To take or not to take is the dilemma many mums find themselves in when it comes to taking fenugreek to boost milk supply. While fenugreek does wonders for milk supply, mums may be concerned if it’s safe, and of the possible side effects. We’re here to quell the myths surrounding fenugreek and tell you why it’s a great way to boost milk supply naturally.
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is an herb which seeds are commonly used in Asian and Indian recipes. It is well known for its distinct flavour and smell. Fengureek has been used historically for treating digestive issues and inducing labour. Today, it is used as a dietary supplement for many reasons including diabetes and eczema1.
Apart from that, fenugreek is also a galactagogue – a food or that promotes or increases the flow of a mother’s milk. Fengreek is an excellent galactagogue and for centuries, mums have been using it to increase breast milk supply. In fact, fenugreek is the most commonly used galactagogue2.
Fenugreek for Breastfeeding
Mums are always looking for ways to increase breast milk supply. The best way to go about it would be naturally, without the aid of medication. One such way is by consuming fenugreek.
Mothers who took fenugreek to increase breast milk supply generally noticed an increase in production within 24-72 hours after consuming it. For some mums, it can take up to two weeks, and for a few others, it has no effect2. But there’s no harm in trying!
Researchers aren’t entirely sure why or how fenugreek works but they suspect it has something to do with the phytoestrogens (plan chemicals similar to estrogen) that fenugreek contains3.
Myths about Fenugreeks for Breastfeeding
Now that you know what fenugreek is and how it works to increase breast milk supply, you might want to consider trying it. Naturally, as with anything else you consume, you might have a long list of questions about fenugreek for breastfeeding. Here are some questions, myths and misconceptions about fenugreek for breastfeeding.
1. Is Fenugreek Safe for Breastfeeding?
This is probably your biggest concern, and understandably so. Firstly, fenugreek is on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) GRAS (generally recognised as safe) list, so yes, it is safe for consumption.
But of course, too much of anything is a bad thing, and you should not be consuming it in excess. Dosages of less than 3500mg a day have been reported to produce no adverse effect in many women2. Fenugreek does pass into your breast milk, but it is safe for your baby to consume4.
2. How Much Fenugreek Should I Consume?
There is no one size fits all approach to this. The effects are far and wide and unlike medication, they aren’t regulated by prescription. It’s best to start with a smaller dose, and slowly increase your intake. One way to know that you’re taking enough is when your sweat and urine start smelling like maple syrup!
3. Fenugreek Causes Body Odour
On that note, many mums shy away from consuming fenugreek in fear of body odour. It doesn’t cause body odour per se, but yes, it does make you and even your baby, smell of maple syrup. No harm done there, and it’s a small price to pay to increase breast milk!
4. What about side effects?
By and large, fenugreek is well tolerated but there are some common potential side effects, as with everything else. People experience side-effects for anything from Panadol to milk, so there’s always bound to be a small group of people for whom it just won’t work well. Common side effects include an upset tummy, gas, and other gastrointestinal issues as well as a sensation of nausea5. But that’s about it as bad as it gets.
Fenugreek does reduce your blood glucose levels so don’t be alarmed if you feel a little light-headed. It’s best not to take it on an empty stomach. However, if you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor as you might have to adjust your insulin dosage.
Fenugreek doesn’t interfere with most drugs, so you don’t have to worry if you are on medication. Blood thinners like aspirin are an exception though3. Fenugreek may negatively interact with blood thinners to cause internal bleeding so never mix the two6!
5. Stay Away if Pregnant
Fenugreek is to increase breast milk supply after you have given birth. You should not take it while pregnant, for it can cause uterine contractions3. There’s a reason it was used to induce labour in the past!
How to Consume Fenugreek for Breastfeeding
Now that you know fenugreek is a safe way to increase breast milk supply, you can go forth and consume it without worry. There are many ways to do so, including brewing it as tea or crushing it into powder form and even baking it in cookies.
But while people like the flavour it adds to cooked food, not everyone can tolerate the taste and smell of it. Most people prefer to consume fenugreek in the form of a capsule, as it is the fastest and easiest method of consuming fenugreek to increase breast milk supply.
Fenugreek Supplements to Increase Breast Milk Supply
Mums, there is a wide array of fenugreek supplements to choose from but proceed with caution. Not all supplements are regulated for safety and effectiveness, so always choose a trusted product.
UpSpring supplements are made entirely from natural ingredients that are safe for consumption for mums and babies, so that should put your mind at ease.
Recommended by lactation consultants, UpSpring’s Milkflow Fenugreek with Blessed Thistle Breastfeeding Supplement capsules contain a proprietary blend of herbs to support breast milk production – fenugreek, blessed thistle, and anise. The concentrated herbal formula delivers the equivalent of 1800mg of fenugreek in each capsule. They’re fast, convenient and you don’t have to deal with the unpleasant taste of fenugreek tea. You can take 1 to 3 capsules per day. It is also suitable for vegetarians as it is dairy and soy free.
UpSpring products are truly where intuition meets innovation. The company is mom-founded and mum-run, and the products are made for mums, by mums! The products are just one click away, and you can conveniently make your purchase on the UpSpring website.
Mums, we hope that we have cleared the misconceptions and given you a comprehensive understanding of fenugreek for increasing breast milk supply. It is a great way to increase breast milk supply naturally. Remember, your breast milk is the best gift for your baby. The World Health Organisation (WHO) “recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years and beyond7,” so feed your baby, as much as you can!
References
- https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/fenugreek-breastfeeding/
- https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/herbs/fenugreek/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/fenugreek-breastfeeding#research
- https://www.verywellfamily.com/fenugreek-breastfeeding-and-increasing-breast-milk-431839
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501779/
- https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/fenugreek-breastfeeding/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/breastfeeding-and-covid-19