I first heard of the term, “galactagogue” when I attended the L.A.T.C.H. breastfeeding seminar at Onelife Studio last May. According to kellymom.com, it means “a substance that increases milk supply.” I think the word “galactagogue” is so apt ‘coz it sounds like a super ingredient for a super power; and for me, making milk is a super power, hehe! 🙂 Popular galactagogues available in the Philippines are moringa or malunggay, flax seeds, brewer’s yeast, etc.

Even before Kobe was born, at around 36 weeks pregnant, I was already taking malunggay supplements, as per advised by my lactation consultant. Thankfully, I had no issues with milk supply, except during that week when Kobe would just sleep and not feed as much, and I had to pump (top-up to direct feeding him) for a few days to keep my supply up. It was during that time that I started taking lactation cookies packed with galactagogues. I got lactation cookies from Mom’s Basket – which came in very yummy flavors (I got red velvet and nutella, waaah!). The recommended quantity is 4 cookies per day, with plenty of water to increase its effectivity. I had no problem eating 4 a day (I even ate more than 4 sometimes) ‘coz breastfeeding makes me extra hungry.

I also tried a new brand of malunggay supplements – Mega Malunggay from V Pharma – and I have been taking 2 capsules daily for around three months now. Their recommended dose is actually 3 capsules a day if you’re breastfeeding, but even with only 2 capsules a day, I believe that my supply is well-maintained. It was around that time when I switched to Mega Malunggay that I was able to donate milk on four separate occasions – at the Mommy Milkshare at The Parenting Emporium, to the PGH Human Milk Bank, to my breastfeeding friend who need extra milk, and to the abandoned Laguna twins helped by mommy Lia Mañalac.

Another galactagogue product I tried is the Mother Nurture Mixes – which comes in coffee or choco powder form. I am a coffee lover, so of course I liked the Coffee Mix. 🙂 It was not too strong, so I usually take it mid-afternoon, when I need a light caffeine boost. I was hesitant to try the Choco Mix ‘coz hot chocolate usually triggers my G.E.R.D. (gastro-esophageal reflux disease), but surprisingly, this particular hot chocolate goes down well. It tasted good, too. The main ingredients of the Mother Nurture Mixes are Robusta Coffee Bean (for the coffee mix) and Native Cacao (for the choco mix). Both products have Stevia Natural Sweetener, Non Dairy Creamer and the galactagogues: Malunggay, Ashitaba and Gotu Kola.

I already mentioned in a previous post that I feel very lucky to have enough milk supply for my baby and I strongly believe that this is because I feed (or pump) regularly. As many lactation experts will say, no matter how many lactation treats or supplements you take, if you don’t “empty your breasts” through either direct feeding or pumping, your milk supply will slowly go down. But I also believe that by taking these supplements, I was able to boost my supply more to have even some extra milk to donate when needed. So yes, I am a galactagogue believer, and it helps give that extra “oomph” to my mommy super power! 🙂

Mega Malunggay is 600mg of Moringa Oleifera + Sodium Ascorbate. 3 packs of 10 caps is Php 350, 6 packs of 10 caps is Php 600, 1 box of 100 caps is Php 950 and 2 boxes of 100 caps is Php 1,800. Visit their website to order. 

Mother Nurture Mixes comes in two forms – Coffee Mix and Choco Mix. 1 pack of 8 sachets each is only Php 140. Recommended intake is 1-2 cups max per day. You may order through their Facebook Page.

Mom’s Basket lactation cookies prices range from Php 299 to 389 for 28 pieces, depending on the flavor. You may visit their Facebook Page for more info.