Concerns over potential side effects of medications used to initiate or increase lactation are very understandable. It is essential to be healthy and well for yourself and to provide the best care for your baby. Considering using medications to support milk production requires balancing any risks versus benefits. This blog post focuses on any risks to you as the lactating parent, with some brief mentions of the benefits for milk production.

(Why? Because your IBCLC would not suggest a medication unless she expected a significant benefit based on her experience and training, and the published literature. And, yes, you should be working with an IBCLC if you are not producing enough milk to meet your baby's needs. Rarely does taking a medication alone resolve milk production issues.)

These are some major categories of medications that you may consider:

• Hormonal medications: Hormonal medications involving estrogen and/or progesterone are primarily used for inducing lactation to...