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Sipping your way to a healthier milk supply – naturally.
The breastfeeding journey, while beautiful, can sometimes come with unexpected challenges. One of the most common concerns new mothers face is whether they're producing enough milk for their little one. If you've found yourself wondering about your milk supply, you're certainly not alone.
At Myrtle & Maude, we understand that the postpartum period is filled with enough worries without adding milk supply to the list. That's why we've dedicated ourselves to creating organic, natural solutions that work harmoniously with your body during every stage of motherhood. Our products are formulated by expert herbalists specifically for the pregnancy and postpartum journey, ensuring you receive gentle yet effective support when you need it most.
Many mothers find success with natural galactagogues – substances that help increase milk production. Herbal teas have been used for centuries across various cultures as a gentle way to boost lactation, and modern research is beginning to catch up with this traditional wisdom.
Let's explore how the simple act of sipping a warm cup of tea can help support your breastfeeding goals, with a special focus on our Myrtle & Maude Milk Flow Tea – crafted specifically to nurture your body's natural milk-making abilities.
Your body communicates with your baby through breastmilk! When your baby's saliva comes into contact with your nipple during feeding, your body analyses it and can adjust the milk composition to meet specific needs.
Breastmilk changes flavour based on your diet. This early taste exposure may help your little one be more accepting of diverse foods later in life.
Your milk production follows supply and demand principles – the more milk removed from your breasts, the more your body will make.
The fat content of your milk changes during a feeding. The milk at the beginning (foremilk) is thinner and more hydrating, while the milk at the end (hindmilk) is fattier and more calorie-dense.
Each breast can operate independently, producing different quantities of milk depending on how often each side is used.
Fenugreek Tea: Fenugreek seeds have earned their reputation as the superstar of lactation herbs. With a slightly sweet, maple-like flavour, fenugreek tea has been a go-to recommendation for generations of lactation consultants and midwives.
Research suggests that fenugreek may increase milk production within 24-72 hours of regular consumption. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that mothers who consumed fenugreek tea showed a significant increase in milk production compared to those who didn't.While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, some researchers believe fenugreek contains compounds that mimic oestrogen (estrogen), helping to stimulate milk-producing glands. Others suggest it may influence the milk-ejection reflex.
Fennel Tea: With its subtle liquorice flavour, fennel tea offers both a pleasant taste and potential milk-boosting benefits. Fennel contains anethole, a compound that may mimic the effects of oestrogen (estrogen), in the body, potentially stimulating milk ducts and increasing milk secretion.Beyond its galactagogue properties, fennel tea may also help soothe digestive discomfort – a welcome bonus for both mother and baby, as the calming effects can pass through breastmilk to help ease colic symptoms.
Aniseed Tea: Similar to fennel, aniseed has a liquorice-like flavour and contains anethole compounds that may help increase milk production. Aniseed has been used traditionally not only to boost milk supply but also to reduce gas and bloating, making it a double-duty herb for nursing mothers.When combined with other galactagogues, aniseed can contribute to a powerful lactation-supporting blend that tastes pleasant and provides multiple benefits.
Nettle Tea: Nettle leaf is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in iron, calcium, and other minerals that support overall health during the postpartum period. While it may not directly increase milk production as dramatically as fenugreek, its nutritional profile helps ensure your body has the resources needed to produce quality milk.Nettle tea has a mild, grassy flavour that blends well with other herbs, making it an excellent base for lactation tea blends.
Caraway Seed Tea: Often overlooked in discussions about lactation teas, caraway seeds have been traditionally used to support digestion and milk production. Like other seeds in the Apiaceae family (which includes fennel and aniseed), caraway contains oils that may have mild oestrogen (estrogen) -like effects.Caraway adds a warm, slightly spicy note to tea blends while contributing to their lactation-supporting properties.
Chamomile Tea:While not primarily known as a galactagogue, chamomile deserves a place in the nursing mother's tea cabinet. Its calming properties can help with the stress and sleep deprivation that often accompany new motherhood – factors that can indirectly impact milk supply.When a mother is relaxed during nursing sessions, the milk-ejection reflex functions more efficiently, potentially leading to better milk transfer and, consequently, increased production.
While each herb offers its own benefits, the real magic happens when they work in synergy. Our Myrtle & Maude Milk Flow Tea combines the most effective lactation-supporting herbs in optimal proportions:
Fenugreek: The powerhouse galactagogue
Aniseed: For milk production and digestive comfort
Fennel Seed: Enhances milk production and soothes digestion
German Chamomile: Promotes relaxation for better milk flow
Caraway Seed: Supports digestion and milk production
Nettle Leaf: Provides essential nutrients for quality milk production
Available in 15 biodegradable tea bags, our Milk Flow Tea is caffeine-free, certified organic, and certified vegan – making it the perfect choice for conscientious mothers looking for natural support during their breastfeeding journey.
Understanding Galactagogues
Galactagogues are substances that promote lactation in humans and other mammals. While pharmaceutical galactagogues work by affecting dopamine receptors or hormone levels, herbal galactagogues often work through more gentle, multifaceted mechanisms.
Many lactation-supporting herbs contain phytoestrogens – plant compounds that have a structure similar to human oestrogen (estrogen). These compounds may interact with oestrogen (estrogen) receptors in breast tissue, potentially stimulating the milk-producing glands.
Improving blood flow to breast tissue
Providing essential nutrients needed for milk synthesis
Reducing stress, which can inhibit the let-down reflex
Supporting overall hormonal balance
The Hydration Factor -Part of the benefit of drinking any tea for lactation support comes from increased fluid intake. Proper hydration is crucial for milk production, with research suggesting that inadequate fluid intake can impact milk supply.
