For many mothers worried about low breast milk supply, herbal boosters may seem like a quick fix. However, paediatricians warn that some of the substances consumed through these products can pass into breast milk and potentially harm their babies.
These products are widely promoted as natural ways to increase lactation, but their ingredients, quantities and methods of preparation are not always clearly verified, raising concerns about their safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Experts say perceived low milk supply may also stem from poor attachment, positioning, stress and other breastfeeding challenges, which can affect effective milk transfer and should be assessed before mothers turn to lactation boosters.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and advises mothers concerned about their milk supply to seek skilled support to assess the baby’s attachment and feeding.
Similarly, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine notes that galactagogues, substances promoted to increase milk production, should not replace proper assessment and counselling on breastfeeding challenges, adding that frequent and thorough emptying of the breasts generally increases milk secretion.
