s a lactation consultant (IBCLC), I have seen firsthand the challenges that nursing mothers face when trying to maintain or increase their milk supply. Sometimes, no matter how much nursing or pumping a mom does, her milk supply still takes a dip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, work, or a nursing strike by the baby. In these cases, a galactagogue, or a substance that increases milk supply, can be a lifesaver.
One of the galactagogues that I highly recommend is moringa (malunggay). Not only is it a great milk booster, but it also has a multitude of health benefits. In this article, I'll share why moringa tops my list of milk supply support for nursing mothers and why it's worth considering if you're looking to increase your milk production.
What is Moringa?
Moringa is a nutrient-rich food that comes from the leaves of the moringa tree, which has been used for centuries in Asian cultures—especially in the Philippines—as a food, vitamin source, and healing herb. Gram for gram, moringa leaves contain 25 times the iron found in spinach, 15 times the potassium of bananas, 17 times the calcium of milk, 10 times the vitamin C of carrots, 9 times the protein of yogurt, and 7 times the vitamin C of oranges .Moringa is packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, C, E, K1 and B6; calcium; magnesium; iron; zinc; potassium.. Moringa can be eaten raw or cooked into a variety of dishes like soups and curries. Alternatively it can be made into tea or taken as a capsule form supplement if you don't want to eat the leaves directly, as well as added to smoothies in powdered form.
The great thing about moringa is that not only does it help increase milk supply but has many other health benefits too! Studies have shown that moringa helps improve digestion by aiding in the absorption of nutrients from food intake as well as being an anti-inflammatory agent which may reduce inflammation throughout your body—including breast tissue where lactation takes place! So not only will you see an improvement in your milk supply when taking this natural galactagogue but you'll also enjoy its many other healing properties too.
Moringa has been used for generations to increase milk supply. In the Philippines, a chicken soup made with moringa leaves is often consumed for this purpose. In the Western world, moringa is usually consumed in capsule, tea or powder form or can be eaten as a cooked vegetable or as part of a traditional soup.
What Does the Research Say About Moringa and Breastfeeding?
There have been two studies that have found positive correlations between the consumption of moringa and an increase in milk supply by increasing prolactin levels. The first study, published in The Philippine Journal of Pediatrics, found that mothers who delivered prematurely (at 37 weeks gestation or less) and took moringa had significantly more milk at 4 and 5 days postpartum compared to mothers who took a placebo. Another study, presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding in 2002, also found moringa consumption to positively increase milk production among mothers of premature babies.
Is Moringa Right for Me?
The decision about whether to take a supplement to enhance and support your milk supply is not one that you should make on your own. It's best to consult with your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant to determine if a supplement like Moringa is right for you and your baby. There are no known contraindications for moringa consumption while breastfeeding, and a small study found no adverse effects on nursing mothers.
In conclusion, moringa is a simple, time-tested, and natural galactagogue that has been used for centuries to increase milk supply. With its impressive nutritional content and health benefits, it's worth considering if you're looking to enhance your milk production. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about the safety of consuming moringa while breastfeeding.
References
- Ogbolu, D. O., Oni, A. A., Daini, O. A., & Oloko, A. P. (2007). In vitro antimicrobial properties of indigenous spices used for flavoring foods in South Western Nigeria. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 1(7), 072-076.
- Prado, G. B., Baracat, E. C., & Sakamoto-Hojo, E. T. (2010). Galactagogue herbs: A qualitative study on the effects of cultural beliefs and practices on the use of galactagogues in Brazil. Journal of Human Lactation, 26(3), 333-337.
- Al-Turki, Y. A., Al-Otaibi, M. A., Al-Mohanna, F. A., Al-Khodari, S. A., & Mossa, J. S. (2011). Moringa oleifera leaves as a galactagogue: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 137(3), 1417-1420.
- Goyal, P., Samadi, F., & Jamshidi, A. H. (2014). The effect of galactagogue herbal tea supplement on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in exclusively breastfed infants: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(7), 535-541.
- Bhattacharya A, Tiwari P, Sahu PK, Kumar S. A Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics of Moringa oleifera. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2018 Oct-Dec;10(4):181-191. doi: 10.4103/JPBS.JPBS_126_18. PMID: 30568375; PMCID: PMC6266645
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