Does Fenugreek work and what are the implications if you use it?

[KirstyDaisyBBandFifi]

I am trying to increase my supply and so I wondered if anyone knows about how Fenugreek works and if there are any negative side affects associated with it?

I've been taking it for 2 weeks on the recommendation of a lactation consultant and have definitely noticed an improvement. It's worth seeing someone to check that it is definitely supply that is the issue though.

Further info here: kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/herbs/fenugreek/

not 'negative' in my opinion, but apparently it could make your baby smell like maple syrup! (that is what kellymom says anyway!)

There are contra-indications with asthma, diabetes (or other blood sugar issues) and if you are taking other medication fenugreek could effect the absorption rate due to the high fibre content of fenugreek. Further details here and here.

It also won't do much bar engorgement if there isn't effective and frequent milk removal as well so if you do decide to take it then trying things like breast massage before expressing, breast compressions while pumping and hand expressing post pumping can all help with effective milk removal.

If you want/need a non-medical way to increase pump yield then apparently relaxation can help specifically this.

My sweat smelt funny and my supply increased quickly. I took two capsules a day for three days, then one a day for a week, then I didn't need it anymore. Took it on recommendation of healthcare professionals, though I had a wobble after reading some links Truthsweet helpfully posted a few weeks ago.
Feeding 15 week old now, wouldn't be doing it exclusively without fenugreek to get me through those early days. Having said that I have preferred not to have needed it and tried to take the minimum as it seems under researched.

HeliumBalloon - I'm so glad the fenugreek worked for you and that it got you over the hump so to speak. It can work really well but it could have serious drawbacks so it's always good to be informed and be able to make a decision based on facts (even if they aren't cast iron guarantees!).

Hi
I took it for 5 weeks didn't help but did make me sweat curry

I took fenugreek and it worked a bit too well for me. In about 12 hours, my boobs were really engorged so I cut right back on the dosage of 2 capsules three times a day and went down to 1 a day for about a week and then I stopped completely. I still smelt like maple syrup for ages though!

You don't have to take it permanently either though as many women find that once their supply has increased, it stays like that. I can't speak for anyone else but I have found this to be true for me.