How to Use Fenugreek for Breast Milk Supply

Many mothers who breastfeed increase their milk supply by taking fenugreek daily.

Called "hairs of the earth" in ancient Egypt, and used throughout the world to increase breast milk supply in lactating women, the fenugreek plant has been used for thousands of years for its various medicinal properties both as an herb and as a spice. Besides increasing breast milk supply, crushed fenugreek seed appears to lower blood sugar and has been used as a treatment for diabetes in Ethiopia. Fenugreek is also a common ingredient in curry powder and adds a maple syrup flavor to artificially flavored maple syrup.

Things You'll Need

• low milk supply
• state of breastfeeding
• fenugreek capsules
• baby

Instructions

1. Try fenugreek, rather than automatically giving up on nursing or switching to formula when you experience low milk supply. You'll probably be as astonished as I was at how well it worked.

2. Buy fenugreek capsules at a natural health store, natural supplement store, or drugstore. Or purchase loose fenugreek spice from a reputable herbalist. Good, fresh fenugreek should smell somewhat like maple syrup and not smell acrid.

3. Take fenugreek seed capsules in sufficient quantity to have an effect. Following the general dosage recommendations on the supplement bottles will generally not suffice, unless they specifically mention the dosage for using fenugreek for low milk supply.

4. For dosage: Take 4-7 grams a day. This means 2-4 610 mg capsules three times daily OR 1/2-1 teaspoon of the spice (powdered fenugreek seed) dissolved in water, juice or milk three times daily OR 1 cup of fenugreek tea 2-3 times per day. You may start at the lower dosage for a few days and then work up to the maximum dosage if called for.

   See Warnings for a notice about dosages.

5. Notice results within 1-3 days. Continue to take fenugreek seed for several days. Nurse or pump or express breast milk, eliminating as much milk from your breasts as you can to build your milk supply.

6. You may try going off the fenugreek when you feel your milk supply has increased sufficiently to feed your baby. If your breast milk production lowers again, even with the baby draining your breasts completely, resume taking fenugreek seed in the same dosage as before and keep taking it (see Warnings section).

Tips & Warnings

• Expect your sweat and urine to take on a maple syrup aroma after taking the high doses of fenugreek needed to increase breast milk supply.

• I recommend taking the capsules. I never tried the tea, but I did try the powder when I ran out of capsules, and it's very bitter. It still works for me, though.

• Try taking fenugreek with food if you experience heartburn from taking it without food.

• Fenugreek does work for many breastfeeding women who want to increase their supply of breast milk.

• Research seems to indicate that for most breastfeeding mothers and their babies, fenugreek is a safe supplement to take.

• As with all medications, check with your doctor - or, in this case, lactation consultant - before taking fenugreek for low milk supply and for the proper dosage for you.

• Regarding mothers taking fenugreek capsules for prolonged periods of time: You should be able to take fenugreek over the long term; if you notice any ill effects, stop taking it and ask your doctor.

• Because of fenugreek seed's action in lowering blood sugar, diabetics should be sure to check with their doctor before taking fenugreek seed.