Question About Using Fenugreek

K.,
Good for you for wanting to continue breastfeeding! I had a problem with a decreased milk supply and tried fenugreek but I don't think it really worked by itself. I'd recommend taking Mother's Milk (not the tea) or lactation support. Both of these come in capsule form which I'd recommend b/c it's stronger. I bought lactate support and liked it--costs about $20. You should be able to find either one at a health or whole foods store. Good luck!
J.

Fenugreek smells faintly like maple syrup. My lacatation consultant told me that you know you are taking enough when you can smell it faintly on yourself at the end of the day. Not enough that anyone else can smell it, unless maybe they hug you tightly, just enough that you notice it when you undress.

This worked for me and was about 3 pills 2 times a day (morning and night)

Hope this helps!

Natural Medicinals has a tea called Mother's Milk that I used when I returned to work. I was able to find it at Whole Foods, Central market, Sprouts and sometimes the Signature Kroger. Follow the instructions and drink several cups a day. It made all the difference for me with both kids who nursed until almost 2 years. Happy lactating!

For me I found the best way to ensure an abundant milk supply is drinking lots and lots of water (just water....not juices or sodas but water). I'm nursing my second child (he's 8 months old...I work full time and have to pump during the day while he's at day-care) and notice a significant difference in my supply when I don't drink enough water. Think about how many ounces of milk you're giving your baby each day (ie...6 bottles/5oz each for a total of 30oz)....you need to drink that much water PLUS the recommended daily amount for yourself...it can add up to be a LOT of water. It's worked for both of my kids...I was able to breast-feed my 1st child (working full time) until she was a year. My 2nd child is 8 months and we're still going. Lots of pumping helps too, but I think water has been the real key for me.

The issue still remains that the bets stimulation for your milk supply is nursing (or pumping). Taking the fenugreek will help either maintain your milk supply or increase it - but if you aren't pumping or nursing consistently it will continue to diminish. Try taking your pump to work - lots of moms do it!
There is also a tea called "Mother's Milk" that contains fenugreek and other stimulators that is very effective. Keeping yourself well hydrated also helps.

I had my 3rd daughter 9 months ago, and I was taking Fenugreek to increase my supply. I was taking to 5-7 per day. I don't think that you can take too many.

My lactation nurse told me to take 3--3 times a day when I was struggling. I know the bottle does not state to take that much, but it sure worked.

I recently took Fenugreek and was taking 3 capsules 3 times per day.

I don't remember how much I took but I was going to suggest you contact your local La Leche League. When I had milk supply issues they were very helpful. Just google la leche league.

I usually recommend 2-3 pills 3 times daily with meals. Also remember to drink water to thirst. The Fenugreek will often give moms a maple syrup scent.I have many mom's who also use Blessed Thistle in conjunction with the Fengreek. Both are over the counter herbs known to help increase milk supply.

You may want to try Lactate Support--it has Fenugreek in this pill. You take two capsules. One in the morning and one at night. The only place I could find this product is at Whole Foods. It is costly but well worth the money spent. It cost about $22.00 per bottle.

Hope this helps.

M.

I used Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle with my last 2 newborns (now almost 3 years old and 17 mos.) The Blessed Thistle increased my milk production even more than using the Fenugreek alone.
I took 2-3 tablets of each, 3 times a day with meals.

The lactation consultants at Presby of Plano are really great. I don't have their number anymore, but they are located on the 3rd floor inside "Mother's Gift." They also sell the Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle there.
And , of course pump as much as you can.

Good luck!
C. - Wife to a wonderful husband and stay at home mom to 3 kids (9 years, almost 3 years, and 17 mos)