Is Fenugreek safe and does it really work?

Question

I have a 3-month-old girl and I am nursing. I am a little concerned about my milk since I returned to work and started to pump. I was advised to use Fenufreeek. I did not get a chance to ask my doctor yet. Is it really safe for infants? Does it really make you produce more milk? Does it have any side affects for the baby?

If it is safe how many pills a day should I take?

Answer 1

Fenugreek is considered safe *except* if the mother has diabetes (it's actually *good* for diabetics, but you need to coordinate with your own doctor) or asthma. There are rare cases of allergy in either mother or baby. For this reason, I usually suggest the following...

Start by taking 1 capsule 3 times a day for 3-4 days, then increase to 2 capsules 3 times a day. Continue increasing this way until you are taking an effective dose for you (usually between 2 and 4 capsules per dose). You will recognize this when your urine and sweat have a maple-syrup smell. If you notice a difference in baby's health or behavior, stop taking it. (Some women add blessed thistle, too--same number of capsules per dose each time. But fenugreek works by itself, too, and adding in the second herb doubles the chance for side effects.) There was *one* case found of a premature baby having bleeding in the digestive system (if you notice blood in the bowel movements, it is usually a sign of allergy); it is on the GRAS list in the US (Generally Recognized As Safe).

It is *usually* effective for increasing your milk supply *if* you take the proper dosage. Fenugreek is the only herb that has any scientific research showing its effectiveness. Pay attention for that smell!!

However, it will only work if you are also nursing (or pumping) frequently--usually at least 10-12 times in 24 hours. And usually nursing that often will increase your supply without the fenugreek.

And, before you start using it, seriously consider whether you really need it. If you are both pumping and nursing, it is *normal* to not be able to pump enough for a feeding. Most women need to pump 3 times to get enough milk for 2 feedings. Increasing your milk supply won't help if that's not the problem! Try adding an extra pumping instead, preferably once early in the morning, right before the first time you nurse your daughter.

Answer 2

Is Fenugreek Safe

Answer 3

I have heard that fenugreek should be combined with blessed thistle to be effective. I did a search on Dr Jack Newman's website (he is a pediatrician that specializes in breastfeeding). Here's what I came up with : (note : Galactogogue is a term for something that bosts the supply of milk) Also, do remember that the more the breast empties fully, the faster it can fill up next time. Putting baby to breast is always the fastest and most effective way to build milk supply. Good luck!
-----

It is quite possible that herbal remedies help increase milk supply. Almost every culture has some sort of herb or plant or potion to increase milk supply. Some of these herbs may work, some may have active ingredients that may not. Note that even herbs can have side effects, even serious ones. Natural source drugs are still drugs, and there is no such thing as a 100% safe drug. Luckily, as with most drugs, the baby will get only a tiny percentage of the mother’s dose. The baby is thus extremely unlikely to have any side effects at all from the herbs. Two herbal treatments that seem to increase the milk supply are fenugreek and blessed thistle, in the following dosages:

Fenugreek: 3 capsules 3 times a day
Blessed thistle: 3 capsules 3 times a day, or 20 drops of the tincture 3 times a day

If you are taking enough Fenugreek then you should be able to smell it on your skin.

There are many other herbs which are thought to be good galactogogues—some work well for others where another one may not. Alfalfa, spirulina, nettle, fennel, are just a few of the many out there. Also, some mother’s milk teas may also be helpful. Oatmeal in any form may also be a helpful galactogogues and many cultures have their own foods that they rely on for increasing milk supply.

GALACTOGUES: DOMPERIDONE
Domperidone (Motilium™) is a drug that has, as a side effect, the increasing of milk production, probably by increasing prolactin production by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates the cells in the mother's breast to produce milk. Domperidone is generally used for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and has not been released for use as a stimulant for milk production. This does not mean that it cannot be prescribed for this reason, but rather that the manufacturer does not back its use for increasing milk production. However, there are several studies that show that it works to increase milk production and that it is safe. Domperidone is not in the same family of medication as cisapride. Domperidone has many fewer side effects, than other medications prescribed for the same use, because it does not enter the brain tissue in significant amounts (does not pass the blood-brain barrier).

When is it appropriate to use Domperidone?
Domperidone must never be used as the first approach to correcting breastfeeding difficulties. Domperidone is not a cure for all things. It must not be used unless all other factors that may result in insufficient milk supply have been dealt with first.

How to Take Domperidone
Domperidone 10 mg (trade name: Motilium)

Starting Dose: 30 mg TID (3 tablets 3x/day)
Instructions: Take for 1 month or longer (until milk supply has sufficiently increased and been maintained for at least 2 weeks)
Stopping the Medication: Wean down slowly: drop 1 tablet per day, wait 4-5 days, if there has been no change in supply, drop 1 more tablet, wait 4-5 days, keep repeating. IF there has been a change, go back up to the dose that worked and stay there for at least 2 weeks before beginning to wean off the medication again.
Increasing the dose: Domperidone may be increased to 4 tablets 3x/day or 4 tablets x/day.
Please note: In most countries, Domperidone must be prescribed by a physician, though, for example, it is available over the counter in Great Britain.

Answer 4

Well, do you actually know that you have a problem?

I made it nursing a year with each of my girls, and I never had to use fenugreek. I think we all worry about supply when we go back to work. But if you stay hydrated and take your time, it usually works out OK. If you aren't currently experiencing a problem, don't take anything.

If you really aren't making enough, then fenugreek really does work to help increase your supply. You can find instructions on using it at www.babycenter.com. (Type in "fenugreek.")

I didn't use it, but two close friends did, and it got them through patches of low supply.

You have to take enough so that you smell like maple syrup. If you don't smell, you aren't getting enough. And you have to nurse or pump like crazy while you're taking it, or it doesn't do anything.

There probably aren't any good medical studies on the safety of fenugreek, but lots of good, reputable nursing organizations recommend it, so I'd feel pretty comfortable using the stuff if I had a need.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is Fenugreek safe and does it really work?
I have a 3-month-old girl and I am nursing. I am a little concerned about my milk since I returned to work and started to pump. I was advised to use Fenufreeek. I did not get a chance to ask my doctor yet. Is it really safe for infants? Does it really make you produce more milk? Does it have any...

Answer 6

While I was breastfeeding I used a supplement called Mami's Lact that I purchased from www.Global Pharmedica.com that has Fenugreek, Vitamin D, Calcium and Niacin that promotes milk supply. I used this supplement for two days and doubled my milk supply! Not only that but after the fourth day my milk supply quadrupled and I had to actually start freezing my milk because I was making so much which as a mom was the greatest feeling! So I highly recommend Mami's Lact for replenishing your milk supply.

Answer 7

What Does Fenugreek Do