Is it really possible to increase the amount of milk we produce with a drug?

Yes, it is indeed possible to increase milk production with 2 "galactologic" drugs : domperidone and metoclopramide. Domperidone is the medication that is generally used, because it does not have the undesirable effects on the breastfed child that metoclopramide can have (on the central nervous system). Both would be equally effective. In the mother, the side effects are about the same; headaches and diarrhea, but are not frequent.

There are also non-pharmacological ways to try to optimize milk production: 1. Avoid taking medications without asking the pharmacist if they are acceptable while breastfeeding (for example, "Tylenol Cold and Sinus" contains a decongestant that can interfere with milk production)

2. Frequent emptying of the breasts (at least 6 times a day, ideally with regular hours)

3. Express milk close to the baby and encourage skin-to-skin contact (physical contact with the child increases the levels of lactogenic hormones)

4. When pumping milk, use breast pumps (mechanical pumping), but also manual stimulation of the breasts (stimulation of the nipple would also have a beneficial effect)

5. Attempt to get at least one block of 5 or 6 consecutive hours of sleep per day

6. Do the pumping in a relaxing environment. It doesn't have to be a stressful and unpleasant time, so playing music, reading, meditating, using the computer are all relaxing activities that can be done at the same time.

Reference: UpToDate