Fenugreek: Myth or Miracle??

I have to admit, up until very recently I was staunchly against use of herbal supplements to increase milk production. Then a trifecta of change hit: I wasn't able to pump as often, I got sick and my son decided he didn't want to eat solids as much. The net result? A hit on my milk supply and lowered production. It was bad, and I became extremely concerned I was drying up and the end was near. 


SO ... I decided to reconsider Fenugreek. After much belabored research, I took a chance on the maple-syrupy herbal supplement, and held my breath.


The result? A noticeable increase in my milk production. Yes - noticeable! Dramatic, no, but it brought me back up to normal (where I had been down by nearly 50%). Of course, I have to mention this was MY experience and yours may differ, but I can say with confidence it is worth the effort if you are desperate.


Side effects include maple syrup smelling BO. Seriously, not to get too personal (though I think we crossed that line long ago), but my armpits smelled like maple syrup. It's crazy. That's it though ... no aftertaste or burping, no weirdness. There are blood-sugar level effects, but nothing that I noticed. Then again, I'm not diabetic, so be sure to do the proper research before taking the plunge.


Some links as you start your research:


Fenugreek - An Herb to Increase Milk Supply 
What is the most important information I should know about fenugreek?
All About Fenugreek
Fenugreek: One Remedy for Low Milk Production
Fenugreek: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings


Good luck, moms.

How Do I Increase and Sustain My Milk Supply?

What can you do to sustain your milk and even increase your supply?

• keep WELL hydrated! this is oftentimes the cause for a decrease in production for me
• pump often - figure out your schedule to keep the appropriate amount of milk on hand and stick to it
• pump longer in the morning, when your production is at its peak
• use compression methods while you pump (see previous post for "hands-on pumping" video)
• relax! stress is the other factor that leads to decreased production for me

I can't recommend Mother's Milk tea or other herbal remedies because I haven't used them. I would advise exhausting all other options before introducing any supplements.

Maximize Your Milk Production with Hands-On Pumping

This video demonstrates how Expressive Moms can maximize milk production by using compression. No herbal supplements or medications required!

http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html