The problem with this and everything people recommend for improving milk supply is so anecdotal and relative! Please give me the cellular pathway by which this inhibits or helps milk production? I can see massage helping move milk through ducts that may be further back in the breasts and we know that retained milk reduces volume. I don't believe anyone has identified the EXACT protein of FIL - or if it is present in human milk. When I look at studies that are supposed to be addressing the role of herbs I want to know were the study herbs verified that they were indeed what was to be studied? Was the dose the normal dose used to enhance lactation? Was the mechanism used to evaluate milk production (creamatocrits, volumes extracted, etc.) standardized? Was the milk removal system (baby or pump) equivalent? Was the removal timing system monitored by other means than a diary such as an electronic data capturing device? It's not that I don't trust mothers or test subjects, but as a patient, I do not always take my medications exactly as prescribed, in the exact manner as prescribed, even when I am well-motivated. It's the nature of humanity! We tend to be a little lazy or a little rebellious and then we fudge a little to ourselves. I am not being negative or blaming or shaming - just factual. Human beings are not white rats in a laboratory - they have souls that interact with the prescriptions of their caretakers - and free will to exercise. As a helping person, I DO want effective tools for my clients, who want reassurance and results. Let them make choices based on facts not just feelings and don't be patronizing. If only they had this option elsewhere!
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Fay Bosman
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 9:59 PM
Subject: Clary sage in a breast massage oil???
A client showed me a teeny bottle of Clary Sage essential oil that she was given by her doula ( a colleague of mine) and told to use by massaging a diluted mixture onto her breasts, to support her efforts to increase her milk production and breastfeed her baby. Before I freaked out too badly (!) I thought I would check some facts (albeit skeptically, because we all know how sage can affect breast milk production!) On one website I found that clary sage is chemically different to Mediterranean sage. But is it different enough that it won't likely cause harm? It is also recorded as having peppermint aromatic overtones, which I could smell without opening the bottle. (We also know about peppermint's potential impact. Not that it IS peppermint, of course - I do realize that.)
In my search, I can across this: "A massage oil blend may be of assistance to promote the flow and production of milk by massaging the breasts. You may make your own oil by using 50ml Grapeseed oil, 20 drops fennel essential oil and 10 drops clary sage essential oil. Mix these together and store in a brown glass bottle and massage into the breasts at least 3-4 times/ day in a circular movement. Please always purchase 100% essential oils for therapeutic purposes and not the synthetic, inferior fragrant oils" on <http://www.askanaturopath.com/faqs/breast-milk-supply/p/483>
http://www.askanaturopath.com/faqs/breast-milk-supply/p/483 (a site that one would hope would be somewhat reputable).
So - I love herbs and believe that they can be powerful medicine, but I am very alarmed at this. Do I need to be? All and any reputable information would be appreciated.
Many thanks.
Fay
Fay Bosman, IBCLC
Vancouver, WA, USA
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