Many moms buy Fenugreek at a local health food or grocery store in brands that are not stored or bottled in the best way to keep them at full potency. Also, shelf life factors into this so buying from a store that doesn't cater to the largest market for Fenugreek, nursing mothers, will not have the best turn-around. It is always a good practice to check the expiration date on any herb before using. Fenugreek capsules work best when taken in a quality brand like Nature's Herbs or Nature's Way Fenugreek and in the appropriate dosage or combination. The correct dosage is essential. If you are under 150 lbs, start with three capsules, three times daily. Yes, that is nine capsules per day. Possible side effects of fenugreek for mom are loose stools and you may smell like maple, but who cares if you are taking this short term for a boost and the result is more milk! If you stools are not loose or you are over 150 lbs, you can take up to 5 capsules three times daily. This dosage is for Nature's Herbs as it is 620 mg per capsule. Some brands only contain 500 mg. You should see more milk in 48-72 hours. Always finish the bottle which is about a 10 day supply. Don't save it for later as once you open the bottle, it begins to loose freshness. If you are still not getting a result, combine Fenugreek with Blessed Thistle. Take 3 Fenugreek + 2 Blessed Thistle three times daily. You can also use Alfalfa instead of Blessed Thistle.
Dr. Jack Newman, a lactation specialist at the International Breastfeeding Center in Toronto, writes about the effectiveness of blessed thistle and fenugreek when used together: “These two herbs seem to increase milk supply and increase the rate of milk flow.” He adds that their effects are additive: “Fenugreek and blessed thistle seem to work better if you take both, not just one or the other”. Dr. Newman notes that mothers generally notice an increase in milk production within 24-72 hours after starting the herbs. The only problem is that the number of capsules taken can be daunting to new mothers. We recommend St Francis Fenugreek Blessed Thistle which are a high potency blend of fenugreek and blessed thistle in the appropriate dosage with only one capsule taken twice daily!
What about Fenugreek drinks? Fenugreek Tea such as Mother's Milk Tea, Earth Mama Angel Baby Milkmaid Tea tea bags should be steeped for about 15 minutes to get the full amount of herb available. It is more difficult to tell how much you taking so I only recommend using tea bags as a supplement to the capsules or for long-term intermittent use and not for a quick three day boost.
The best way to get the correct herbal dosage is either a capsule with a single herb such as fenugeek or a single serve kcup lactation tea that serves the same amount of herbs every time. Anna Naturals Nursing Mama Tea comes in single serve cup for kcup compatible brewers and is the best-tasting of all the herbal lactation teas we have found other than Milkmaker's Tea. Anna's lactation tea cup works in Keurig and other k cup style brewers. Drink 3 cups daily for best results or use as a supplement in taking with Fenugreek or Blessed Thistle capsules if drinking sporadically.
Remember, milk supply is usually a supply and demand issue. Baby is not nursing frequently enough or emptying the breast well enough or you are not pumping for a full 15 minutes or every 3 hours while at work. Another reason for low supply could be missing out on growth spurts. If you miss a growth spurt, add 3 extra nursing or 10-15 minute double pumping sessions with a quality double breast pump in each day for five days in a row to make up for the missed stimulation. This simulates a growth spurt and studies show this extra hour of stimulation per day. If you pump frequently, make sure to replace valves and backflow protectors frequently to ensure your pump is functioning optimally to maintain a healthy milks supply.
Some moms should not take Fenugreek. If you are allergic to chickpeas, peanuts or other legumes do not take. If you have low blood pressure or low blood sugar, this may be affected with Fenugreek. If you have low potassium or asthma, Fenugreek may affect these conditions as well. Also, if you have any bleeding disorders, Fenugreek can work as an anticoagulant so would have an adverse effect. If you could be pregnant, it should not be taken during pregnancy. The good news is that there are great alternatives that will boost supply in most moms from companies like Legendairy Milk and Motherlove. The most popular in these brands are the Legendairy Milk Lactation Support Bundle, Legendairy Milk Cash Cow and Motherlove More Milk Plus.
In addition to everything else you are doing, make sure you are drinking to thirst and make your snacks count. It never hurts to eat a lactation cookie instead of donuts for breakfast or candy for a snack.
While fenugreek alone may not increase milk supply, fenugreek and blessed thistle are a great lactation supplement when taken correctly. And for those with medical contraindications or allergies, other great lactation supplements are readily available.
Best wishes for a healthy milk supply!
Tanya
