AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON GALACTAGOGUE

Increases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis.

Breast milk is produced through modified sweat glands when stimulated by prolactin. For this reason, foods that increase sweating (diaphoretics) and nourish prolactin generally increases milk production. Diaphoretics include warming or aromatic pungents, sour & salty foods. Consider herbs that improve circulation to the breast. Foods that encourage release of oxytocin help with the let-down reflex.

Breastmilk is rich in nutrients. Even if the mother id depleted in nutrients, the body will give these resources to the baby anyway, and sacrifice the mom! To prevent depletion, the mother should drink plenty of fluids and eat ojas building foods. Nourishing tonics & sweet taste are important for increasing quantity of breast milk, but have not been included in this list.

There are many reasons for low milk supply, including:

• Not nursing soon enough / nurses interrupting mother/baby bonding
• Not knowing how to get baby to latch
• Stress => No let-down
• Anxious / depressed => Studies show breastfeed less - Note: Anxiety & depression are common postpartum
• Dehydration => Mom has to drink a ton of fluids to keep up with demands!
• Not co-sleeping with the baby having access to breast anytime throughout the night
• Not nursing on demand => drop in supply soon after birth.
• Past sexual abuse => making mom squeamish about breastfeeding
• Unpleasant hormonal effects - Breastfeeding releases hormones. For some women, this has unpleasant effects - causing anxiety for the first few minutes of breastfeeding
• Unwilling to sit still - Vata moms may have trouble lounging when baby needs to feed.

Prolactin suppresses libido, fertility & menstruation by decreasing estrogen and testosterone (which is why breastfeeding women do not menstruate). Prolactin suppresses fat metabolism (leading to weight gain) but also suppresses fat storage (leading to hyperglycemia). It increases insulin secretion. Abnormally high prolactin levels outside of pregnancy may be due to stress, some pharmaceuticals, and pituitary abnormalities.

Common misspelling: galactogogue

INGREDIENTS WITH GALACTAGOGUE QUALITY

Browse Galactagogue Recipes

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH GALACTAGOGUE QUALITY

OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH

HELPFUL FOR*

'Galactagogue' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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