When you enjoy several cups of herbal tea throughout the day, you're not only getting the benefits of the herbs but also ensuring adequate hydration – a fundamental requirement for optimal milk production.
Supporting Overall Maternal Health -Many lactation teas contain herbs that nourish the mother's body beyond simply increasing milk production. Ingredients like nettle provide iron, calcium, and other minerals that may be depleted during pregnancy and childbirth, while chamomile supports rest and recovery.
This holistic approach recognises that optimal milk production depends on the mother's overall wellbeing – a principle that guides all of Myrtle & Maude's pregnancy and postpartum formulations.
Effective Breast Emptying -One of the most reliable ways to increase milk production is to ensure breasts are emptied effectively and frequently. Your body produces milk on a supply-and-demand basis – the more milk removed, the more your body will make.
Tips for effective breast emptying include:
Ensuring proper latch and positioning
Offering both breasts at each feeding
Considering "power pumping" sessions if you're also expressing milk
Breast compression during feeding or pumping to help drain all milk ducts
Nutrition for Lactation -While no specific diet guarantees abundant milk production, certain nutritional principles can support your body's ability to produce milk:
Consume enough calories (breastfeeding requires an additional 300-500 calories per day)
Ensure adequate protein intake
Stay well-hydrated (aim for at least 8-10 glasses of fluid daily)
Include healthy fats in your diet, particularly omega-3 fatty acids
Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables for micronutrients
Stress Management -The hormones involved in milk production (particularly oxytocin) are sensitive to stress. When a mother is tense or anxious, the let-down reflex may be inhibited, making it more difficult for the baby to get milk efficiently.
Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as:
Mindful breathing before and during nursing sessions
Creating a peaceful nursing environment
Practicing skin-to-skin contact with your baby
Using our Myrtle & Maude Milk Flow Tea, which contains calming chamomile
While natural approaches like herbal teas can be effective for many mothers, it's important to know when to seek additional support. Consider consulting with a lactation professional if:
Your baby isn't gaining weight appropriately
You notice signs of dehydration in your baby
You experience persistent pain during breastfeeding
You see no improvement in supply after trying natural approaches
At Myrtle & Maude, we believe that nature provides the perfect ingredients to support women through every stage of their motherhood journey. Our pregnancy and postpartum range is meticulously formulated by expert herbalists to address the specific needs of women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or navigating the postpartum period.
Our collection of five specialised teas includes:
Fertility Tea:Supporting women on their conception journey
Morning Sickness Tea:Providing gentle relief from pregnancy nausea
Raspberry Leaf Tea:Preparing the body for labor in the third trimester
Milk Flow Tea:Enhancing natural lactation for breastfeeding mothers
Postpartum Recovery Tea:Supporting healing and wellbeing after birth
Beyond our teas, we offer delicious and effective Ginger Gin Sweets and Peppermint Oil Bon Bons, both infused with vitamin B6 to provide natural relief from morning sickness and nausea.
All products are certified organic
We use biodegradable tea bags that are GMO-free
Our formulations contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives
Each product is vegan certified
Every ingredient is selected for both effectiveness and safety
The breastfeeding journey is unique for every mother-baby pair, with its own set of joys and challenges. While no single approach works for everyone, many mothers find that incorporating lactation-supporting teas into their daily routine provides gentle, effective support for their milk supply.
Our Myrtle & Maude Milk Flow Tea offers a carefully balanced blend of traditional galactagogues, formulated to support your body's natural milk-making abilities while also providing moments of calm in the whirlwind of new motherhood. Each sip not only helps nourish your body but also creates a ritual of self-care – something every new mother deserves.
Remember that successful breastfeeding depends on many factors beyond milk production, including proper latch, frequent nursing, and emotional wellbeing. By combining lactation-supporting herbs with good breastfeeding practices and self-care, you're giving yourself and your baby the best chance for a fulfilling breastfeeding relationship.
While supporting your milk supply is important, it's worth remembering why breastfeeding matters. Research has documented numerous benefits for both mother and baby:
Benefits for Baby:
Provides perfect nutrition that changes to meet baby's needs
Contains antibodies and immune factors that protect against illness
Reduces risk of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal infections
May lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Associated with reduced risk of obesity and certain chronic diseases later in life
Benefits for Mother:
Promotes bonding and attachment
Releases hormones that help the uterus contract and reduce postpartum bleeding
May lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers
Can help with postpartum weight management - breastfeeding typically burns around 500 calories per day
Provides convenience and cost savings compared to formula feeding
Every drop of breastmilk is valuable, and any amount you can provide offers benefits to your baby. Whether you're exclusively breastfeeding or combining breast and bottle, supporting your milk production naturally with Myrtle & Maude Milk Flow Tea can be part of your breastfeeding success story.
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. (2011). ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion. Breastfeeding Medicine, 6(1), 41-49.https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2011.9998
Bazzano, A. N., Hofer, R., Thibeau, S., Gillispie, V., Jacobs, M., & Theall, K. P. (2016). A review of herbal and pharmaceutical galactagogues for breast-feeding. The Ochsner Journal, 16(4), 511-524.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5158159/
Victora, C. G., Bahl, R., Barros, A. J., França, G. V., Horton, S., Krasevec, J., ... & Lancet Breastfeeding Series Group. (2016). Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet, 387(10017), 475-490.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)01024-7/fulltext
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. While herbal teas can be a helpful support for many breastfeeding mothers, they may not be appropriate for everyone. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Individual results may vary, and what works for one mother may not work for another. If you have concerns about your milk supply, we recommend consulting with a certified lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.
