Exclusive breastfeeding remains a cornerstone
of early infant nutrition and maternal health. However, despite strong public
health recommendations, its adoption remains suboptimal. Data from NFHS-5
indicate that only 43% of infants in India are exclusively breastfed for the
first six months, underscoring the continued need for structured postpartum
lactation support. ¹
Lactation is a complex physiological process
influenced not only by maternal nutritional intake, but also by physical
recovery after childbirth, psychological stress, sleep deprivation, and
hormonal balance. Prolactin and oxytocin play central roles in milk synthesis
and let-down, and their regulation may be affected during the postpartum
period, particularly in the presence of fatigue or emotional distress.
In clinical practice, women frequently report
perceived or actual lactation insufficiency, particularly during the early
weeks after delivery. While breastfeeding counselling, maternal nutrition and
reassurance remain foundational interventions, adjunct supportive strategies
are increasingly being explored to address the multifactorial nature of
lactation challenges.
A multi-component herbal formulation by the
Himalaya Wellness Company, Galactosure,
has been recently developed for postpartum women. It is intended for use in
women with or without lactation insufficiency.
Compared
to major polyherbal galactagogue product sold in the market, Galactosure contains 2X Shatavari
(Asparagus racemosus), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and Saffron (Crocus
sativus), along with supportive botanicals such as Mishreya (Foeniculum
vulgare) and Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum) that are traditionally
associated with lactational support and promoting hormonal balance.
Shatavari is a
natural galactogogue. It has traditionally been used in lactation support
and is believed to influence prolactin pathways. ²
Moringa offers essential nutrients that support maternal energy and
immunity, both of which are important during the postpartum period. It contributes
nutritional value and has been studied for its potential galactogogue
properties. ²˒³
Saffron has been
explored for its potential role in supporting emotional well-being during
the postpartum period, an important but often under-recognized contributor
to lactation outcomes. ⁴
The rationale behind this combination approach
is to address multiple contributors to lactation insufficiency — nutritional,
hormonal, and psychological, rather than focusing on a single pathway.
Preliminary clinical observations
involving 121
postpartum Indian women, demonstrated approximately five-fold
higher breast milk production after one month of follow-up, with
effects sustained up to 90 days. Maintenance of serum prolactin levels was also
observed. No serious or unexpected adverse events were reported.
The formulation is available in granule form
for oral administration, with a recommended intake of 10 grams twice daily,
typically taken with milk. Such regimens are designed to complement, not
replace, established lactation counselling and nutritional interventions.
At the 68th All India Congress of Obstetrics
and Gynaecology (AICOG) 2026, emerging clinical data on this formulation were
presented as part of broader discussions on postpartum lactation and
breastfeeding management. As the field of maternal health evolves, the
integration of safe, evidence-informed adjunct options may offer additional
support for women navigating the physiological and emotional transitions of
early motherhood.