New mothers can maximize their production of breast milk by taking good care of themselves.

• Nurse as frequently as possible, especially in the day time.
• Get as much sleep as possible.
• Stay well hydrated, and eat well.

There are no prescription medications available to stimulate the production of breast milk.  But some people have recommended fenugreek as a supplement.  Fenugreek is an herb, which may have some health benefits.  There is conflicting data about fenugreek's ability to stimulate breast milk production, but there seem to be few serious side effects in moderate doses.  So for mothers whose milk supply is questionable, fenugreek might be worth considering.

Click here to read the NIH Complementary Medicine Institute's handout about Fenugreek.

     -- Dr. Epstein