As a new breastfeeding mom, the number one recommendation I received from other moms to increase breast milk supply was to take fenugreek for breast milk production.
A couple of weeks after delivering my baby girl, I felt like I didn’t have quite enough milk, and my doctor told me that she should be gaining 20 grams more per week. I asked a few moms what worked for them to find out how to increase breast milk supply.
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The top two recommendations that I received to increase my breast milk production was drinking fenugreek tea or taking fenugreek supplements.
Breastfeeding on demand and letting your baby feed as much as he or she wants is also crucial for increasing breast milk production. Initially, I thought I might have to supplement with formula, but I am glad that I didn’t have to. My mom (a mother of eight kids and a nurse) informed me that every little suck from my baby girl was increasing my breast milk production, and once I introduced formula, it would be harder to increase my breast milk supply.
I was breastfeeding on demand and felt like my baby girl was feeding and latching well, so I decided to try some fenugreek tea to see if that would increase my breast milk supply.
After only drinking one cup of fenugreek tea per day, I noticed that my breasts were larger and had increased milk production while feeding. After consuming the fenugreek tea, it was apparent that my girl was getting more milk as it almost started coming out too quickly.
How much fenugreek for breast milk?
Depending on how much you need to increase your milk supply, you may need to drink 3 cups of fenugreek tea per day or take fenugreek capsules.
If your breasts become engorged or you have too much breast milk production after taking fenugreek, you can cut down on the dose.
Fenugreek is an herbal galactagogue that has been used throughout the world to increase milk production for breastfeeding mothers. It is one of the most popular herbs used by moms to increase breast milk.
The academy of breastfeeding medicine recommends 1-4 capsules 3-4 times daily or 1.74 grams to 4.9 grams of fenugreek daily.
Many studies indicate the effectiveness of fenugreek for breastfeeding mothers and increasing breast milk production.
How to take fenugreek for breastfeeding
The two easiest ways to take fenugreek for breastfeeding are making a tea with fenugreek seeds or a packaged tea bag with fenugreek. Drink 1-3 cups of fenugreek tea per day.
If you do not like drinking tea or prefer taking capsules, you can take two capsules of now foods fenugreek 1-3 times daily.
When taking a new supplement for the first time, it is always good to check with your health practitioner first. Start with a low dose, then increase fenugreek as needed to increase breast milk production.
Fenugreek has been used to increase milk supply for centuries. There have been many studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of fenugreek to increase breastmilk production. However, results do vary among different women.
Most women will notice an increase in breast milk production within 24-72 hours. Every woman is unique and may require different dosages or notice increased milk supply at different times.
For any breastfeeding mom with a low milk supply, fenugreek is an excellent way to increase breast milk production naturally. Taking fenugreek for breast milk is worth a try!
If you are a breastfeeding mom with limited time check out these healthy breast feeding snacks for busy moms. This green lactation smoothie is great to promote breast milk production as well.
References:
The Use, Perceived Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Galactagogues During Breastfeeding:
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