https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:27:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-using-fenugreek-or-any-other-kind-of-herbs-to-increase-breastfeeding-milk#post-2392098 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 11:01:13 +0000 Anagram 2392098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChasingARainbow: If you had low supply, I would also suggest pumping (you can just get the little hand pump) from the get go.</p> <p>With my first LO, she had pretty bad jaundice and was taken away for the first 24 hours or so and I was SO paranoid about my supply, I double pumped every 2 hours (including overnight--didn't really sleep at all) to bring in my milk faster because they said she had to have a lot of fluids to push the jaundice out. As a result, when my milk came in, I had a gigantic supply and continued pumping because of latch issues. By 3 months, I was EPing and pumping 45 oz a day.</p> <p>This time, with LO 2, I really wanted to try BFing again, so I did *not* pump from the beginning and sure enough...I make only exactly what LO eats. I just started back to work, and I'm only pumping about 15 oz at work (in 3 pumps-just barely enough to cover LOs 3 bottles), whereas with LO 1, I could easily pump just once at work and literally make the same amount.</p> <p>It's so crazy to see the difference. I have the same boobs and eat the same/drink the same. But that early pumping the first 2 weeks made all the difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-using-fenugreek-or-any-other-kind-of-herbs-to-increase-breastfeeding-milk#post-2392008 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 10:15:04 +0000 erinbaderin 2392008@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took fenugreek and blessed thistle starting at about 4 weeks? But that's because that's the point at which I felt like I needed help and talked to a lactation consultant. I do feel like it helped but it was annoying - I was taking, at the beginning, 3 capsules of each 3x a day which basically made me feel like I spent all my time taking pills. I eventually weaned down to 3 capsules 2x a day - I tried to go down to 1x but felt like at that point it affected my production. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-using-fenugreek-or-any-other-kind-of-herbs-to-increase-breastfeeding-milk#post-2391673 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:37:34 +0000 Kemma 2391673@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChasingARainbow: have you thought about consulting with an IBCLC BEFORE you give birth? You might find it really helpful to work through your previous issues and it might also give you a chance to work out a plan going forward. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-using-fenugreek-or-any-other-kind-of-herbs-to-increase-breastfeeding-milk#post-2391672 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:06:41 +0000 regberadaisy 2391672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChasingARainbow: I had low supply with my first as well and regularly supplemented as needed. It was not often I could pump enough for her daily intake at daycare. I did everything recommended to up my supply to no avail.</p> <p>The second time around I started taking more milk plus about a month before my due date. About one a day. My supply was definitely a lot better this time! It wasn't amazing like most of the ladies on here. But I was regularly pumpkins enough to meet her daily intake demands at daycare. Not sure if the MMP helped or if it's just different pregnancy / baby, different outcome. ;) But couldn't hurt, right?</p> <p>There are also recommendations of massaging your breast to signal to your breast to start production. But there are some that say it can induce labor. My OB doesn't really think it will induces labor but also didn't really think that works so I didn't both to do that regularly.</p> <p>Good luck! It is very stressful having low supply. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-using-fenugreek-or-any-other-kind-of-herbs-to-increase-breastfeeding-milk#post-2391668 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 03:46:55 +0000 ChasingARainbow 2391668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: with my last two children I had a very low supply so I stopped. It wasn't until recently I learned about these herbs. So I suspect that I might end up with a low supply again. I really want to do whatever I can this time around. In the past I didn't have a very helpful doctor. So I thought there was no hope. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-using-fenugreek-or-any-other-kind-of-herbs-to-increase-breastfeeding-milk#post-2391664 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 03:29:18 +0000 Kemma 2391664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChasingARainbow: are you expecting to have problems with your supply? Personally I would avoid galactologues until you know you're definitely having supply issues as you don't want to encourage an oversupply which can cause its own set of problems.</p> <p>Your best chance of ensuring adequate supply is to allow baby frequent access to the breast (10-12 nursing sessions in 24 hours), having plenty of time skin-to-skin, drinking enough water and consuming lots of nutritious calories. I'd also recommend getting in touch with a lactation consultant or local LLL if and when you do think you're having issues.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-using-fenugreek-or-any-other-kind-of-herbs-to-increase-breastfeeding-milk#post-2391658 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 02:49:16 +0000 ChasingARainbow 2391658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm still in my third trimester, but I'm curious as to when I should start the herbs to help with milk production. What kind did you use? When? How much? How often? I apologize for all the questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481689 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:10:20 +0000 sunny 481689@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I take Fenugreek and I have found that it helps. I felt that my supply was a bit low and started taking it and drinking the mothers milk tea at week 4 or so. I could see a difference rught away when I pumped. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481648 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:41:57 +0000 matador84 481648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef yea, but I hated lugging it to and from work everyday even though I took it out of the embarrassing huge case. Thinking about renting it again though... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481560 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:00:08 +0000 loveisstrange 481560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@matador84: The hospital grade pump makes a HUGE difference! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481554 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:57:34 +0000 matador84 481554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic that is always such a weird question!!! i don't get some people. ive had so many people ask me that the first time i met them!</p> <p>@zippylef thanks! my ob is great and wanted me to try a hospital grade pump first and the natural way because he also said the side effects of some rx's can be rough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481539 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:51:27 +0000 shopaholic 481539@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: lol! I'm always just like "I'm going to try!" