Researchers in Ghana tested whether a special drink made with ginger, millet, and soy could help new mothers produce more breast milk. They gave 75 new moms either the ginger drink, breastfeeding classes, or nothing extra for two weeks. The mothers who drank the ginger mixture produced about 25 mL more breast milk per day and had higher levels of prolactin, the hormone that helps make milk. Both the drink and education helped, but the ginger drink worked best. This simple, affordable solution could help mothers worldwide who worry about not making enough milk for their babies.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a ginger-spiced drink made from millet and soy could help new mothers produce more breast milk
  • Who participated: 75 new mothers in northern Ghana who were divided into three equal groups of 25 women each
  • Key finding: Women who drank the ginger mixture daily produced about 25 mL more breast milk and had significantly higher milk-making hormone levels after two weeks
  • What it means for you: If you’re breastfeeding and worried about milk supply, traditional ingredients like ginger, millet, and soy may help boost production when combined with good breastfeeding education

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered the gold standard for testing whether treatments actually work. The researchers divided 75 new mothers into three groups: one group drank the special ginger mixture daily, another group received breastfeeding education and support, and the third group (the control) received standard care with no extras. The scientists measured how much breast milk each woman could pump and tested their blood for prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, at the start of the study, after one week, and after two weeks.

This type of study design helps prove that any improvements were actually caused by the interventions, not just random chance or other factors. By comparing three different approaches, researchers could see which method worked best for helping mothers produce more milk.

The study used proper randomization and standardized measurement techniques. However, with only 75 participants, it’s a relatively small study. The researchers couldn’t hide which treatment each woman received, which might have influenced results, but they used standardized procedures to minimize bias.

What the Results Show

After two weeks, mothers who drank the ginger-millet-soy mixture showed the biggest improvements. Their daily breast milk volume increased by an average of 24.9 mL compared to the control group, and their prolactin hormone levels went up by 25.0 ng/mL. The breastfeeding education group also improved compared to the control group, but not as much as the drink group. These improvements were statistically significant, meaning they were very unlikely to have happened by chance. The benefits appeared within the first week and continued to grow stronger by the second week.

Both interventions were well-tolerated by the mothers, with no reported side effects from the drink. The ginger mixture was made from locally available, affordable ingredients that mothers were already familiar with culturally. The combination approach of both drink and education wasn’t tested, which could potentially show even greater benefits.

This study adds to growing evidence that certain plant-based foods can help boost milk production. Previous research has suggested that ginger and soy contain natural compounds that may support lactation, but this is one of the first controlled trials to test a specific combination in real-world conditions with measurable outcomes.

The study was relatively small and conducted in one specific region, so results may not apply to all populations. The researchers couldn’t blind participants to which treatment they received, which might have influenced results. The study only lasted two weeks, so we don’t know about longer-term effects or safety.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, new mothers concerned about milk supply might consider incorporating ginger, millet, and soy into their diet, along with seeking proper breastfeeding education and support. However, this should complement, not replace, standard medical care and lactation support.

This is most relevant for breastfeeding mothers who are concerned about low milk supply, especially those in areas where these ingredients are readily available and affordable. Women with food allergies to soy should avoid this approach, and anyone should consult healthcare providers before making significant dietary changes while breastfeeding.

The study showed improvements within one week, with continued benefits at two weeks. However, individual results may vary, and it’s important to maintain realistic expectations while monitoring both mother and baby’s health.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily breast milk volume through pumping sessions and log consumption of galactagogue foods like ginger, noting any changes in milk production over 1-2 week periods
  • Add ginger-containing foods or drinks to daily routine while logging breastfeeding frequency, duration, and any perceived changes in milk supply
  • Monitor weekly trends in milk production alongside dietary intake of traditional galactagogue ingredients, while tracking baby’s weight gain and satisfaction cues

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant before making significant dietary changes while breastfeeding, especially if you have allergies or medical conditions.