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

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

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 :)

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.

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

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)