Using Fenugreek to increase breastmilk supply.

At the beginning of the month I wrote a blog called Don’t take two about my experience with using fenugreek to boost my milk supply. Since then I  received an email from one member who wished she had known about fenugreek earlier and a comment on the blog from another member requesting that I write advice about Fenugreek.

 
Before writing advice on Fenugreek I decided to do a little research on possible side effects. First I checked with the friend who told me about Fenugreek. No her lactation consultant hadn’t mentioned any side effects when she recommended Fenugreek. Then I googled and came across a very interesting article on Herbs and breastfeeding. So I began to wonder if my daughter’s gastro (by 6:30 pm I had changed 10 dirty nappies and two wet ones – and this was day 10) was actually a reaction to the fenugreek I was taking. I stopped taking the tablets for a few days and her tummy at last appears to have settled, but then if it was gastro that could have run it’s course by now anyway. But  back to the subject…

 Fenugreek is a herb sometimes taken by breastfeeding women to boost supply. It is available in capsule form in health-food shops. It can also be taken in as a tea, but is quite bitter. I bought Naturesown brand 1000mg tablets. The packet does not mention using it to boost milk supply. It says that it is used for

 

• relieving irritation associated with mucus congestion
• symptomatic relief of a sore throat
• assisting to relieve mild upper respiratory  tract complaints.

 

The recommended dosage on the packet is 1 tablet 3 times a day. That is the same dosage as recommended in one of the articles I read about using it to boost milk supply. I would actually be hesitant in starting at that dosage. At the most I would start with one tablet twice a day. I really don’t recommend taking two tablets at one. For me that resulted in sore swollen boobs.

From what I read fenugreek can cause problems for people with diabetes and asthma so if you have either of those conditions you may like to talk to your doctor first. Also be aware that fenugreek is related to the peanut plant.

For more information on using Fenugreek to boost breast milk supply check out this article – all about Fenugreek. I also suggest reading this article on  herbs and breast feeding as it contains valuable information on possible side effects with fenugreek and other herbs. You may also like to check with your doctor or pharmacist to decide if fenugreek is the right thing for you.

 I would love to hear of other womens experience with taking Fenugreek. It has helped me to keep breast feeding. I am not sure if it caused my daughters tummy upset. If I have supply problems again I will probably try it again and see if it causes any problems.