Breastfeeding encourages the postpartum rebalancing of hormones. It also is responsible for the production and circulation of prolactin, the “mothering” hormone. Breastfeeding fosters the bonding of mother and infant, and is a profoundly intimate human experience. It is the ultimate fulfilled expression of one’s womanhood to satisfy her new babe’s hunger with this perfect first food from her own body.

Breastmilk is natural immunity. Mom’s white blood cells are passed on to baby through her milk. Colostrum, or the richer “pre-milk” is loaded with antibodies from the mother to help protect the baby from illness. Breastmilk is also naturally abundant in essential fatty acids, or EFAs. These substances are responsible for a variety of important physiological functions in the body, most notably brain cell health and development. EFAs support the rapid cognitive development in growing infants. In fact, European infant formulas must be made with an EFA supplement in order to be approved for sale and consumer use. The U.S. unfortunately has not adopted this policy. Breastmilk is wise; it changes to meet the unique needs of your baby as your baby changes and grows. Formula will never do that.

Galactagogues

Galactagogues are those herbs that establish and promote the flow of mother’s milk. They often have high calcium contents and vary in taste. The recommended use of the following herbs is in tea form, as the added liquid intake will also help to increase milk. It’s important for nursing moms to pay attention to liquid intake and stay well hydrated.

Blessed thistle root (Cnicus benedictus): bitter tasting, this one is best used in combination with others.

Hops flowers (Humulus lupus): also somewhat bitter, hops is an effective galactagogue with the added benefits of sedative, relaxant qualities. The addition of hops to a galactagogue brew will help both mother and baby to settle down at the day’s close.

Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare): sweet fennel seeds add flavor and palatability to a galactagogue tea blend. They also have value in treating digestive upsets, making them ideal if baby has bouts with gas bubbles in her sensitive tummy.

Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum): another sweet seed, fenugreek is mild tasting and reminiscent of maple syrup. These seeds are wo nderful for increasing and enriching a scanty milk supply, and like fennel they are also useful for colicky complaints.

Borage leaf (Borago officinalis): high in calcium, borage leaves are mild tasting and make a strong addition to any galactagogue brew.