Understanding Low Milk Supply & Galactogogues

Understanding Low Milk Supply & Galactogogues

While most mothers will naturally produce enough breast milk for their baby, some will experience challenges with low supply. This can happen for a variety of reasons — from individual differences in hormone levels, to temporary dips caused by mastitis, blocked ducts, stress, or even while transitioning to expressing or pumping. For many mums, this can feel discouraging, but it’s important to remember that there are gentle, natural ways to support your supply alongside good breastfeeding practices【Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2024】.

What Are Galactogogues?

For centuries, cultures around the world have turned to certain foods and herbs believed to support milk production. Modern research has identified that many of these foods contain galactogogues — natural compounds, herbs, or even prescribed medications that can help stimulate lactation and support breast milk supply【La Leche League International, 2022】.

Some naturally occurring galactogogues include:

  • Flaxseed – contains phytoestrogens that may influence lactation【Journal of Food Science & Technology, 2018】

  • Brewer’s Yeast – traditionally used for postnatal nourishment and often cited in lactation support literature【MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine】

  • Oats – a rich source of beta-glucan, which has been linked to increased prolactin levels【Nutrition Journal, 2013】

  • Fenugreek – commonly studied as a galactogogue, though not always tolerated by all mothers or babies【Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016】

How Do They Work?

According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, galactogogues can be most effective when used in combination with frequent nursing or pumping. They are thought to work by stimulating the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production【Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2024】.

That means galactogogues on their own aren’t a “quick fix.” They are best used as a supportive tool alongside:

  • Correcting your baby’s latch【World Health Organization, 2020】

  • Increasing skin-to-skin contact【UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, 2019】

  • Offering the breast more frequently or adding in pumping sessions【La Leche League International, 2022】

When Might Galactogogues Help?

If you’ve noticed a dip in your supply that hasn’t improved by adjusting latch, feeding more often, or adding in skin-to-skin, then it may be worthwhile to explore adding galactogogue-rich foods to your diet. Some mums find this helps gently encourage their supply back up, especially during times when their body needs a little extra support【Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016】.

What’s in Our Products?

At The Milk Pantry, we’ve carefully selected natural galactogogue ingredients that are both effective and gentle. Our recipes include:

  • Brewer’s Yeast – long known for its role in supporting lactation【MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine】

  • Organic Flaxseed Meal – rich in fibre, nutrients, and natural compounds that support healthy milk supply【Journal of Food Science & Technology, 2018】

  • Organic Oats – a wholesome, nourishing base full of natural galactogogues【Nutrition Journal, 2013】

We don’t use fenugreek in our products. While it’s a traditional galactogogue, many mums find their babies can be sensitive to it, sometimes leading to tummy upsets or unsettled feeds【Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016】.

Every Milk Pantry product has been thoughtfully designed to taste delicious, fit into the busy lifestyle of a mum, and use high-quality ingredients — with certified organic produce wherever possible.

✨ Remember: every breastfeeding journey is unique. If you’re concerned about your supply, it’s always best to seek support from a qualified health professional or lactation consultant.

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