The decision to use a lactation supplement, often called a galactagogue, is driven by the desire to increase milk production. These products, which typically contain herbs like fenugreek or blessed thistle, are intended to support a nursing parent’s milk supply when concerns about volume arise. The paradoxical fear is that a product designed to help might cause the opposite effect and lead to a supply decrease. Understanding this possibility requires looking closely at how these substances interact with the body and recognizing that a perceived drop in milk volume is frequently caused by factors completely unrelated to the supplement itself.
The Intended Mechanism of Lactation Supplements
Galactagogues are compounds that are believed to promote or increase milk secretion, primarily by influencing the hormones that regulate lactation. The production of milk is largely controlled by the hormone prolactin, and many common herbal supplements are thought to stimulate its release. For instance, traditional herbs like fenugreek and blessed thistle are hypothesized to interact with the hormonal pathways that govern prolactin levels.
Pharmaceutical galactagogues, such as certain anti-nausea medications, operate by blocking dopamine receptors. This action removes the inhibitory effect dopamine has on prolactin release. While the exact biological pathways of many herbal supplements are still not fully understood, their intended purpose is always to enhance the hormonal signals that tell the body to produce milk.
Specific Ingredients Linked to Supply Reduction
The most direct way a lactation supplement can decrease supply is by containing an ingredient that is anti-lactation, or galactofuge. Certain herbs are known to have a drying effect on the body and can reduce milk volume, even in small amounts. Sage and peppermint are the most commonly cited examples of these herbs, with compounds that may interfere with prolactin production.
A multi-ingredient lactation blend might inadvertently include a small amount of a supply-reducing herb or a contaminant. Consuming these anti-lactation herbs in high concentrations, such as through essential oils or strong teas, can also trigger a noticeable drop in milk supply. Even a common decongestant medication containing pseudoephedrine, which acts as a powerful galactofuge, can be mistakenly taken while using other supplements, overriding their intended effect. The adverse effects of a supplement, such as diarrhea from high doses of fenugreek, can also cause maternal dehydration, indirectly leading to a temporary decrease in milk production.
Addressing Non-Supplement Causes of Supply Decrease
A perceived drop in milk supply while using a supplement is often a sign of insufficient milk removal, which is the most common cause of low supply. Milk production operates on a supply-and-demand system, meaning that if milk is not thoroughly and frequently removed from the breast, the body signals to slow production. A poor latch, infrequent nursing sessions, or using an ill-fitting or ineffective breast pump can all lead to inadequate drainage, irrespective of the supplements being taken.
Maternal health factors also play a substantial role in regulating supply, independent of supplement use. Certain pre-existing hormonal conditions, such such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction, can affect the signals needed for robust milk production. New medications, including hormonal birth control or common cold and allergy remedies, are also known to reduce supply. Additionally, chronic stress, inadequate caloric intake, and dehydration can all negatively impact the hormone balance required for lactation.
When to Stop Using Supplements and Consult a Specialist
If a significant or sudden drop in milk volume occurs after starting a new supplement, discontinuing the product is a reasonable first step. Beyond supply concerns, certain ingredients can cause adverse effects that warrant immediate cessation, such as severe digestive issues like diarrhea or the aggravation of conditions like asthma, which has been associated with fenugreek. Monitoring the infant’s output—specifically the number of wet and dirty diapers and overall weight gain—will help determine if the supply concern is real or perceived.
If efforts to increase milk removal and address non-supplement factors do not resolve the issue, seeking guidance from a professional is the next step. A lactation consultant, particularly an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), can assess milk transfer effectiveness, rule out anatomical issues, and help create a tailored plan. Consulting with a healthcare provider is also important to investigate underlying maternal health conditions or medication interactions that could be the true source of the supply challenge.