Fenugreek as a Lactation Booster – or, “What Do I Do with All this Milk?!”Fenugreek is a great natural supplement to help boost low milk supply – it’s a natural herb, it’s pretty easy to find and consume, and it’s a proven winner in helping you produce more milk.Many pediatricians don’t hesitate to recommend this herb if you’re at all concerned that you’re not making enough milk, because it’s relatively safe for both you and your baby. So how do I take fenugreek?Fenugreek is most readily available in capsules; you can usually find these in most health food and vitamin stores (some grocery and big-box stores carry them, but not many).A fellow nursing mom once told me that in order for it to be effective, I would have to “take so much that my pee smells like it.” Gross, but totally true! Many herbal medical resources recommend that nursing mothers take three capsules daily. I’m a fan of taking it slow, so I would suggest starting off by taking one capsule in the morning and another at night for a few days, just to make sure you don’t need more than that or that it doesn’t bother you or your baby (it might give one or both of you gas or diarrhea). But if you aren’t seeing any major differences – either in your bowels or your milk supply – try upping it to two capsules in the morning and two more at night. (I’m petite and this was the amount I was taking; it worked very well for me, and I took it every day with my prenatal vitamins and DHA supplement up until my daughter was 15 months old, with no problems whatsoever. It was totally helpful in helping ensure I was getting enough milk when I was pumping at work.) You should see results pretty rapidly – I suggested this to a friend of mine, and she saw an immediate increase in her milk supply (like, that same day). And of course, make sure you check out my page on low milk supply to see what other remedies are out there – you might be surprised by a few of them! pumping at work .) You should see results pretty rapidly – I suggested this to a friend of mine, and she saw an immediate increase in her milk supply (like, that same day). And of course, make sure you check out my page on low milk supply to see what other remedies are out there – you might be surprised by a few of them! (but make sure you read the next area very carefully!) A few notes of caution…A recent study (www.webmd.com) found that fenugreek was one of a number of natural remedies that may interfere with and/or create severe side effects for patients treating heart disease or taking blood thinners.Also, you should not take it if you are pregnant and/or tandem nursing, as it has the potential to induce labor. (Source: www.homeremediesweb.com) You should definitely talk with your pediatrician or personal physician before taking fenugreek anyways, but take extra precautions if you fall into either of these categories. Return from Fenugreek to Medications and Breastfeeding New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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