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481535 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:50:03 +0000 loveisstrange 481535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: Ugh, I hated that. It's none of your damn business how I feed my kid, random lady in the grocery store! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481533 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:49:09 +0000 loveisstrange 481533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@matador84: Be really careful with Reglan. It can cause some pretty awful and sometimes permanent side effects. That's what stopped me from taking it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481532 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:49:07 +0000 shopaholic 481532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: I totally hear you on that! I'm not trying to stress myself out about BF at all, but it's one of the top questions I get from people - "So are you going to breast-feed?!" Even from total strangers! I don't fault anyone who doesn't or can't BF! It's tough!</p> <p>@matador84: Thanks for sharing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481527 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:46:29 +0000 matador84 481527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>ive been taking it since lo was 8 weeks and is now 18 weeks! i think its helped to maintain rather than boost my supply. im exploring other options like getting a prescription or more milk plus. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481526 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:46:24 +0000 loveisstrange 481526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: Definitely try what you can. Hey, I'm the crazy person who tried relactation, so I totally understand exploring all the options. lol. </p> <p>I do think it's important to not put too much pressure on yourself about it though. Due to some medical complications, my milk never came in. I beat myself up for a long time. Hell, she's 9 months old and I'm surprised every day by how angry and bitter about it I still am. I built it up in my head that it was something I was going to do and I was so set on it... and the failure caused some dramatic PPD. Be optimistic, but please go with the flow. No matter what, your baby will be healthy and happy. I really hope it works out for you. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481517 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:41:11 +0000 shopaholic 481517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: Thanks! I definitely will when we're at the hospital. I have no idea how I'll handle BF'ing though. My mom BF each of us for only like 1-2 months she thinks, and my Grandma told me she never had enough milk. So just trying to boost my chances for longer BF'ing success. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481514 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:39:15 +0000 loveisstrange 481514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: It does help milk production. I was taking 1000 pills a day when I was trying to relactate. In most cases, your baby will tell your body how much to produce and you won't need help though. I'd consult an LC before make a decision like that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481511 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:38:02 +0000 shopaholic 481511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnlove: Maple syrup? lol! weird! Thanks for the info! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481508 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:37:20 +0000 shopaholic 481508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: @skibobrown: @hilsy85: Oh Thanks Ladies!!! I didn't realize it could hurt! I just saw on the recent episode they did a test group and all these women drank the tea and said they noticed a little more milk! I guess we'll just have to wait and see after delivery! Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481506 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:37:01 +0000 autumnlove 481506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no idea if it helped but I took it for months after my LO was born. It makes you smell like sweaty maple syrup!</p> <p>I don't think it is safe to take during pregnancy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481504 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:36:13 +0000 MarieJ 481504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took a few pills for two days &amp; never saw a change. I hated smelling like maple syrup &amp; my supply was fine, I just wanted to increase it a little. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481498 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:34:42 +0000 hilsy85 481498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely not worry about your supply until there's a problem, if there is one. It's one more thing to stress about, and stress is the worst thing for supply...and chances are, you'll be fine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481495 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:34:18 +0000 skibobrown 481495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started taking it after delivery. My milk never came in, but I don't think anything could have helped me. I've heard that it does help plenty of women, although be careful b/c it can make you and your baby very gassy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481494 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:33:51 +0000 loveisstrange 481494@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You only need to take it if you have a supply issue. It is in no way necessary for the normal mother and it can even hurt, considering oversupply is an issue too.</p> <p>Trust me, you don't want to smell like pancakes unless you have to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fenugreek-amp-breastfeeding#post-481487 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:31:20 +0000 shopaholic 481487@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did anyone here take Fenugreek tea or supplements to help increase their milk supply for breast-feeding? I heard about it on the show, Tia &amp; Tamera, and saw several different products with it in my Fit Pregnancy magazine yesterday. If you took it, did it help? And when did you start taking it? Before delivery or after? Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/for-those-of-you-who-took-milk-supply-increasing-supplements-how-long-did-you-take-them#post-134227 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:10:41 +0000 KonaK 134227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs.bee: Thanks for the update! I think I'll stop taking the supplements for awhile and see what happens. Hopefully my supply level will remain the same. </p> <p>I bought the MMP on Amazon, and the fenugreek/blessed thistle at a vitamin store. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/for-those-of-you-who-took-milk-supply-increasing-supplements-how-long-did-you-take-them#post-134097 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:01:53 +0000 Mrs. Bee 134097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: they are usually found in specialty health stores or baby/mom stores, although our local market does carry mother's milk tea. everything is also available on amazon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/for-those-of-you-who-took-milk-supply-increasing-supplements-how-long-did-you-take-them#post-134091 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:01:04 +0000 chopsuey 134091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't take any supplements. If milk supply isn't great the 2nd time around I probably will though. </p>