Fenugreek for Increasing Breast Milk Supply

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a member of the pea family. Fenugreek seeds have been used as a medicinal herb since at least 1500 B.C. Fenugreek is a rich source of at least 12 phytochemicals, as well as several vitamins and minerals. It has been used since ancient times to support lactation, and is fairly well known among family doctors and lactation consultants as a galactogogue (an herb that can be used to increase the supply of breast milk in nursing mothers). Some mothers notice an increase in breast milk supply within 24 hours after starting to take fenugreek, while others find that it takes up to two weeks to notice a difference.

Using Fenugreek to Improve Breast Milk Supply

Method

• Drink fenugreek as a tea.
• Fenugreek seeds can be sprouted and eaten. It takes about five days for a fenugreek seed to sprout.
• Take fenugreek capsules, tablets, or extracts (these can be found in a health food store). Follow the directions on the container.
• The correct dosage of fenugreek for each woman may vary. The guideline given by most lactation consultants is to increase the dose until your sweat and urine begin to smell like maple syrup.

Why It Works

Fenugreek is rich in phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals, and may improve milk supply by improving the nutritional status of nursing mothers. However, some lactation consultants speculate that fenugreek’s phytochemicals make the body’s glands, including the sweat glands as well as the breasts, work more efficiently.

Precautions

Some lactation consultants recommend that women try to find the freshest fenugreek that they can, as fresher fenugreek works better for increasing milk supply. Once the milk supply is well established, most women find that they can taper down the dose of fenugreek, but it is also generally considered safe for long term use. However, if the milk supply increases too much, the baby may start to get too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk. Babies who drink too much foremilk can become fussy, gassy, and may have watery green bowel movements.

In some people, fenugreek can cause gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. It also can cause mother and child to smell like maple syrup.

Fenugreek is a member of the same family as peanuts and chickpeas, and should be avoided by women who have an allergy to those plants. Fenugreek can also reduce blood sugar and cholesterol, and should be used with caution by women who are diabetic or who have hypoglycemia. It may interact with certain kinds of drugs -- check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking a prescription drug. In addition, some women with asthma find that fenugreek makes their asthma worse.

Fenugreek should be avoided during pregnancy, because in large doses, it can stimulate uterine contractions. The small amount of fenugreek used in curries, however, does not pose a risk to pregnant women.

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