Herbs and breastfeeding - Questions and Answers

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Herbs and breastfeeding

Can I drink herbal tea or take herbal medications when I am breastfeeding?

Many women take herbal teas and herbal medications to increase their breastmilk amounts and these preparations are available in health food shops and herbal dispensaries in New Zealand. These herbal remedies are collectively known as galactagogues and often contain ingredients such as fenugreek, fennel, red raspberry leaf and aniseed.

There is minimal documented evidence to support the use of most herbal medications for increasing breastmilk supply. An exception is fenugreek, which also has limited evidence to support its use, but one study indicated an increase in milk production for ten women when three capsules were taken three times a day. No side effects in babies have been observed from the use of fenugreek capsules.

Consuming herbal remedies designed to increase breast milk amounts is unlikely to harm either mothers or babies who are exposed via breastmilk and herbs used as a galactogogue may positively affect the milk supply of some mothers.

If a mother is taking any herbal preparations when breastfeeding it is recommended that the Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) is informed.

It is important to remember that women often perceive a low milk supply even when their supply is adequate due to their babies’ frequent feeding cues. Having the baby latched on well and effectively removing milk from the breast has the most positive impact on breastmilk supply increases.

See also:

Information on use of herbs to increase breastmilk supply on the Increasing milk supply topic page.

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Where to get help

Midwives

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Well Child

La Leche League

More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008