Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND. Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
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If you suspect that you aren’t producing enough milk for your child, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking a fenugreek supplement! This unique herb that may give your body a boost when it comes to increasing your lactation levels. While its efficacy is still up for debate, there’s some strong evidence that fenugreek will work. Multiple studies have found that fenugreek was more effective than a placebo when it comes to the production of breast milk.[1]
Steps
Check if you are producing enough milk. The majority of women do produce enough for their babies. Breastfeeding and the way it feels can change throughout the time you nurse your baby. You may think that your supply is low, but typically you’re just responding to some of the changes your body goes through as it becomes more used to breastfeeding. If you leaked a lot of milk in the beginning and now do not -- this is not decreased milk supply, it’s just your body regulating the amount of milk it is making to the appropriate level for your baby.
Keep track of your baby’s weight. This is the best and easiest way to tell if your infant needs you to produce more milk. Babies typically weigh an ounce more each day from birth to three months (after the weight drop following birth) and then about a half ounce each day from 3-6 months. If babies weigh within a normal range, eat well, and appear healthy and happy, you are probably fine. [2]Advertisement
Ask your pediatrician. Mothers produce different amounts of milk, but almost always enough for a single baby. Typically your milk supply will regulate itself after a few weeks following your baby's birth, producing enough for your child. but sometimes that doesn't happen. You also might experience decreased milk production once you start back to work and have to start pumping.
Talk to a lactation consultant early on if you have twins or triplets. Mothers of multiples often have difficulty keeping up with nursing two or more babies. For these mothers, low milk production is an issue, and some do decide to take fenugreek. [3]
Discuss the medical reasons for low milk supply with your doctor. Women with fertility issues often face problems with milk supply. Environmental toxins can also be a culprit. Women who have had breast cancer or breast surgery also report low milk problems. Finally, for some women, not fully draining the breasts becomes an issue in continuing to produce milk. The breasts need to be regularly drained of milk so that they can become completely full again. [4]
Ask your lactation consultant about fenugreek. There are strong opinions on both sides about its efficacy. Some people claim that it can increase milk production dramatically, while scientific studies show that there is only anecdotal evidence to support those claims. If you are still unsure after talking to your lactation consultant, ask your OB/GYN for their advice. [5]
Take fenugreek if you have decided it’s a good choice. It is typically available from vitamin and health food stores and comes as a powder in pill form. You can take the seeds if you choose (a teaspoon = about 3 capsules) but it is much easier to find it in pill form. The recommended dosage is 2-3 capsules or 3 times a day. Women who have taken it report an increased milk supply 1-3 days after taking it. Once you have reached a point at which you have enough milk, discontinue taking the pills.
Monitor yourself for any side effects. Many mothers report urine or sweat that smells like maple syrup, which ends when they stop taking the pills. More serious side effects include flatulence and diarrhea, which again will end when the pills are discontinued. Be aware that women with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or asthma need to be very careful when consuming fenugreek because it can aggravate their conditions.[6]
Refrain from taking fenugreek if you are pregnant. Fenugreek can affect the uterus, even causing preterm labor. If you think you may become pregnant, also refrain from taking fenugreek.[7]
Sleep as much as you can. Even though life with an infant often doesn't allow for long stretches of uninterrupted sleep, try to nap when you're tired if you can. Being well rested helps keep up your supply.
Drink water. 64 ounces a day minimum is a good place to start. Nursing depletes your body of liquids and you need to replenish yourself.
Eat healthy. You might find that you need bigger portions. This is normal. Feeding an infant requires about 20 calories for one ounce of milk. This means that you will probably burn between 400 and 600 calories daily, depending on how much your baby eats. Focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish, and don't shy away from good fats like nuts and avocados. [8]
Breastfeed more often. Sometimes the best and easiest way to stimulate more milk supply is to feed you baby more frequently. Rather than every 2.5 to 3 hours (the recommended length of time between feelings) try every hour or hour and a half.
Choose formula for your baby. If nothing else seems to be working, your baby can get the nutrients he or she needs in formula. Breastfeeding can be wonderful and healthy for both the mother in baby in the right conditions, but it doesn’t always work for everyone.
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29193352/
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm
- ↑ www.ilca.org
- ↑ http://www.fitpregnancy.com/baby/breastfeeding/low-milk-supply
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23468043
- ↑ http://reference.medscape.com/drug/birds-foot-bockshornsam-fenugreek-344582#4
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npc/fenugreek.html
- ↑ http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/perks-and-health-benefits-breastfeeding
About This Article
Before using fenugreek seed supplements to increase your milk supply, talk to your lactation consultant or obstetrician to find out if they’re right for you. If you decide fenugreek is a good choice, take 2 to 3 capsules 3 times a day. After 1 to 3 days, you should see your milk production increase. When you’re producing enough milk, stop taking the seeds. Additionally, stop taking fenugreek if you experience side effects, which include urine that smells like maple syrup and flatulence. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to increase milk production in other ways, read on!
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