Should You Use Reglan to Increase Milk Supply?

If you’re struggling with milk supply and feeling like you’ve tried everything, you might be wondering if medication could help. And if you've been down the Google rabbit hole, chances are you’ve come across Reglan (metoclopramide) as a possible solution to your milk supply problems.

As an IBCLC and a mom who’s experienced the emotional rollercoaster of low milk supply, I understand the desperation—I really do. I've also worked with many clients who’ve asked, "Should I take Reglan to increase my milk supply?" So today, I want to share my honest, evidence-informed perspective—along with a recent experience that reminded me why this decision must be approached with a lot of caution and care.

Need help with milk supply? Here are two resources you might want to consider

• Grab my guide, The Low Supply Fix, to help you navigate supply issues with clarity and get to the root cause (and solution) more quickly

• Book a 1:1 consult with me or a member of my team. We specialize in milk supply and can help guide you through this often complex journey. Many of our clients can use insurance to cover the cost of the visit!

What is Reglan, and Why is it Used for Milk Supply?

Reglan is a medication typically used for gastrointestinal issues like reflux or delayed stomach emptying. Off-label uses for it include potentially increasing levels of prolactin, the hormone that plays a big role in milk production. In some cases, Reglan can lead to a noticeable increase in supply, especially in the early postpartum period.

While this sounds amazing, it’s not a magic fix, and it comes with some serious caveats. I actually rarely recommend it because of the issues I see with this medication that are rarely disclosed to moms before they start it.

My Professional Experience with Reglan

Over the years, I’ve seen Reglan used in different scenarios, usually when a mom struggles despite doing everything “right.” Occasionally, it’s been helpful. But more often than not, I’ve seen either minimal benefit or unwanted side effects, especially emotional ones.

In particular, I recently worked with a client who was prescribed Reglan a few months postpartum. She was pumping around the clock, using all the tools we’d discussed, but still hope to be able to get a few more ounces. She reached out to her doctor who prescribed Reglan and assured her that if it worked, her supply would remain high.

Within a week, her supply had slightly improved - but not dramatically. However, it was enough for her. Her doctor recommended a 14-day course (which isn’t abnormal for Reglan - it really isn’t designed for long-term use), and as soon as she started weaning down, her supply dropped further below what it was before. Not only that, she experienced some intense nausea. She went back on it a week or so later, and the same thing happened.

It is not uncommon to see a rebound drop in supply when you stop Reglan. It can be due to the fact that your dopamine levels (which are decreased with the Reglan) suddenly rebound, and it results in imbalances that end up decreasing supply. This is one of the reasons I caution against using it, because the results typically aren’t long-lasting, and you can experience a drop afterward, which is devastating for someone already struggling with supply. There are some situations where it may be longer lasting (such as in the very early postpartum days, if it’s able to “turn on” more prolactin receptors), but for most, it’s not idea.

I also have had several clients who have used Reglan in the past, and it led to severe mental health side effects. This is a known side-effect of Reglan, and it’s honestly one of the biggest reasons I don’t recommend its use. You are already in a very emotional state postpartum, and no one needs something to push them into postpartum depression or even psychosis.

What the Research Says

Research is limited, but it does show that Reglan can increase prolactin and potentially milk production - but the results are mixed, and the improvements are often small or short-lived. There is no established recommendation for dosage either, which is problematic. It’s typically most effective in the first few weeks postpartum, when prolactin sensitivity is still high.

As I mentioned, it’s side effects are where things get sticky. Reglan crosses the blood-brain barrier, which means it affects dopamine, and that can lead to depression, anxiety, and even more serious symptoms like suicidal thoughts in rare cases.

For moms who are already navigating postpartum hormone shifts, sleep deprivation, and high stress? That’s a risk worth pausing to seriously consider.

My Personal Take as a Mom and IBCLC

I’ve never personally taken Reglan for milk supply, but I have been given it while I was in the ER a few times for digestive problems. It was the WORST experience. I can’t explain it other than feeling like I had an out of body experience. I was super out of it and felt a little crazy. I even put it on my list of medications I’m allergic too because my reaction was so intense.

With that said, I’ve sat across from enough moms who have tried it to to say this: it should never be step one. It’s not a “just try it and see” kind of option. It should only be used after a full supply assessment and only when the potential benefits truly outweigh the risks.

So… Should You Try Reglan?

Here’s what I recommend:

• Pause and ask: Have I ruled out the common causes of low supply first?

• Assess your mental health: If you have a history of mood disorders (including postpartum depression or anxiety), talk openly with your provider about whether Reglan is safe for you.

• Track your progress: If you do take Reglan, closely monitor your emotions and any changes in your supply. Keep a log—and loop in your IBCLC.

Know there are options: Reglan isn’t the only tool available. Sometimes addressing milk removal techniques, doing suck training, or working on latching can move the needle more effectively and more sustainably than medication ever could. Domperidone is another medicinal option that is available, though it’s not FDA-approved or available in the United States. In most other countries, it can be easily obtained.

The Bottom Line

There’s no shame in wanting to do everything to feed your baby your milk. But not every tool is right for every mom. Reglan might help - but it’s not a miracle drug, and for some moms, it can cause more emotional distress than supply gain.

If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or need help figuring out the next step, I’d love to support you. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Want help creating a supply plan that actually works for your body?
Check out The Milk Supply Fix or Book a Consult with my team - we work with many insurance companiesBook a Consult!