Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Breast-Feeding Support
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Calcium | 1,000 mg daily |  [2 stars] Continuing to take prenatal vitamins will help ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs for breast-feeding. Especially important is continued calcium intake. |
Cod Liver Oil | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Studies have shown that higher breast milk concentrations of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid present in fish oil) are associated with better visual acuity in infants.
|
DHA | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Studies have shown that higher breast milk concentrations of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid present in cod liver oil) are associated with better visual acuity in infants. |
Garlic | Follow label instructions | [2 stars] Infants have been shown in some studies to nurse longer when their mothers ate garlic. However, some infants may develop colic from garlic in breast milk. |
Iron (Iron-Deficiency Anemia) | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Iron may be required for infants with low iron stores or anemia. |
Multivitamin | Follow label instructions | [2 stars] Continuing to take prenatal vitamins will help ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs for breast-feeding. |
Anise | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Anise has traditionally been used in some cultures to support breast-feeding, although no research has confirmed its effectiveness. |
Chickweed Topical | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Chickweed is a soothing herb that can relieve sore nipples. Experts recommend moistening the herb with boiling water, wrapping it in gauze, and applying to the breasts.
|
Comfrey Topical | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Comfrey is a soothing herb that can relieve sore nipples. Experts recommend moistening the herb with boiling water, wrapping it in gauze, and applying to the breasts.
|
Goat's Rue | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goat’s rue has a history of use in Europe for supporting breast-feeding, it is reported to help increase milk volume. |
Marigold Topical | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Marigold is a soothing herb that can relieve sore nipples. Experts recommend moistening the herb with boiling water, wrapping it in gauze, and applying to the breasts.
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Stinging Nettle Topical | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Stinging nettleenriches and increases the flow of breast milk and restores the mother’s energy following childbirth. |
Vitex Topical | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitex agnus castus is one of the best-recognized herbs in Europe for promoting lactation. It should not be used during pregnancy.
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.