Health
Why nursing mothers should avoid herbal milk boosters — Experts
By Iyanuoluwa Abiola
For many mothers worried about low breast milk supply, herbal boosters may seem like a quick fix. However, paediatricians warn that some of the substances consumed through these products can pass into breast milk and potentially harm their babies.
These products are widely promoted as natural ways to increase lactation, but their ingredients, quantities and methods of preparation are not always clearly verified, raising concerns about their safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Experts say perceived low milk supply may also stem from poor attachment, positioning, stress and other breastfeeding challenges, which can affect effective milk transfer and should be assessed before mothers turn to lactation boosters.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and advises mothers concerned about their milk supply to seek skilled support to assess the baby’s attachment and feeding.
Similarly, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine notes that galactagogues, substances promoted to increase milk production, should not replace proper assessment and counselling on breastfeeding challenges, adding that frequent and thorough emptying of the breasts generally increases milk secretion.
The National Library of Medicine’s LactMed database notes that evidence on the effectiveness and safety of some herbal galactagogues remains limited. Its review of fenugreek, one of the commonly promoted herbs, found conflicting evidence on its effectiveness and limited safety data for breastfeeding mothers and infants.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the Head of Paediatrics at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Dr Abdurrazzaq Alege, warned that the contents of some milk boosters may not be properly quantified, making their possible effects on mothers and babies difficult to predict.
“Some of these chemicals can get into the baby’s body through the breast milk. They may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and excessive crying,” Alege said.
He explained that the concern could be greater when mothers combine different substances to make the products more effective.
“People, in a bid to make it work better, mix several substances together. There are other things, like adjuvants and chemicals, added to the main ingredient,” he explained.
Alege also expressed concern about prolonged exposure, noting that newborns could be particularly vulnerable because their organs were still developing and might not process or eliminate certain substances efficiently.
“Some of the contents have not been studied to show what potential dangers they have. There is no clear evidence,” he cautioned.
The paediatrician further identified possible allergic reactions, noting that babies exposed through breast milk could develop rashes, swelling, gastrointestinal symptoms or breathing difficulties. Some could also become unusually sleepy or lethargic.
“It’s always drowsy, lethargic. So these are things that can be side effects,” Alege noted, while identifying rashes and facial swelling as possible signs of allergic reactions.
He urged parents not to ignore repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or difficulty breathing, noting that infants can become severely dehydrated within a short period.
“When a child has repeated vomiting within a short time, becomes lethargic or has difficulty breathing, such a child needs immediate medical attention,” he said.
Alege also raised concerns about the preparation of some herbal mixtures, warning that unsafe processing could introduce harmful substances. He specifically mentioned the possibility of heavy metals such as lead being present in some preparations and stressed the need for proper regulation.
Despite the concerns, he advised mothers not to stop breastfeeding if they suspected that a milk booster was affecting their babies.
“She should not stop breastfeeding. She should stop the product and then seek advice,” he said.
He explained that some mothers might mistake breastfeeding difficulties for low milk supply, noting that poor positioning or attachment could prevent effective suckling and reduce milk transfer. Frequent sucking and proper emptying of the breast, he added, help stimulate milk production.
Alege also identified stress and inadequate rest as factors that could affect breastfeeding.
“Most mothers don’t need a milk booster. Simple psychological work-up may be all the mother needs. That is stress management,” he stated.
In a separate interview with PUNCH Healthwise, Asst. Director, Dietetics & Nutrition, Shoretire Michael, cautioned against making blanket claims about the safety or harmful effects of milk boosters without identifying the specific product and its ingredients.
“Until things are documented, one cannot just walk up and say it is causing any form of side effect. You need reliable information,” Michael said.
He advised mothers who believed they were not producing enough breast milk to first assess their fluid intake, diet, psychological wellbeing and breastfeeding practices.
“If a mother feels she is not producing enough breast milk, she needs to check her fluid intake and ensure she is eating well,” he said.
According to him, breastfeeding mothers should consume adequate carbohydrates, proteins and fats, along with fruits and vegetables. He listed affordable options such as rice, millet, maize, beans, lentils, groundnuts, meat, fish and snails.
Michael cautioned against excessive intake of products intended to alter normal body processes, stressing that taking more does not guarantee better results.
“Anything you are using to alter the normal process of life, then you need to be very careful. Excessive intake can disrupt the hormonal balance of the individual,” he warned.
He advised mothers not to rely on milk boosters instead of maintaining a proper diet.
“You should not rely on any product; you should eat adequately,” he said.
For many mothers, the real solution lies not in unverified mixtures but in proper breastfeeding support, good nutrition and timely medical guidance.
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