Dear Lactnetters,

Regarding the use of herbal galactogogues to "prevent" low supply, the
possibility of oversupply resulting was asked after, and it's a really good
question.  Although not one bit of research or even anecdotes seem to exist in
herbal literature, lactogogues would surely make more trouble for any mum who
tends towards an overactive MER and/or oversupply.

I do know of situations where mothers in oversupply also were taking
lactogenic herbs, but were unaware of their reputation.  For one mother,
repeated bouts of plugged ducts/mastitis were eliminated and her underlying
oversupply dampened down after discontinuing the herbal suspect.  She had been
using the herb for an unrelated problem.  In another, resistant oversupply
finally improved after she discontinued a number of herbs she had continued to
take after birth, many of which were reputed galactogogues.  Both mothers did
not connect the herb use with the breastfeeding difficulties.

What is alarming is the suspicion that mothers, herb suppliers and/or
herbalists either are unaware of the lactogenic nature of some herbs , or
assume that such herbs will be especially good for the nursing mother ( i.e.
the more milk the better).  The relatively obscure and complex problem of
oversupply and related difficulties makes it difficult for those involved to
realize when such herbs are making/contributing to the problem.

Agree with what has been posted so far on this topic, particularily that
giving these herbs indiscriminately " to help" with the milk supply, would
suggest to women in Western culture that they really "need" pharmacological
help to make enough milk.  It's the old pill for every problem complex now
arising in herbal form.  Considering herbs strictly as medicines results in
this conclusion.  But there is another view...

The cultural use of special foods/herbs for the postpartum mother plays a
vital role in her realizing/accepting her new status as mother.  Special foods
are often very nutritious, and in some cases may be lactogenic, if only mildly
( maybe mild is the key to their general use - research anyone?).  Recall the
delightful thread on anise cookies being the traditional gift brought to new
mothers in the Netherlands.  Anise is a reputed lactogogue, yet it is hard to
imagine how a few seeds in the cookies would really boost milk supply.

This offering is a symbolic wish for for the mother to be blessed with a good
supply, yet could additionally act as a reminder of a good herbal remedy if a
problems should arise (???)

It is interesting to note that mothers who live in cultures that honour the
new mother with special foods/herbs, and other supportive practices, don't
usually suffer post-partum depression ( thank you Kathleen Kendall-Tackett).

This is for cynics: placebo plays an especially vital role in establishing
lactation, given the skittish nature of oxytocin.  Cultural beliefs in the
power of special foods/herbs has probably carried more than one of our
ancestors through the postpartum passage.  The Western cultures have negative
beliefs, curiously - note the long lists of foods that many believe must be
avoided in order to breastfeed.  What happened to the Western cultural beliefs
about helpful foods/herbs? - only cow's milk comes to mind here in North
America.

Will add that it is irritating to read lists of herbs presented in lay  books
as the  answers to low supply.  A simple list of herbs, of course, is an
overly simplified and potentially misguiding "solution" to what usually turns
out to be a basic breastfeeding management problem.  For most mums, herbs are
not the critical intervention, getting good lactation
information/guidance/support is.  But you won't read that point in any herb
book.

Sheila Humphrey
BSc  RN  IBCLC
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