Hi Sharon,

I did research on Galactogogues when I was working on of "Milk, Money & Madness:
the culture and politics of breastfeeding."  There is a section on them in the
book, here is some info:

Over the centuries, a wide variety of practices have developed to optimize a
safe and sufficient supply of breastmilk.  Beliefs and practices designed to
promote abundant milk included prayers, rituals, sexual abstinence, dietary
modifications, and medicines for women to take when pregnant and/or lactating.
Some of the remedies proposed are spiritual, many are herbal and food related.

It has long been observed that certain foods affect the production and supply of
breastmilk.  Some have been found to have a scientific basis, while others
appear to be little more than popular folklore (which doesn't mean they don't
work!).  Foods and herbs that increase milk flow are known as galactogogues.
Each culture has developed a collection of milk-producing (referred to as
galactogenic) substances to help ensure an abundant milk supply or to rectify a
milk insufficiency.  Galactogogues vary widely, some Indian tribes swear by
powdered earth worm soup, while velvet bean drinks are popular in Honduras.

In Western societies, peanuts and Coke Cola are advocated by some doctors,
deplored by others.  Whatever else peanuts and coke do, they certainly increase
calories, fat, and fluid intake.  Some galactogogues are geared toward improving
and increasing the mother's caloric intake and/or nutritional composition while
others are designed to promote relaxation, and thus reduce anxiety and encourage
the let-down reflex.  Other substances used in the US include teas made from
thistle, comfrey, and fennel.

- Dia

Dia L. Michels                          202-547-3598
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