Essential nutrients found in breast milk
Fats
Fat in breast milk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, namely arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These lipids play a key role in the development of the immune system and neurological functions.
Proteins
Human milk contains two types of proteins: whey (60%) and casein (40%). Whey proteins facilitate rapid digestion and may be able to protect against various infections. Below are specific proteins present in breast milk and their benefits:
- Lactoferrin — Prevents the growth of iron-dependent bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. It also slows down the development of certain organisms, such as coliforms and yeast, that require iron to survive.
- Secretory IgA — Protects the infant from E. coli and potential allergies encountered by the mother and other family members. This antibody exhibits a dual anti-infective action, shielding against various microbes and modulating intestinal immunity.
- Lysozyme — Functions as a bactericidal agent and features anti-inflammatory properties. Precolostrum with elevated lysozyme levels can help protect premature babies from gastrointestinal invasion by harmful bacteria.
Carbohydrates
Lactose is the main carbohydrate present in human milk and is an important source of energy. It supports insulin regulation and healthy gut bacteria. Lactose restriction may potentially result in anemia and decreased bone mineral density.
Oligosaccharides, commonly referred to as sugar chains, are another type of carbohydrate found in breast milk. They play a pivotal role in inhibiting bacteria from attaching to mucosal surfaces.
Protection against infectious diseases
Newborns, born with underdeveloped acquired immunity, depend on maternal antibodies for defense against pathogens. This protection is facilitated through breast milk, which is found to be rich in diverse antimicrobial compounds and immune cells, including:
- B and T lymphocytes
- Regulatory cells
- Macrophages
- Neutrophils
- Natural killer cells
This defense is particularly crucial for infants, as it offers protection without inducing inflammatory effects like fever.
Possible causes of low milk supply
Illness
Insufficient milk production may result from different health concerns, including:
- Retained placental tissue
- Insufficient glandular (milk producing) tissue
- Mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue)
- Stress
- High blood pressure
- Significant blood loss following childbirth
- Hormonal disorders like thyroid or pituitary imbalances
- Prior breast surgery
If you are experiencing or suspecting any of these conditions, seek guidance from your doctor. Getting the right treatment can improve your milk supply.
Medication
Certain medications may affect the ability to produce sufficient breast milk. These include tablets for colds and flu, as well as hormonal birth control, like oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen.
Timed feedings
Following scheduled or timed feedings instead of feeding your baby on demand can disrupt the natural process of milk production. Babies thrive when allowed to feed until they naturally detach or fall asleep. It's advisable to breastfeed whenever your baby shows signs of hunger.
Nicotine
Smoking may also affect milk production. Additionally, research indicates that the use of tobacco during gestation and lactation may compromise the development of the fetus and infants, resulting in both short-term and long-term metabolic dysfunctions.
How does domperidone help with breastfeeding?
There are products that can help with breastfeeding, including medications like domperidone. These substances are known as galactagogues because they stimulate lactation, which increases the production of breast milk.
Milk production by breast tissue is under the control of the hormone prolactin, which is produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland in the hypothalamus of the brain. Prolactin stimulates milk production in a new mother’s breast cells. The amount of prolactin produced is regulated by dopamine, a chemical messenger produced by nerve cells in the hypothalamus.
When dopamine is released, it binds to specific receptors in the pituitary gland and switches off prolactin production, which, in turn, shuts down breast milk production.
Domperidone works by blocking dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland to increase prolactin production, and this stimulates milk production.
To learn more about domperidone and breastfeeding supplements, feel free tocontact our team.
Potential side effects of breastfeeding supplements
As with all medications, side effects are possible. The most commonly reported side effects when taking lactation pills containing domperidone include headache, dry mouth, and abdominal cramps.
In addition, domperidone may lead to breast enlargement (gynecomastia) and temporarily halt periods (amenorrhea). These side effects generally subside once you stop taking medications to induce lactation.
Since domperidone does not cross the blood-brain barrier, it does not trigger extrapyramidal side effects, such as convulsions and involuntary muscle actions commonly linked to dopamine-blocking medications.
When should you avoid lactation pills containing domperidone?
- If you’re allergic to domperidone or any ingredients in your chosen breastfeeding supplement.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Since lactose is used to coat the tablets, it’s best to avoid them if you’re lactose intolerant or have galactosemia or lactose malabsorption.
- If you’re diagnosed with liver or kidney disease.
- If you have gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mechanical obstruction, or perforation.
- If you have a pituitary tumor causing overproduction of prolactin.
Medications that interfere with domperidone
Certain medications can interact with breastfeeding supplements containing domperidone, potentially impacting its efficacy or causing side effects. Always consult with your doctor to ensure safe and appropriate usage.
- Gastrointestinal medicines like cisapride
- Opioids like methadone
- Antidepressants like citalopram
- Antipsychotics like pimozide
- Ritonavir or saquinavir for HIV
- Antiarrhythmics like disopyramide and amiodarone
- Antibiotics containing erythromycin, clarithromycin, or telithromycin
- Antifungals like fluconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole
Medications to induce lactation
May have different risks and benefits for each person.
When buying lactation pills from Inhouse Pharmacy, stick to the recommended dosage and consult a medical professional first.
Check out our FAQs section to learn more about the medications we offer.
FAQs
What is the best pill to produce breast milk?
Commonly prescribed medications that cause lactation often include domperidone. However, before trying lactation pills, talk to your healthcare professional. Discuss your specific situation and medical history to ensure you receive the most appropriate medication.
What is the fastest way to increase milk supply?
Increasing milk supply takes time and should be approached in a healthy and sustainable manner. The duration for improvement depends on the root causes of low milk production.
Here are some things you can do to stimulate lactation:
- Consume a balanced and nutritious diet and drink plenty of water.
- Consult with a healthcare professional before taking medications to induce lactation.
- Regular breastfeeding or pumping signals your body to make more milk. Babies have different needs; some may need a minimum of eight feeds within a 24-hour period to get sufficient milk, while others may require even more.
Is three months too late to increase milk supply?
A mother's milk supply typically peaks in the first four to six weeks after giving birth. But if you want to boost your supply after the third month, consider taking medications that cause lactation. Practicing proper latching, frequent breastfeeding, and relaxation techniques can also help enhance production.