fenugreek???

Question

I was wondering if anyone had used fenugreek to increase millk supply and if so, how well did it work? How much of an increase?

fenugreek is a natural herb used for a digestive and to increase milk supply in nursing mothers

I am currently working and trying to increase my pumping yeild for my twins

Answer 1

What makes you think your supply is low? It's important to note that the feel of the breast, the behavior of your baby, the frequency of nursing, the sensation (or lack of sensation) of let-down, or the amount you pump (man's best imitation of baby) are not valid ways to determine if you have enough milk for your baby.

Is your baby gaining weight OK? Is your baby having plenty of wet and dirty diapers? If you think there is a problem, the FIRST thing that you should do is to look at breastfeeding management before adding anything like an herbal supplement.

Check and make sure baby is latched on properly.

How often is baby nursing? One or both sides? How long?

Can you take "a nursing vacation" this weekend and just spend the weekend in bed with the baby relaxing and nursing lots and lots? Lots of skin to skin contact is good too. This is a great way to boost supply.

If your supply is truely low and doesn't respond to breastfeeding management techniques, then you could consider adding a galactagogue such as fenugreek. You'd want to take 3-4 capsules 3 times per day. (DO NOT TAKE FENUGREEK IF YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS - a peanut allergy, Diabetes or hypoglycemia, asthma, blood pressure problems or heart disease.) If you are taking enough fenugreek, you'll probably start to smell like maple syrup.

Some women find that they respond better if they take fenugreek in combination with blessed thistle and alfalfa.

Answer 2

Yes, works in tablet form. Take 2 with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't take on an empty tummy....makes you nauseous. Plus, get on the pump every hour to hour and a half for 5-10 minutes and the stimulation after 24 hours will increase the supply. The twins are most likely looking for fat in the milk and that is the true key to their stretches between feedings. Everyone's different...one will work for you--peanut butter cookies, avocados, power bars, muffins, etc. Pump some milk and put it in the fridge for 24 hours. See how much fat rises to the top...a good finger print worth is right on track.

Answer 3

I used fenugreek, brewed as a tea. I didn't tolerate the taste very well (very stong!), and went looking for an herbal tea called Mother's Milk. I believe it has fenugreek in it, and is much more palatable. Another very safe way to boost supply is oatmeal. I ate oatmeal every day when my supply got low with my second child and I believe it kept me from having to supplement. But back to your question... the fenugreek.. yeah, it worked for me after about 24 hours of drinking the tea every 6 hours or so. Good luck!

Answer 4

I haven't personally, but I know a lot of women who have. It doesn't *always* work, but it does for most women--*if* they are also nursing enough. Pumping is second-best (if you can't nurse yet), but you have to pump even more frequently because pumping is less effective than nursing. If you are nursing, you need to be sure to nurse at least 10-12 times in 24 hours to increase your milk supply. Pumping, I would guess at least 12 times in 24 hours.

In addition, you should be using the most effective pump available--a hospital-grade rental pump that allows you to pump both breasts at the same time. You will not only spend half as long pumping, most women will actually get more milk that way.

Answer 5

I used a Fenugreek tincture (from WishGarden Herbs out of Boulder, Colorado) and honestly, I found that dark beers worked better. I'm not a drinker, by any means but dark ale beer was my answer. It honestly varies per individual.

mb