Fenugreek

You may have heard of fenugreek as being an herb that will increase your milk supply. Is taking this herb right for you? Here are the pros and cons of taking it:

Pros:

1. Many women do experience a dramatic increase in milk supply when taken correctly.

2. This herb has fewer serious side effects than prescription medications typically recommended for increasing milk supply.

3. You can purchase this herb at many health food store and you do not need a prescription.

4. This herb may help you continue breastfeeding if you were thinking of giving up due to low supply.

5. It is used as a food in Asian and Indian cooking and is on the “Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)” list of the Food and Drug Administration.

6. No negative side effects for babies have been reported.

Cons:

1. You may not need it. Your decreasing supply may be due to a problem your baby is having with getting the milk out of your breast. This could be due to any number of treatable problems such as tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), birth injury, neurological problem, etc.

2. You have to take a large number of pills to meet the dose needed to truly make a difference. If you take it in tea form, you may not like the flavor and you must consume it 2 to 3 times per day to see a measurable difference.

3. Taking too much can cause diarrhea and other intestinal discomforts.

4. Some moms have reported that they notice an odd odor coming from their body while taking this herb. Some describe it as smelling like maple syrup, others feel like they have bad “B-O.”

5. Herbs are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so you cannot be certain you are getting a safe product in the amount listed on the package.

6. It can interact with medications you are taking-this can be very dangerous! Discuss taking this herb with your doctor to determine if it is safe for you to take.

7. It may not be safe for women with nut allergies or asthma.

8. Can cause break through bleeding even if your menstrual cycle hasn’t yet returned.

Fenugreek may be the best option to help you reclaim or increase your milk supply. Discuss taking it with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.