What are Galactagogues?
May 17,2023 | Cookiedealersg
What are Galactagogues?
Lactagenic foods, also known as galactagogues, contain properties that stimulate lactation which may be used to treat low milk supply. It is a substance that promotes lactation in humans and other animals. Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young.
Steels Cut Oats & Rolled Oats
Oats are a good source of iron. It is known as maternal anemia or low iron levels can result in a decreased milk supply, so it makes sense that eating something high in iron might increase milk supply in some women.
Oatmeal is a comfort food for many women. Anything that increases relaxation in mom can encourage let-down, and hence also influence milk supply.
Ground Flaxseed
The oils in flaxseeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that is semi-converted into fatty acids, along with phytoestrogens that can impact your breast milk supply. Flax seeds have estrogenic properties that can help nursing moms make more milk.
White & Black Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are considered a superfood for breastfeeding mothers. Chia seeds can boost your breast milk supply naturally and is an excellent source of calcium, fiber, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and more, despite their tiny size.
Wheatgerm
Wheat germ has excellent nutritional value as a food supplement. It’s a great source of vegetable proteins, along with fiber and healthy fats. It is high in VItamin E, which is known to be an antioxidant. Wheat germ is beneficial because it contains zinc, which is a must for breastfeeding.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil have significantly increased levels of lauric acid and capric acid in breast milk thus increasing amounts of protective antimicrobials, which will give even greater protection to the nursing infant. Mothers who ingest and use coconut oil topically will make their breastmilk better by strengthening its antimicrobial properties.
Fennel Seed
Fennel Seed is said to help with the increase of breastmilk supply as the Fennel plant has estrogen-like properties. Both fennel and fennel seeds have phytoestrogens that stimulate lactation. But fennel seeds, a kind of herb that is used for seasoning, is particularly great because they also treat other uncomfortable symptoms like indigestion, stomachache and gas.
Reference:
https://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/oatmeal/
https://www.mother.ly/lifestyle/lactogenic-foods