I'm taking Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle to increase milk supply?

Question

If after taking 3 of each 3x daily for the last 3 days I havn't noticed an increase in supply and I don't smell like maple syrup yet, can I take 4 of each 3x a day? I had read that when you find the correct dose your urine and sweat will smell like maple syrup and mine doesn't, so I'm thinking I might need a higher dose. Everything I've read says to take 3 of each 3x a day though. Is it safe to take more or do I need to wait longer to see results? I thought you were supposed to notice an increase within 48 hrs. of taking the pills. Has anyone NOT had success with taking these supplements? Besides taking the pills I am also pumping every 2 hours, eating oatmeal every day, drinking plenty of clear fluids, getting as much sleep as I possibly can, taking my prenatel, and drinking 1 beer per night. Any other suggestions for increasing supply?

Answer 1

3-4 capsules is the typical dosage. Go ahead and up it to 4 capsules each, 3x per day. If that doesn't work, consider adding alfalfa to your herbal regiment in the same dosage.

Are you only pumping or are you nursing and pumping? What kind of pump are you using?

While drinking a beer while nursing is OK if you time it right, it could actually be HARMING your letdown or your production - see the following -

Alcohol does not increase milk production. In fact, babies nurse more frequently but take in less milk in the 3-4 hours after mom has had a drink, and one study showed a 23% decrease in milk volume with one drink (Mennella & Beauchamp 1991, 1993; Mennella 1997, 1999).
http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/alcohol.html

Any hidden supply hinderences? Hormonal birth control? Has your period recently returned? Been taking decongestants lately?
http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/hindrances.html

Answer 2

This is a bunch of mumbo jumbo and not safe for your infant since the baby is also taking these two clinically unproven herbs. Your baby is also getting the effects of the 1 beer you are drinking. I really think you would do better by upping your caloric intake than trying these unproven methods.

This link will tell you that you need an extra 500 calories a day to help with milk production. There are some really goods tips in the article too. http://www.babycareadvice.com/babycare/general_help/article.php?id=4

The problem with taking herbal remedies is that they are not tested to make certain that you are receiving the same strength and may not be the same strength as the ones the person suggested in what you read took, and this could be the reason why you are not smelling the maple syrup smell you were describing. The strength of most herbal medications are guesstamated.

Answer 3

The one thing that I know that is proven to increase your milk supply you don't even mention. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will make. Pumping is not as efficient at emptying your breast as your baby is. The thing with taking herbal supplements is there really are little to no federal guidelines governing the marketing of these supplements. Pretty much they can tell you anything they want about the success of using their supplements but don't have to back any of it up with any proof. Getting adequate sleep, drinking plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages, and eating right are all good things to do. You do not mention how old your baby is, but if he/she is less than 3 months it is quite common for your milk supply to fluctuate as both you and your baby adjust to the changing needs of your baby.

Answer 4

Oh Man I had to take the same junk lol It didn't work for me and I smelt like wildlife! Every time you pee or go to breastfeed or anything that has to do with bodily fluids STINKS LIKE PINE TREE lol that's when I gave up breast feeding and the other thing I noticed is while i was breastfeeding my daughter and take those herbs she as well started to smell like a pine tree lol it was pretty yuck. And I would Lay Off the Beer even if it's one Cause that will Deffenitly pass on to your baby Try hot showers or taking two diapers and soaking them in HOT water and then laying them on your chest about 45-30 mins before you feed it worked for me you can feel the breast drop

Answer 5

In southern part of India people feed on dry fish along with rice curry for hearty meal and it will give good results. so remarkable that you will add dry fish in your daily meal. of course your hus band must bear with bad odour of the dry fish. once your start taking the cooked dry fish in meals at regular intervals along with lot of greens and spinach.