Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Tea for milk supply

16 May, 2005

Question:

My baby daughter is seven weeks old. I am working hard at breastfeeding her. I have a low milk supply and have seen a lactation consultant. I am following her suggestions (frequent nursing, no pacifier, pumping) and there has been no change. Based on the history (baby had low weight gain, no breast size change during pregnancy, no engorgement when the milk came in, rarely feel the letdown sensation) the lactation consultant and pediatrican have recommended supplementing with formula. I am fine with that, I give the baby between 4 and 6 oz. a day and the baby is BH doing great. My question is about a tea called Mother's Milk. It is an all natural product that can be found in health food stores and a friend swears by it. However, it has no hechsher. Is it permissible to use such a tea in order to build up my milk supply and do you have any other suggestion to help. Thank you


Answer:

Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother's Milk, is certified kosher by the O-K. You can find information on this tea at:

http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/kosher

http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/womens_teas/product/29

There is a similar product available in Israel, called Rav Chalav, that also has a hechsher.

The active ingredient in most of these teas is presumably fennel; you may be able to find fennel tea with a hechsher.

If you are not able to access any such tea with supervision, then there would be room to permit its use without a hechsher. Take it without sugar (the better it tastes, the more of kashrut problem it is).

You can also discuss with your physician short term use of domperidone (if you live outside the US – not available in the US) or metoclopromide. If your physician has not heard of these drugs, your lactation consultant should be able to provide references.


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