inducing lactation with fenugreek+ blessed thistle

[almost4]

Hi there,
I am expecting a child via a surrogate around xmas time and am trying to induce lactation by taking fenugreek and blessed thistle + pumping.

At the moment I am getting droplets but it all seems very dependent on taking the fenugreek and blessed thistle e.g. if I forget things seem to dry up v quickly.

I have read a few threads which seem to suggest the use of these herbs is ok but also have seen a few websites which advise against blessed thistle in particular with a v young baby. Does anyone have any knowledge of if it's ok to take them?/

Also any other ideas of boosting milk supply. I am also going to use a lact Aid to give the baby formula once born.

I haven't discussed with my gp as nervous he will think I'm a bit of a crank for even attempting this! Also he seems very anti herbal remedies generally - perhaps all gps are like this as not tested stringently ?

TIA

[aamia]

Kellymom has good advice usually and there is an article on there called Relactation and Adoptive Breastfeeding that gives advice on this.

[3plus2]

I'm breastfeeding and taking fenugreek and baby seems very contended so I believe it's deff helping keep up my supply , I 2nd the kellymom site it's got lots if info :)

[bigredbook]

Congrats!

I think you need some real life help with this. Can you find a lactation consultant locally to support you? Or try one of the breastfeeding helplines eg la leche or nct.

Have you considered taking domperidone?


Best of luck.

[bigredbook]

Agree that kellymom is a mine of information and there is lots on galactalogues there.

[AnnIonicIsoTronic]

Wow - good luck with that - you've set yourself a challenge!

Get a supplementary nurser - it'll be very, very difficult to bf exclusively, but with one of those you can top up & the baby can keep suckling.

Domperidone works out very expensive for any length of time - but helps - (and I consulted a paed over it, who was very relaxed about it wrt safety)