A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Galactagogue Supplement

A galactagogue is something often suggested to new mothers who may be having concerns about breastfeeding. Many worry they’re not producing enough milk for their baby; that can be frustrating. A galactagogue increases the production of breast milk by stimulating the hormone prolactin. You may find it in certain foods, such as dark leafy greens, oats, and brewer’s yeast. Other galactagogue foods include fenugreek or Moringa leaves. 

Some galactagogues are synthetic medications, like Domperidone or Reglan, and must be prescribed by a doctor. Here’s how to know if you need one on your breastfeeding journey, and if so, how to choose the right one.

What Are Galactagogues?

Galactagogues are naturally occurring in many foods, from kale and spinach to almonds, ginger, garlic, and more. There’s also a synthetic version. 

Galactagogues help jumpstart the creation of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for stimulating the production of breast milk in breastfeeding women. Organic Moringa powder (taken from one of the most effective galactagogue foods, the Moringa plant) is considered one of the best lactation supplements to increase breast milk supply. It has the added benefit of being a “superfood,” packed with essential nutrients that support the mother’s nutrition and also get passed on to the baby.

Natural vs. Synthetic Galactagogues

Galactagogues can come from natural sources like botanicals and foods. A synthetic supplement like Domperidone can be prescribed by a doctor. With natural galactagogues, you also get nutritional benefits. For example, Go-Lacta offers organic Moringa powder which doesn’t just stimulate milk production, the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and phytochemicals boost your energy and immunity levels.

How They Support Lactation

The hormone prolactin is responsible for the development of breasts in girls and, during pregnancy, the production of breast milk. The stresses of pregnancy and the post-partum stage can throw off prolactin levels. A galactagogue can reset the hormones to increase milk production.

Do You Need a Galactagogue Supplement?

As many as 62% of new mothers experience the frustration of a low milk supply. This can happen right after birth and during the early weeks of breastfeeding. It can be tricky and confusing to determine if you’re giving your baby enough milk. There are enough tried-and-true natural lactation supplements that giving one a try (such as the organic Moringa powder from Go-Lacta) can’t hurt to see for yourself.

To support milk production, it’s also important for mothers to stay hydrated, massage the breasts, and nurse the baby on a regular schedule.

Common Signs of Low Milk Supply

You can tell if you’ve got a low milk supply and your baby isn’t getting enough nutrition through a few telltale signs. One is if your baby isn’t gaining weight at the rate that it should be. Another sign is too few dirty diapers; look for frequent poops and pees during the first four weeks. After the first month, levels of both may drop a bit.

When to Start Considering a Supplement

If you’ve had a history of low milk production with previous pregnancies, or your milk supply remains insufficient for five days after giving birth, that’s a good time to consider a lactation supplement like organic Moringa powder from Go-Lacta.

Key Ingredients to Look For in Galactagogue Supplements

Different galactagogue supplements have different properties, but there are some ingredients that the best ones share. Both fenugreek and Moringa, for example, contain important minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Both are rich in B vitamins that help breastfeeding women. Other ingredients to look for in a galactagogue include Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Moringa 

Breastfeeding mothers have long relied on Moringa to naturally increase milk production. It’s a proven galactagogue as well as a “superfood,” rich in essential vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants to promote energy and a strong immune system.

Fenugreek

With high levels of magnesium, calcium, protein, and B vitamins, Fenugreek seeds have been used to stimulate breast milk production by sprinkling them on food, taking them in capsule form, or making a tea. One side effect is that they have a taste that gets passed through the breast milk, and which some babies don’t tolerate.

Choosing the Right Galactagogue Supplement for You

With so many options, how do you choose the right galactagogue supplement? It’s important to go for quality, not just for your baby, but for your own health. Choosing one that’s certified organic also provides peace of mind. And because you want to know what’s going into your body (as well as that of the baby), pick a supplement with a transparent list of ingredients.

Ingredient Transparency and Quality

“Organic” is a term that’s used pretty freely these days. But to ensure that your galactagogue supplement is truly pure, clean, and natural, look for “official” certifications. The organic Moringa powder by Go-Lacta, for example, is certified organic by the USDA and multiple organizations around the world.

Supplement Forms: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?

Success in increased milk production with a galactagogue depends on consistency in taking it. There are many ways to consume it, which can fit into even the busiest lifestyle. Capsules, powders, and teas are convenient ways to add a galactagogue to your routine. Experiment to determine which form suits you best.

Capsules vs. Powders vs. Teas

The form in which you consume your galactagogue doesn’t matter so much as the dosage and the consistency with which you take it.

Pros of Each Type

Capsules are easy to take on the go. The powder form can be stirred into a smoothie, soup, or sauce – even sprinkled into baked goods or atop ice cream. The tea form of a galactagogue offers an opportunity for a relaxing break and has the added benefit of providing essential hydration.

How to Use Galactagogue Supplements Effectively

Successful use of a galactagogue supplement to boost milk production isn’t limited to just taking it alone. Combine it with regular breastfeeding or pumping to maintain prolactin levels.

Regular hydration is also important, as is rest (when you can get it!). Finally, pay attention to your baby’s feeding behavior and diaper output.

Suggested Dosage and Timing

Different lactation supplements have different dosages. Always read the package instructions; when in doubt, start at the low end to see how your system responds to it. As for timing, take it on a schedule that you can stick to. Consistency is key.

Tips for Consistency and Results

Lactation supplements can show results in increased milk supply in as little as a few days to a week. Find ways to easily work them into your daily routine: mix the powder into your regular morning smoothie, enjoy the tea in the afternoon when you take a break.

Pairing with Hydration and Nutrition

Successful milk production requires proper hydration as well as overall nutrition. One of the many benefits of the organic Moringa powder from Go-Lacta is that it’s classified as a “superfood,” rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients to support your health on the breastfeeding journey.

Why GoLacta Is a Trusted Choice

Since 2007, breastfeeding mothers have turned to Go-Lacta for products that naturally increase milk supply. We grow our Moringa on our organic farm in the Philippines, and use third-party certifiers to ensure we meet the highest standards of the industry.

You can be assured that Go-Lacta products are clean, healthy, and safe for you and your baby.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding your baby is a wonderful experience, but it can have its challenges. Concern over a low milk supply is one of the most typical worries.

So many mothers have discovered that adding a galactagogue like Moringa eases their frustrations and worries, and helps them better nourish their baby. Go-Lacta offers high-quality Moringa supplements in convenient versions, including capsules, tea, and organic Moringa powder.

Have a look at our complete product line to find the version that works best with your lifestyle!