Fenugreek For Breastfeeding

Fenugreek for Breastfeeding

Fenugreek is an herb native to the Middle East and Asia. Writings have been discovered that show the herb was used in folk remedies in Ancient Egypt. Today many people still use fenugreek as a part of traditional or alternative medicine. One common use for fenugreek is promoting the production of milk in women who are breastfeeding. Some scientists believe that fenugreek contains natural chemicals that increase the production of breast milk. This could mean that the herb has the potential to help mothers who are having a difficult time meeting the nutritional needs of their infants make more breast milk. However, there have been few studies to verify the benefits of using fenugreek to help with breast milk production. As a result, there is no guarantee that fenugreek can be beneficial to nursing mothers. Still, many lactation consultants and herbal practitioners recommend it to patients based on the positive experiences that some women describe when using the herb.

Fenugreek Supplementation for Happy Moms and Healthy Babies

If you have concerns about your milk production and wish to try fenugreek, there are a host of herbal solutions available for you to choose from at Walgreens. Capsules, liquids and tablets are among the many options you'll find in the herbal supplements collections. There are a variety of dosages available to help you take precisely the right amount of the herb. Before taking a fenugreek supplement, there are some potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of. Fenugreek is known to cause a sweet body odor similar to maple syrup. This can be surprising for some women, but it is not believed to be harmful. Some babies seem to experience more symptoms of stomach upset and colic when their mothers take fenugreek. The herb can cause stomach upset in some women. Allergic reactions to fenugreek can occur but are not common. If you experience shortness of breath or swelling of your face, tongue or hands after taking fenugreek, seek emergency medical attention. It is not known whether or not fenugreek is safe for women with liver or kidney disease. Before you begin to take fenugreek extract for breastfeeding, talk to your doctor and your baby's pediatrician, even if a lactation consultant has recommended the herb to you.

This summary is intended for general informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of purity, strength, or safety of the products. As a result, effects may vary. You should read product labels. In addition, if you are taking medications, herbs, or other supplements you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking a supplement as supplements may interact with other medications, herbs, and nutritional products. If you have a medical condition, including if you are pregnant or nursing, you should speak to your physician before taking a supplement. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience side effects.