Fenugreek

[Mummato2]

Hi Ladies,

A couple of weeks ago I had major issues with my reflux DD taking preference to bottles because that's what I put her medicine in.

She ended up having a major reaction to the Infant Gaviscon, we are now using organic rice cereal (I should have thought about this first!)

I have removed bottles and found my supply had hit rock bottom because of all the refusal and comping with bottles.

I bought the medela swing and for the last week and a bit have been pumping after every BF'ing attempt.....

As of the day before yesterday, DD took my boobs all day and all night with the exception of 1 bottle at bedtime because by evening my supply was non-existent.

I bought some fenugreek caps (natures own 1000mg) and started them yesterday...would you believe that last night I pumped 50mls in 15 minutes vs 10 mls in 30 minutes?

As soon as I can get to 100mls expressed, I'll get rid of that bedtime bottle, but I have a question (sorry for the long winded intro )

Is the fenugreek going to have any effects on myself or bub if used long term?

Is my milk going to drop as soon as I stop taking it?

I should also say I suffer from PCOS with severe insulin resistance but because I want to extend feed my DD I am not on metformin, so I expected some issues with milk.

Thanks as always for your help xxx

[Mad Scientist]

Hi there,
I was on the max dose of fenugreek (2 capsules three times daily) for about three months and was really worried abouT the whole long term thing. My mw said there was nothing wrong with taking it long term and it doesn't affect bub at all. like you I couldn't believe the difference when I started taking it. It was like my milk had come in again. My mw wanted to see if I could sustain my supply without the fenugreek so I dropped to half a dose and my milk quickly disappeared. I was also told that fenugreek can lower blood sugar levels (not sure if that is relevant but I found it interesting as I had GD). Good luck with getting your supply up. Sounds like what you are doing is working! x

[chrysalis]

I took it for a while and no issues to speak of for me, however some report bubs can get v gassy which is often evidenced in greener than average explosive poo and obvious discomfort between feeds..all you can do is keep an eye on it and see if that happens to the two of you!
I came off it recently and have not seen drop in supply however my daughter (also around 14 weeks old!) it could be different for everyone!
Also highly recommend blessed thistle to boost supply, not one to be taking forever but it can be helpful to get your supply going.
There is a supplement by Herbs of Gold brand called breastfeeding support containing both, yellow and blue label on white plastic bottle from your health food shop, however a bit more exxy than just fenugreek.
You can also get blessed thistle separately from vitamin shops, it comes in a brown container white lid, natures way or something like that!
Good luck!