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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Started Fenugreek today

14 replies

FeelLikeTweedleDee · 09/10/2010 09:55

...in an effort to boost my milk supply (I would like to be able to build up EBM).

Has anyone tried it?

OP posts:
Shitemum · 09/10/2010 10:00

It worked for me, takes a day or two to kick in. I thought it made me smell like curry but was assured i didn't!
how old is your LO?

Original poster
FeelLikeTweedleDee · 09/10/2010 10:15

My LO will be 3 months old on Friday.

I took my first Fenugreek capsule this morning. I've heard great things about it (although I also heard that it makes you smell like curry! lol)

How many did you take and what improvement to your milk supply did you see?

OP posts:
mollycuddles · 09/10/2010 11:44

I took 2 three times a day to help me build up a freezer stash of ebm. After 3 days I had a massive increase in supply - in fact my boobs were back to the size and leakiness and discomfort of when my milk came in on day 3 after dd was born. I did stink of curry though! I would also recommend switching baby from side to side a lot when feeding and expressing every day. I'm now freezing about 7 oz a day when I could barely get an ounce at the start. Good luck.

Littlepaleale · 09/10/2010 14:19

Worked a treat for me! I found different brands had different amounts in each capsule and followed the directions, taking three times a day.

Did make me and dd's nappy smell slightly of sweet curry (or maple syrup). Started working after about 3 days as I remember. Took it for a good couple of months I think. Dd is now 7mo and gets plenty of milk from me. Stopped taking it as I was getting blocked and lumpy boobs. Good luck and hope it works as well for you x

RudeEnglishLady · 09/10/2010 20:52

I think it works. Certainly made me feel more confident when I was having a bad week and nearly gave up. So I give it 10 out of 10 even just as a placebo.

But, I do smell funny - like curry.

Does anyone know what the optimal dosage in MG is per day? I'm not sure as the directions on the packs I have don't refer to BFing use.

I also had this homoeopathy thing - aufbaumittel nach stadelmann (don't know what that is in English). Its a powder. That was very dramatic! Gallons of milk and I didn't even believe it was going to work. Expensive but no odd smells.

wastingaway · 09/10/2010 20:57

I took it when we were struggling with weight gain (DS not mine I can assure you Grin)

I was doing loads of other things too, so can't say that it was that that did the trick for sure, but will have some ready if we have another.

RudeEnglishLady · 09/10/2010 21:58

Just as another idea - my midwife gave me an oil. It seems to comprise lavender, fenchal, calendula, carrot, coriander, rose and kreuzkummel. I don't know in what amounts. I think the chemist made it up from the look of things. You mix it in a carrier oil and rub it on the breasts.

MW swears it is very good. I'm not sure about its efficacy but it does make your chest smell nice unlike the Fenugreek :)

cbmum · 09/10/2010 22:39

FeelLikeTweedleDee can you post on here to say what the results are of the fenugreek? I'd be interested to know as I'm mixed feeding but having the odd wobbly day and wondered if fenugreek would be worth a try. Confused

noodleysoup · 10/10/2010 16:36

I'm having problems with low milk supply and have been taking fenugreek for about a week now, 4 capsules 3 times a day. I definately smell of curry but haven't noticed an increase in supply yet. How long have people been taking it before seeing a result?

throckenholt · 10/10/2010 16:52

if you don't see a result then try upping the dose for a few days - the dose required varies from person to person.

I used it when expressing for my twins - it can take a while to get a dose that suits you. Keep experimenting over a few days.

Marylou242 · 10/10/2010 20:47

Just a suggestion - more enjoyable and less smelly. My sister lives in Germany where they recommend sparkling white wine to increase milk supply, just a glass will do. I didn't have any problems with supply but I know a few people who've tried this now and it has really worked.

cbmum · 10/10/2010 22:16

Marylou I like the sound of your suggestion! I wonder - prosecco in the fridge, that classes as sparkling white wine surely.....if only I wasn't so shattered I'd try it tonight Smile

EllaRees · 11/10/2010 20:45

My lactation consultant advised taking 3 capsules of the strong capsules (in a green topped bottle - think 600mg per capsule) 3 times per day and it did work well over about a fortnight. she said taking less than that didn't really have an effect.

Smelt of maple syrup!

Aitch · 11/10/2010 20:47

definitely works, but the stench might get you down. worth it, though.

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