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For many a new mother looking for medical advice, the myth that breastfeeding is something that comes naturally and quickly gets dispelled when a baby arrives on the scene. The mother tries to feed the baby, and the baby won’t latch on, there doesn’t seem to be any milk, and feeding time suddenly becomes a torture session. I remember when my first baby was born–breastfeeding was so painful that I began to consider switching to formula immediately. Fortunately, I was able to correct my baby’s latch, allowing me to happily continue nursing him well beyond his first birthday.

Not Enough Milk

But for some women, the problems persist beyond the first few weeks. Multiple trips to breastfeeding clinics sometimes aren’t enough to resolve the issues. One of the most common complaints I hear from mothers having trouble beyond the one-month mark is that they are not producing enough milk. Doctors do have medications to help with this problem, but women aren’t always comfortable taking them, and the meds aren’t always effective. When this is the case, some doctors suggest using herbs to increase milk supply. I’m always happy to hear that patients have been given this recommendation, and I’ve seen many mothers do extremely well with these herbs. If you’re considering using herbs to help with your nursing issues, here are some guidelines to get you started.

Rule Out Other Breastfeeding Problems

Particularly if your baby has had issues with nursing from the start, it is always a good idea to consult a pediatrician and/or your own doctor. Some babies need more help learning how to latch on properly. Other babies may suffer from tongue-tie, a condition that makes nursing difficult. Nursing issues can also be attributed to food allergies, something in your diet, or other underlying health issues. Rule out all these possibilities before assuming that the problem is with your milk supply.

Indicators that suggest supply problems include poor weight gain and an inadequate number of wet and dirty diapers. Your doctor or a lactation consultant can help you figure out if low milk supply is to blame.

Find a Nursing Tea or Tincture

Should you decide that milk supply is the issue, using herbs can often improve the situation. Herbs come in many different forms, and most moms find it easiest to take a pre-blended tea. Many health-food stores carry some kind of nursing tea, and most formulas contain everything you need to get started. My only recommendation is to look at the ingredients and check for some commonly used herbs. These include blessed thistle, fennel, fenugreek, nettle, and red raspberry leaf.

Tinctures do tend to offer a stronger dose of herbs, so if the teas are not working, consider seeking out a tincture instead. Tinctures are also a good option for those who don’t like tea or those who are looking for something a little more convenient.

Get to Know Your Galactagogues

Herbs that increase milk supply are known as galactagogues. Fenugreek and blessed thistle are two of the best-known ones, but don’t limit yourself to those. Red raspberry is another excellent one, and it can be taken in the last weeks of pregnancy to get your body ready for birth and to get a head start on milk production. Fennel also has dual uses. It’s often used as a stomach remedy, making it useful for gassy babies. Unlike some of the other galactagogues, fennel does not increase milk supply so much as it promotes letdown. Try it if your baby gets impatient with slow milk flow or if he seems to be sensitive to your diet. An added benefit of fennel is that it is nutritious, giving you essential fatty acids, flavonoids, and various vitamins and minerals. Similarly, nettle is a nutritious galactagogue and a personal favorite of mine. Less widely used than some of the other galactagogues, Nettle is believed to enrich breast milk, helping your baby grow and thrive. Nettle contains important nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, D, and K, phosphorus, and potassium.

When in Doubt, Seek Professional Advice

If you’re unsure of how to use herbs or which ones to take, trained herbalists or naturopaths can help you figure out the right herbal prescription for you. These professionals can also help answer any questions you may have about dosage, side effects, and contraindications. Remember that herbs do not work for every mother and that medical intervention is sometimes required. If your baby doesn’t seem to be eating well, is lethargic, or fails to gain weight, always seek medical advice. Your doctor can help make sure that your baby is growing and developing well–something every mother wants for her child.