Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Barley? Is Barley safe for nursing mother and child? Does Barley extracts into breast milk? Does Barley has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Barley influence milk supply or can Barley decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Answer by DrLact: About Barley usage in lactation

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) contains starch, dietary fiber such as beta-glucan, and the enzyme diastase. Barley is a purported galactogogue and is used by mothers in many cultures to increase their milk supply.[1][2][3][4] Some animal evidence indicates that a polysaccharide in barley can increase serum prolactin.[5][6][7] Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[8] No data exist on the excretion of any components of barley into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of barley in nursing mothers or infants. Barley is safe to be consumed during breastfeeding, except by persons with celiac disease. Allergy to barley occurs rarely. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Barley Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Studies in animals indicate that a polysaccharide found in barley is apparently responsible for an increase in prolactin after beer ingestion.[5][6][7] Refer to the LactMed record on Alcohol for details.

Alternate Drugs

Rhubarb(Low Risk)
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Sage(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Coriander(Safe)
Garlic(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Basil(Unsafe)
Castor(Unsafe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
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Coenzyme Q10(Low Risk)
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Echinacea(Low Risk)
Hops(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Ginger(Safe)
Lecithin(Safe)
Coriander(Safe)
Garlic(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Basil(Unsafe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Garlic(Safe)
Caraway(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Somatropin(Low Risk)
Cumin(Safe)
Sage(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Caraway(Safe)
Castor(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Ginger(Safe)
Coriander(Safe)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Cranberry(Safe)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Caraway(Safe)
Castor(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Ginger(Safe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Cumin(Safe)
Sage(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.