The Truth About Boosting Your Milk Supply

If you've been breastfeeding for any length of time, you've probably heard someone recommend a tea, cookie, herb or supplement to "boost" your milk supply.

These products are known as galactagogues, substances believed to increase breast milk production. They include herbal products such as fenugreek, blessed thistle and moringa, as well as prescription medications like domperidone.

But do they actually work?

The short answer is: sometimes, but they're not the first place to start.

Supply and demand comes first

Milk production runs on a supply-and-demand system. The most effective way to increase supply is to remove milk from the breasts frequently and effectively. Before reaching for a galactagogue, it's worth identifying why supply may actually be low in the first place.

Common reasons for low milk supply include:

• Baby not attaching or transferring milk effectively
• Infrequent feeding or milk removal
• Delayed establishment of milk supply after birth
• Breast or nipple pain affecting feeding
• Medical or hormonal factors

Fix the cause, and the supply issue often resolves before a supplement ever enters the picture.

"Natural" doesn't always mean safe

Once these issues have been properly assessed and addressed, a galactagogue may be helpful for some families. But the scientific evidence supporting many herbal products is limited, and natural doesn't automatically mean safe. Some herbs can cause side effects or interact with medications you're already taking.

Prescription galactagogues, such as domperidone, should only be used after a thorough breastfeeding assessment and a conversation with your healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks.

The real "milk booster" is usually an assessment, not a supplement

The most valuable thing you can do for your supply is often a personalised breastfeeding assessment. Small changes to positioning, attachment, feeding frequency, or how effectively milk is being removed can make a significant difference, no supplements required.

Did you know? Your breasts are constantly making milk, not just between feeds. The more effectively milk is removed, the stronger the signal your body receives to keep producing it. That's why improving milk transfer is so often far more effective than relying on a supplement alone.

You're not alone in worrying about this

If you're concerned about your supply, know that every breastfeeding journey is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all fix. Getting the right support early, before supply issues compound, makes all the difference.

If your supply has you worried, you don't have to guess your way through it

Working out whether the issue is attachment, frequency, timing, or something medical isn't something you should have to diagnose alone at 3am with a search engine. It's exactly what a proper assessment is for.

Inside the Best Start Breastfeeding Membership, you'll learn how to read your baby's feeding cues, protect and build your supply from day one, and know the difference between a normal dip and something that needs a closer look, all before you'd ever need to reach for a tea or a tablet. You'll also have weekly group calls to bring your specific supply questions to, and a community of mums who understand exactly what you're navigating.

You get 12 months of access for one payment of $299, or $70/month if you'd rather spread it out.

Join the Best Start Breastfeeding Membership

If you'd like personalised guidance on your supply, I'm here to help. Together we can find out what's actually going on and build a plan from there.

Warm regards, Eve Coote Best Start Lactation Consultancy