experience with fenugreek??

erdonaldson0730

I have just started back to work as a substitute teacher and am not able to pump as often as I normally would and I've noticed a drop in my supply! Doctor suggested fenugreek...anyone try it before?

mavs41

Yep!  It works for some, not for others.  I don't think it helped me, but I'm having a dip so I just started taking it again.  They say you smell like syrup if it's working...I never smelled.

BakerMommy

I did with DD1 with meh results. I had better results with Go Lacta, More Milk Plus, and Lactation cookies [homemade and Milkmakers brand]. My lactation consultant doesn't recommend fenugreek because it can have several side effects.

ETA because mobile ate the dashes in my link, here's the article:

Foods or medications that help increase milk supply are called galactagogues. Fenugreek is probably one of the best known herbal galactagogues used by breastfeeding moms. Drs. regularly recommend it to their patients. Moms recommend it to other moms. Doulas suggest it to their clients. It is easy to find, inexpensive and often helpful. It doesnt require a prescription and there are usually no warnings on the bottle. Even so, I rarely recommend it in my practice. Uncomfortable side effects are common; and, for some mothers, fenugreek can be downright dangerous.

Fenugreek does often help increase milk production. It also seems to increase fluid production in the body in general. Because of this, mothers taking fenugreek may notice an increase in sweat production along with milk! Another common side effect is loose stools. Some postpartum moms would welcome this side effect, but not all. If you happen to have any digestive problems already, such as IBS, fenugreek could make you quite sick.

Your babys digestion could also be affected by fenugreek. I have seen many babies who were terribly uncomfortable with gas, green superfrequent stools and bright red bottoms who cleared up immediately after their moms stopped taking fenugreek.

And theres more

Do you have asthma? Fenugreek could make your symptoms worse.

Are you allergic to peanuts or garbanzo beans? Fenugreek is related to both. If you have any food allergies, it may be best to stay away from fenugreek. If you have a peanut or garbanzo bean allergy, definitely avoid this herb.

Do you have diabetes or hypoglycemia? Fenugreek can impact insulin and blood sugar. No fenugreek for you!

Are you hypoor hyperthyroid? Fenugreek can impact the thyroid so stay clear.

Are you pregnant? Fenugreek should not be used in pregnancy.

Can you see why fenugreek is not my favorite galactagogue?

If you have concerns about low milk supply, please do not immediately run to the drug store for a bottle of fenugreek. Instead, consult with a knowledgable lactation consultant about your breastfeeding challenges. She will help you determine the reason for the supply problem and develop a plan to increase milk production. The plan may include a galactagogue or a combination of galactagogues. An expert LC can help you decide which ones are appropriate for you and your baby.

Please note: Fenugreek is an ingredient in many lactationsupport supplements that include a variety of herbs. It is also common in commercially made teas , cold drinks and cookies that are marketed to help with milk supply. Be sure to read the ingredient list carefully before taking any supplement for lactation!

Eastie156

I used it for about two months. It helped increase my supply from 1.5 oz a pump session to over 3 oz. Not a lot anyway you look at it, but it did help. I definitely smelled like maple syrup.

willy_gert

I used it for a month and I don't think it really worked for me.  Like PP said you are supposed to smell like maple syrup and I never did.  I was taking 3500+ mg a day.  I feel that I got better results from lactation cookies, so that is what I am going to do now that I seem to be having a supply drop.  GL!  I hope you find what works best for you!

Nita2603

I am allergic to nuts and have Crohn's. fenugreek made me so sick, I can barely describe it. One of the reasons why ds1 did not get breastmilk. Made my Crohn's flare and boy did we have fun with that.

Blessed thistle is supposed to work too and less difficult to deal with.
Also, oats, flax and brewers yeast. Make oatmeal or cookies.

Good luck.

kbbgg

Totally worked for me. I take four 610mg capsules three times a day.
It took about five days to notice the difference. My LC suggested taking it with Blessed Thistle, apparently they complement each other.
My pee totally smells like maple syrup but it took a few days to notice.
I also started drinking over a gallon of water a day and I make sure to snack every couple hours. For me, all these things working together boosted my supply like whoa.

Edit: LC said for it to work you need to be emptying your tits completely every three hours or so.

teacherjess

I can barely pump at work (I teach) and my supply is almost completely gone. I tried Fenugreek and it did nothing for me. I was on domperidone for three months before going back to work and it's all that worked for me.