My lactation consultant said to take fenugreek to increase my milk supply. I took 75ml of the liquid in the morning and that night my three week old started acting sick - spitting up, being fussy etc. She has never acted like that before - and it's continued somewhat today. I wonder if it went through my breastmilk to my baby and Affected her. I read online that it can cause gas, bloating and stomach upset - I noticed that I had a few of those symptoms myself ......any thoughts?
I too took it to increase my supply and that lasted two days... my son had a very adverse reaction. Bad poos and a super bad rash! I read up on it and that can happen.
As an herbalist, trained in Germany by a midwife, I know that the herb FENNEL is the lactation herb of choice. I wonder if, perhaps, you or your lactation coach translated one F herb for another. Fennel is also excellent for stomach distress and particularly famous for preventing gasousness. And yes herbs and foods DO go through your breastmilk and into your baby, that's why you nourish yourself thoughtfully.
Babies get sick, babies throw-up...I don't think that it necessarily is the fault of the fenugreek. Did you buy it as a spice in Safeways or Rite-Aid and not at a healthfood store? Anyway, fenugreek is a lovely herb. It can be dry toasted and made into a wonderful tea against lung congestion for any age.
Good luck to you and I hope by now everyone feels better. Blessings on your child.
My best to you,
C. R.
Try the tea... it might be gentler on your body, and it was enough to increase my milk supply dramatically.2-3 cups a day. Made by Traditional Medicines.P..
Hi D.,
I was cautioned not to take fenugreek when my girl was still breastfeeding because it can cause a lot of mucous in babies. I would stop taking it and see how you both feel. Have you tried homeopathy? I know it sounds like mumbo jumbo, but it has worked for many women, including me.
Good luck.
Hi D.
Don't think I will be much of a help. But just wanna share the experience. I also took fenugreek a couple of days ago to increase my milk supply that had decreased so much in the last 2 weeks. And my 3.5 months cried the whole day!!! He is the most calm baby I've ever seen. And the day he got my milk with fenugreek he didn't stop crying. Was so much and so intense that in the end we were both crying. I almost asked my husband to come home! Than I did what I didn't want to: gave him a bottle of formula. He stopped crying and felt better. I was feeling so guilty for taking something that I knew could give him some gas... But I've read so many good advices! Even his pedriatrician was pretty much ok with it!
Anyhow... I didn't take anymore and he is ok. I still have the milk supply problem but I've decided to drink as much water as I can possibly can! I know this helps milk production! When my little one was even younger. I was drinking 32oz per feeding ( 6 to 7 times a day) and I could pump 2x 5oz per time. I used to have up to 14 bottles of expressed milk in the fridge! Now I'm lucky if I get 5 :-( - he only drinks expressed milk.
So. That's my experience. I hope you get some good replies. I will also keep my eyes open to get some help!
Good luck!!
Take care!
I took it to increase milk supply too & it gave me & babies (twins) gas as well. After it boosted my supply I would only take it occasionally as needed. It was unpleasant, but not dangerous, you did nothing wrong! You may want to try the tea or other advice mentioned here. Also note, fenugreek is a bloodthinner, so if you have other medications or bleed easily, check with your doctor. Also, it can make your pee smell funny. Good luck to you & God bless. (Congrats on your baby!)
D.
It didn't work out for me. I took it to try to increase my milk supply. I had huge clogged ducts when I took fenugreek since I wasn't able to nurse a lot. I had to return to work after 6 weeks. I only can pump 3 times while being away from our daughter from 8 am until 4 pm. It was quite painful. I thought I had breast infection. I had to go in to see the doctor for 2-4 times. I do know everyone has different experience with it. My other friend said your supply will drop once you got back to work since you can't nurse your baby directly. You and your baby can get side effect depending how sensitive you and your baby are. I know my baby didn't like my pumped breastmilk. She tasted the fenugreek. She didn't like the milk and won't continue to finish it. I had to feed her formula milk or expressed milk in the fridge.
I am not aware of the side effects of fenugreek, but I do know that whatever gives you gas gives baby gas. That goes for just about anything you take or eat. :)
