Does milk thistle increase breast milk supply?

The Role of Milk Thistle in Breast Milk Supply
Milk thistle, scientifically known as *Silybum marianum*, has garnered attention for its potential benefits in various health contexts, including its use among breastfeeding mothers seeking to increase their milk supply. The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, is a blend of flavonolignans that has been traditionally associated with various health benefits, including liver support and antioxidant properties.
Scientific Evidence and Anecdotal Reports
While milk thistle has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in increasing breast milk supply remains limited. A notable study indicated that women who consumed approximately 400 mg of a milk thistle extract daily experienced nearly double the increase in breast milk supply compared to those taking a placebo, reporting an 85% increase in milk production . However, this study’s findings are not universally accepted, as many experts caution that more rigorous research is needed to substantiate these claims in human subjects.
Interestingly, while there is some evidence of milk thistle’s effectiveness in increasing milk supply in dairy cows, translating these results to human lactation is complex and not directly applicable. Furthermore, other sources emphasize that despite anecdotal support for milk thistle’s use among nursing mothers, definitive scientific validation is still lacking.
Safety and Recommendations
From a safety perspective, milk thistle is generally regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers when used in moderation. However, healthcare professionals often recommend consulting with a doctor before starting any new supplement, including milk thistle, to ensure it aligns with individual health needs and circumstances.
It’s also important to note that while herbal supplements like milk thistle may contribute to increased milk supply, they should not be viewed as a standalone solution. Effective breastfeeding practices, such as proper latching and frequent nursing, are crucial components of maintaining and enhancing milk production.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is some promising evidence suggesting that milk thistle may help increase breast milk supply, particularly through the action of silymarin, the scientific community calls for more comprehensive studies to confirm these effects in breastfeeding women. As always, nursing mothers should approach the use of herbal supplements with caution and seek professional guidance to ensure both their health and that of their infants.

How can I drastically increase my breast milk production?

Pumping or expressing milk frequently between nursing sessions, and consistently when you’re away from your baby, can help build your milk supply. Relax and massage. Relax, hold your baby skin-to-skin, and massage your breasts before feeding to encourage your milk to let down.

Do soft breasts mean no milk?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

Is there a downside to taking milk thistle?

Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Which supplement is best for increasing breast milk?

Fenugreek is one of the most popular herbs for increasing milk supply. It’s available in various forms, including capsules, teas, and powders. Some nursing mothers report increased milk production after taking fenugreek supplements.

Can milk thistle cause weight gain?

Milk thistle and silymarin are generally well tolerated in adults with only mild side effects such as diarrhea, headache, and skin reactions. Mothers taking milk thistle to increase milk supply reported weight gain, nausea, dry mouth and irritability occasionally.

How much milk thistle should I take to induce lactation?

Some of the herbs that may induce lactation include Blessed Thistle herb (recommended 390 mg per capsule) and Fenugreek seed (recommended 610 mg per capsule). The dose used is 3 capsules of each, 3 times a day with meals.

What pills increase breast milk supply?

Domperidone is the most effective medicine used to improve breast milk supply. It was developed to treat nausea, vomiting, indigestion and gastric reflux, but has been found to be effective when used to increase milk supply.

Will milk thistle increase milk supply?

Milk Thistle Milk Thistle is also another herbal remedy — while it mainly serves to help with gallbladder and liver disorders, it also works much like Fenugreek in that it increases milk production in nursing mothers.

Does milk thistle mess with hormones?

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Milk thistle extracts might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use these extracts.