What does "galactagogue" refer to?

The term "galactagogue" specifically refers to a substance that promotes lactation, which means it encourages the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. These substances can include certain foods, herbs, or medications that have been shown to enhance milk supply.

Understanding this concept is crucial for midwives and healthcare providers who support breastfeeding mothers; knowing which foods or supplements might benefit lactation can help address concerns about insufficient milk supply.

In contrast, the other options do not describe the function of a galactagogue. A method of breastfeeding is more about the technique used to breastfeed rather than a substance that promotes milk production. A device for milk extraction refers to tools like breast pumps, which help to collect milk but do not inherently increase lactation. A measure of milk production is related to assessing how much milk is being produced but does not involve promoting lactation itself.