that the tea be taken 3-5 times a day. If you have an allergy to any of the major composite herbs, do not take this supplement. Always check with your doctor and stick to the recommended dosage.