General strategies
● Increase breast stimulation frequency: 8-12 breastfeeding in 24 hrs. (listen for
swallowing – every 1-3 sucks you can hear a swallow)
● Offer both breasts per feeding
● Avoid pacifier use n the first 4-6 weeks preferably
● Massage breasts while baby is feeding to increase milk flow and ‘empty’ breasts
after feedings
● Add pumping after each breastfeeding (duration of 10-20 mins both breasts at
the same time
● Power pumping: option to either pump for 15 mins every hour for a day or try
pumping 10 mins/rest 5-10 mins then pump 10 mins for an hour per day
● Decrease stress to condition let-down reflex: use relaxing music, deep breathing,
quiet surroundings, and imagery
● Self-care: increase fluid intake – water- add electrolytes (no sugar) and minerals
to filtered water. Coconut water. Increase skin-to-skin relaxing time with your
baby. Take a warm bath, meditate, read, or take a walk in nature (barefoot if
possible)
Nutrient-dense foods: Malunggay (Moringa ) or Tobangun / bone soups with
vegetables high fiber and high protein snacks
Steel-cut oatmeal (not instant), barley, brown rice, and beans
High calcium foods: sesame, almonds, and dark leafy vegetables
Fruits: apricots, dates, figs, cooked green papaya
Pero -coffee substitute made from barley is a very good galactagogue
Ovaltine hot or cold drink 1-2 cups daily
Dark non-alcoholic beer once a day or evening
Herbal Treatment Options:
Fenugreek 610 mg and Blessed Thistle: 2 tablets of each of the herbs 3 times/day.
Caution: avoid if you have a peanut or ragweed allergy
OR More Milk Plus OR More Milk Special Blend (made by Motherlove Company)- follow
the directions on the bottle
Goat’s Rue: 2-3 capsules 3 times a day (www.motherlove.com)
Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera): Good source of iron, calcium, protein, and vitamins A, B,
and C
350 mg capsules: consider starting 1 capsule 3 times/day and increasing to 2-3
capsules 3 times a day
Moringa powder: 1⁄2 teaspoon 3 times a day ( mix with smoothie or yogurt)
Spirulina: 5-10 g (1-2 teaspoons) per day divided into 2-3 doses
Several studies reveal Spirulina increases the fat content of mothers’ milk and also
improves maternal iron and energy levels as well as immune function
Other superfoods: Turmeric, black seed oil, chlorella, and seaweed are nourishing and
can help boost your milk supply.
Teas: If using fenugreek, blessed thistle, or nettle teas-separated or infused together-
buy the herb and use 1⁄2 -1 oz of herb to 2-3 cups of water. Drink 4-6 cups /day.
Brewer’s yeast: Tablets: 2-3 tablets up to 3 times/ day
Powder: 1-2 tablespoons dissolved in a beverage
Note that brewer’s yeast is not baker’s yeast or nutritional yeast.
CAUTION: Brewer’s yeast can cause potentially dangerous drug interactions. Can also
cause gas, diarrhea, and abdominal upset. Avoid if you tend to get yeast infections on a
regular basis. Speak to your doctor if you are diabetic or have hypoglycemia, which can
lower your blood sugar.
Other strategies: Chiropractic or acupuncture assessment and treatments
Vitamin D3: Check your levels and supplement 2000 IU to 6000 IU as needed. See
www.grassrootshealth.net for further information
Low Milk supply associated with menstruation
Some women experience a drop in milk supply from mid-cycle until day 1-2 days of the
next menstrual period.
A woman’s blood calcium levels gradually decrease during this period of time, which
can result in a drop in milk supply.Calcium/magnesium supplements may be helpful, in
addition to reducing uterine cramping and premenstrual water retention. The
recommended calcium dosage is between 500mg calcium/250 mg magnesium and
1500mg/750 mg magnesium. The higher dosage is generally more effective. Calcium
should always be taken with magnesium and zinc. Start the supplement when you
ovulate and continue through the first few days of your menstrual period. If your period
is irregular, start calcium/magnesium on day 14 after the first day of your menstrual
cycle, or simply take it every day.
AVOID: Smoking and caffeine
Birth control pills and injections
Excessive amounts of mint, parsley, sage
Severe weight loss diets
Decongestants and antihistamines