Induced Lactation Herbs

There is no argument that breast milk is best for a baby. It is all natural and filled with all of the nutrients that a baby needs. Many people are surprised to learn that pregnancy is not necessary to produce breast milk, but induced lactation is something that is very common in other parts of the world. In many third world countries, women will induce lactation to help feed orphans and other malnourished children.

If you are planning to adopt and would like to breastfeed or if your own milk supply has diminished, then a pumping schedule and herbs can often do the trick. Keep in mind that you will need at least six to eight weeks of the following routine to stimulate a milk supply.  

Pump Your Breasts

You will need to purchase a quality double pump (Medela Pump In Style is a popular model) or rent a hospital-grade breast pump (Medela Lactina) from your local hospital or pharmacy. A typical pumping schedule means you ned to pump your breasts every 3 to 4 hours for at least 10 minutes at a time. It may take a couple weeks to begin to see milk droplets, and then with continued pumping and herb use, your milk supply should increase. Your nipples may initially be sore, but it will get better as your body becomes used to the pumping.

Herbs to Induce Lactation

There are several herbs that are well known for inducing lactation. You can buy these herbs separately and take them individually or you can purchase an herbal remedy that is already made up. A popular one is available from Native Remedies called Nature's Milk. It contains the following ingredients:

• Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis) is a naturopathic "galactogogue" which supports both the beginning of milk production after childbirth as well as ongoing healthy milk volume. This ingredient is also known for playing a supportive role in the maintenance of normal healthy blood sugar levels.
• Borage (Borago officinalis) is a soothing herb, especially beneficial for women after childbirth. It also supports the flow of breast milk and acts as a digestive tonic. In addition, studies have confirmed the benefits of borage oil on infant growth.
• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianus) is excellent for supporting the production of breast milk in nursing mothers and, due to its liver tonic properties, has also been shown to support the liver in its function of reducing the amounts of synthetic substances absorbed from the environment, like pollution and pesticides, in mothers' milk.
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has been used to support healthy milk production since biblical times as it contains phytoestrogens - which are natural plant chemicals that mimic female hormones. Fenugreek has been clinically shown to have a tonic effect on a nursing mother's milk supply within 24 to 72 hours after first taking the herb.

You can read the testimonials and learn more about Nature's Milk at the website NativeRemedies.com. They offer a one year money back guarantee, which is great.

Along with taking your herbs and following a pumping schedule, it is also very important that you drink plenty of fluids. Aim for at least 8 – 10 eight ounce glasses of water per day. You should also follow a well balanced and nutritional diet.

If the herbs and pumping alone do not work for you, then you may want to speak with your doctor about prescriptions that are available to induce a milk supply. I would choose this as a last resort because most prescriptions have side effects.