Do I need to talk to a doctor before taking Fenugreek for milk supply?

Question

I'm just curious if I really need to talk to a doctor before taking fenugreek? I wouldn't mess around with my child's health, but I thought it was safe for nursing mothers.

Answer 1

Fenugreek is one of the most commonly used herbs to increase milk supply. It is safe for both mother and baby. The only reason it hasn't been studied by the FDA or any pharmaceutical company is because they haven't found a way to synthetically reproduce it and make a profit.

There is also a natural tea called Mother's Mikl Tea which you might be able to find at your local health food store.

Oatmeal and lots of water (not in the oatmeal) help milk production.

Most of all - nurse often and as the baby indicates. If using a bottle or pacifier, try not to. These can contribute to poor latch on which affect milk production as well.

Answer 2

Fenugreek can be used for multiple indications and of course could have many adverse effects.  As a pharmacist, I do not recommend anything that is not FDA approved, especially when these herbals have never been tested on children in clinical trials...they don't run clinical trials on any of them.

I am a breastfeeding mother of a 10 month old and I am wary about prescription medications let a lone herbals.  Please be very careful and I recommend to find an alternative route, for yours and baby's safety.

According to Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database:

LACTATION:  Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Answer 3

i took it woth all three of my kids when i was nursing them and it was fine.

go to www.breastfeeding.com and they will tell you all about it.

it is a very safe mediciation

Answer 4

If you suffer from low milk supply, you may have heard that fenugreek can help. However, while many articles sing the praises of this herbal supplement, these articles do not always discuss the side effects associated with the use of this herb. In this article, we'll discuss the side effects of fenugreek.

Fenugreek is used throughout the world as both an herb and a spice. In many Eastern and African countries, fenugreek is used in foods, as an herbal medical treatment, and in hair conditioner. In addition to helping moms increase their milk supply, fenugreek can also be used to treat sinus problems, fight infections, and reduce lung congestion.

You must keep in mind, however, that herbal supplements are not approved by the FDA, and there are very few studies on the long term effects of fenugreek usage. In addition, there are some well known and documented side effects associated with fenugreek usage.

One of the most common side effects of fenugreek usage is a very benign side effect. People who use fenugreek produce sweat and urine that has a maple or curry smell. This is caused by a potent aroma compound called sotolone. While this is not a harmful side effect, it can be an embarrassing side effect. It is also possible that your urine may change color as a result of using elevated amounts of fenugreek. This is also not harmful.

In addition, some people are allergic to fenugreek. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include difficulty in breathing, hives, closing of the throat, and swelling of the tongue, face, or lips. If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction to fenugreek, call your doctor immediately. Depending on the severity of your reaction, your doctor may send you to the emergency room.

People who take certain medications should only take fenugreek under the direct care of their doctor. If you are taking medications for the treatment of diabetes, do not take fenugreek unless your doctor agrees to this treatment. When taken with these medications, blood sugar levels can drop too low, putting you in medical danger.

There are several other medications that can cause a negative reaction when taken in combination with fenugreek. For this reason, you should make an appointment to discuss taking this supplement with your doctor before you begin using this supplement. This will allow you to make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for additional information, tips, and techniques on breastfeeding or weaning your infant or toddler, please visit http://www.breastfeedingfenugreek.com This site provides valuable resources, help, and support for breastfeeding mothers that are dealing with milk supply issues. Learn more about Breast Feeding Fenugreek.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mishaun...

Answer 5

A substance that increases milk supply is called a galactagogue. Some of the most commonly used herbal galactagogues are fenugreek, blessed thistle, and alfalfa. There are also several prescription medications that can increase milk supply.

Before you decide on an herbal supplement, consider your reasons for doing so.

Do you think that your milk supply is low? Why? Many moms think that they have a low milk supply even though their supply is just fine.

The average mother does not need galactagogues to increase or maintain supply.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) appears to be the herb that is most often used to increase milk supply. It is an excellent galactagogue, and has been used as such for centuries. In one study of ten women, "the use of fenugreek significantly increased volume of breastmilk" [Swafford 2000].

Mothers generally notice an increase in production 24-72 hours after starting the herb, but it can take two weeks for others to see a change.

Dosages of less than 6 capsules/day (approx 3500 mg/day) produce no effect in many women. One way to determine if you're taking the correct dosage is to slowly increase the amount of fenugreek until your sweat and urine begin to smell like maple syrup. If you're having problems with any side effects, discontinue use and consider alternative methods of increasing milk supply.

Fenugreek can be used either short-term to boost milk supply or long-term to augment supply and/or pumping yields. There are no studies indicating problems with long-term usage. Most mothers have found that the herb can be discontinued once milk production is stimulated to an appropriate level. Adequate production is usually maintained as long as sufficient breast stimulation and emptying continues.

Suggested dosage

capsules

(580-610 mg) 2-4 capsules, 3 times per day

6-12 capsules (total) per day

~1200-2400 mg, 3 times per day (3.5-7.3 grams/day)

German Commission E recommends a daily intake of 6 grams



capsules

(500 mg) 7-14 capsules (total) per day



powder or seeds 1/2 - 1 teaspoon, 3 times per day

1 capsule = 1/4 teaspoon

can be mixed with a little water or juice



tincture 1-2 mL, 3 times per day (or see package directions)

tea one cup of tea, 2-3 times per day



Safety

Fenugreek is used to flavor artificial maple syrup, and is used as a common food ingredient (curries, chutneys, etc.) and traditional medicine in many parts of the world, including India, Greece, China, north Africa and the Middle East. It is a basic ingredient of curry powder (often used in Indian cooking) and the Five Spice mixtures (used in Asian cooking). It is also eaten as a salad and sprouted.

Fenugreek is considered safe for nursing moms when used in moderation and is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's GRAS list (Generally Recognized As Safe). As with most medications and herbs, various side effects have been noted; see the side effects and safety information below.

Per Hale [Hale 2002], "The transfer of fenugreek into milk is unknown, but untoward effects have not been reported." Hale classifies it in Lactation Risk Category L3 (moderately safe).

  

Possible side effects and cautions

Sweat and urine smells like maple syrup; milk and/or breastfed baby may smell like maple syrup.

Occasionally causes loose stools, which go away when fenugreek is discontinued.

Use of more than 100 grams of fenugreek seeds daily can cause intestinal distress and nausea (recommended dose is less than 8 grams per day).

Repeated external applications can result in undesirable skin reactions [Wichtl 1994].

Ingestion of fenugreek seeds or tea in infants or late-term pregnant women can lead to false diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease in the infant due to presence of sotolone in the urine. See [Korman 2001] and other studies on fenugreek and maple syrup urine smell.

Use with caution or avoid if you have a history of:

Peanut or chickpea allergy: Fenugreek is in the same family with peanuts and chickpeas, and may cause an allergic reaction in moms who are allergic to these things. Two cases of fenugreek allergy have been reported in the literature. [Patil 1997, Ohnuma 1998, Lawrence 1999]

Diabetes or hypoglycemia: Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, and in the few studies using it as a hypoglycemic, also reduces blood cholesterol. Dosages higher than the recommended one (given above) may result in hypoglycemia in some mothers [Heller]. If you're diabetic (IDDM), use fenugreek only if you have good control of your blood glucose levels. While taking this, closely monitor your fasting levels and post-prandial (after meals) levels. Mothers with hypoglycemia should also use fenugreek with caution. For more on fenugreek and glucose levels, see the references below.

Asthma: Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for asthma. However, inhalation of the powder can cause asthma and allergic symptoms. Some mothers have reported