Galactagogues are substances that are “lactogenic” and claim to promote breast milk production in regard to flow, volume, or release (let down). There are numerous herbs and foods that claim to be lactogenic, based upon traditional and historical uses. If you have a genuine loss of supply, or are at risk of losing supply, e.g. due to separation from your baby (cessation of late and night feeds, returning to work, baby in hospital, etc.) then having a lactogenic diet and consuming lactogenic smoothies is a good idea. However, this must be in combination with milk being removed from the breast frequently and effectively by the baby and/or a pump; otherwise it will still be a battle to increase supply. If you look at recommended foods for a lactogenic diet generally, you will notice it is really a whole-foods, plant-based diet—with high fibre and mineral-rich whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and iron-rich fruits, herbs, spices, high-antioxidant vegetables, and greens, which is probably why women who eat this way anyway are less likely to report issues with their milk supply. The functions of galactagogues are varied and ultimately act upon the hormonal system, such as stimulation of prolactin for milk volume, oxytocin production for milk ejection, stimulation of mammary tissue, and hormone balance via a healthy liver. This recipe is based upon the lactation cookie with variations suggested in my book. This recipe makes around 1 litre / 4 cups and I suggest drinking a cup as a snack 4 times a day (not unlike eating a lactation cookie semi-regularly). Lactation Cookie Smoothie Base Recipe - From the “After Baby is Born” Chapter 1½ cups dairy or almond milk 4 tablespoons raw rolled oats plus ¾ cup water or milk, or 1 cup porridge (cooled) 1 tablespoon brewer’s yeast 2 tablespoons ground flax seed 2 raw eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste, or 1 vanilla bean, halved 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 bananas, fresh or frozen and sliced 4 medjool dates, pitted #motherandbabysmoothies #afterbabyisborn #lactogenicsmoothies #lactationcookiesmoothie #postnatal #breasfeeding #boostmilksupply #galactagogues #lactationcookie #breastfeedingsupport
