Galactogogue

A galactogogue increases milk production. Galactogogues can be synthetic or plant derived. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for making breastmilk, is also a galactogogue. When galactogogues are taken, they interact with the dopamine in the mother's brain and stimulate prolactin production.

Domperidone and Metoclopramide and synthetic examples of galactogogues that are prescribed for increased milk production. The trade names for domperidone are Motilium, Motillium, Motinorm and Costi but none of these drugs are available in the U.S. The trade names for Metoclopramide are Maxolon, Reglan and Degan. All of these drugs are for gastric issues such as nausea and vomiting but have also been found to effectively increase milk production. Before a mother is prescribed galactogogues for low milk production, a full evaluation of breastfeeding techniques and milk transfer must be completed. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's Protocol #9 discusses the use of galactogogues. HERE is a link to the protocol on the ABM website.

Fenugreek is the most well known plant derived galactogogue. It is taken in capsule form and has been taken by women for centuries. Many women see and increase in milk production in as little as 24 hours of taking fenugreek. Other possible plant and animal derived galactogogues are goat's rue, milk thistle, beer, papaya, and others. There is little scientific evidence of the efficacy of most of these foods on increasing breast milk production

This entry was added to the original BirthWiki by amyncarter on 27 July 2009.