The Pink Drink and Other Breastfeeding Myths Debunked

I am so sorry to have to report that there is no actual evidence that the “Pink Drink” will help you make milk. I know it tastes pretty good and is easy to come by, so it would be so exciting if it worked, but it doesn’t. And honestly, not much else does either.

Some Recent Food and Drink Related Trends

There have been so many trends related to food or drinks and your breast milk supply. There are also plenty of old home remedies.

Here are some of the more recent trends:

• Starbucks Pink Drink – It has fruit juice, coconut milk, and some freeze-dried strawberries.
• Blue Gatorade – This was a hot trend! (Pink and blue drinks? Hmmm…)
• BodyArmour Drink – This has coconut water, and there have been other trends including coconut water as well.
• Lactation Teas – There are so many of these on the grocery store shelves. Many of them contain similar ingredients which are usually herbs like fenugreek, fennel, blessed thistle and nettle, among others.
• Lactation Cookies – Some ingredients that many of these recipes have in common include oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast.

Myth or Fact?

There are so many breastfeeding myths out there. As far as this one goes, sadly, there just isn’t much evidence to support the use of these or any GALACTAGOGUES, even though some of the older remedies and recommendations have really persisted in popularity. There has been a lot of research into most of these ingredients, but the results are either inconclusive, mixed, or just completely bust the myth that the ingredient boosts milk supply. So why do these ideas persist?

I think it’s probably a combination of reasons.

• Placebo Effect – Placebo can be very powerful medicine. I like to think of it as our brain’s power to heal our bodies. When our brain is convinced of something, healing can actually happen. It’s a very real effect, so why not enjoy the benefits?
• Culture and Tradition – When our mothers, grandmothers, and early ancestors did certain things, we might keep doing them. Many people don’t even question the effectiveness. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing when the remedy is basically a healthy recommendation. Most of the ingredients that people use as galactagogues are healthy, so there’s no harm in trying!
• Accidental Effectiveness – I think this is what most often happens. So many people who just gave birth and are trying to breastfeed a baby are tired, dehydrated, and undernourished. They may start to suspect that their milk supply could be better, so they start looking for a solution. The easiest place to start is with food and drink! So, they try the foods and the drinks. Since they are usually healthy and/or hydrating, they help. It is important to be well-fed and hydrated to support good breastfeeding and a healthy milk supply. Does it have to be pink or blue or contain all the right herbs? Evidence shows that it probably does not. If you drink plenty of water or other healthy fluids, you’ll be well hydrated. If you eat regular balanced meals and snacks, you’ll be well fed, and you’ll probably have no problem with milk supply.
• Perceived Low Milk Supply – Having a low milk supply is a very common concern these days. Most of the time, it’s just a normal phase. You’re actually not supposed to have very much milk for the first few days. And then your baby might seem extra hungry and do some cluster feeding when they’re about to have a big growth spurt. You might worry that they’re hungry because you don’t have enough milk, but this is just the way it’s designed. Your baby needs to be at the breast asking for more milk so your breasts get the signal to increase the production. If you think you have low milk supply and start to use galactagogues, it might seem like they’re working even though, with just a little extra breastfeeding, things would have improved without them.

The Psychology Behind Breastfeeding Myths

Going through pregnancy, birth, and early parenting is a big test of your resilience. Your body, mind, and emotions get challenged. You might start to feel like you’ve lost control of your body, your emotions, your mind, and even your plans! It’s very normal to want to grab at anything that might offer some comfort and any sense of control. If you believe that eating or drinking a particular thing will ensure a great milk supply, it makes sense that you would want to use it! That’s totally understandable. As long as the food or drink is not too unhealthy, and as long as you keep breastfeeding on-demand, there’s no harm. It’s important not to depend on the food or drink.

What Actually Helps Boost Milk Supply

Overwhelming evidence shows that the most reliable way to maintain or improve your milk supply is with regular breastfeeding. Watch your baby for hunger cues, and feed when your baby is asking. If you can stick with that for at least the first few weeks, you’ll almost definitely have a great milk supply, even if it’s hard to tell by looking. If you have any concerns about how breastfeeding is going, please do see a lactation consultant! They’ll know exactly what to ask and what to look for. Even if you’re not having immediate problems, and you’re just a little confused or worried, seeing a lactation consultant can make you feel a lot more at peace and confident.