Why should you avoid fenugreek while breastfeeding?

Some women have reported side effects from Fenugreek, such as diarrhoea, gas and heartburn and urine and sweat that smells like maple syrup – that smell can show up in baby's urine too. If mum's digestive system is upset, then this can cause similar symptoms in the baby.

Why is fenugreek not good for breastfeeding?

There is a potential increased risk of bleeding in infants after being introduced to fenugreek via breastmilk. The is due to fenugreek's anticoagulant properties. There is one documented case of gastrointestinal bleeding in a premature infant after the mom started fenugreek as a galactagogue.

Why does fenugreek decrease milk supply?

Although there aren't any studies pointing specifically to the possibility of a decrease in milk supply, there is some evidence that fenugreek seeds have estrogenic properties, or mimics the effects of estrogen, and we know that an increase in estrogen can have an effect on milk supply.

Is fenugreek safe for milk supply?

Fenugreek is believed to be safe in the amounts commonly found in foods. Its safety in larger doses is uncertain. It should not be used by children as a supplement. Potential side effects of fenugreek include diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive tract symptoms and rarely, dizziness and headaches.

When should I stop taking fenugreek when breastfeeding?

Some moms have noticed that their babies became fussy after they started taking fenugreek. If you notice this, it's worth stopping and seeing if it was maybe causing an upset stomach for your baby.

The Dangers of Fenugreek (when Breastfeeding)

Can fenugreek affect my baby?

Fenugreek is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Most people tolerate it well, and it hasn't been shown to have any negative impacts on infants, though some moms report that their babies are a bit gassy when they take it.

Does fenugreek make baby fussy?

Possible side effects for baby

Sometimes baby will smell like maple syrup, too (just like mom). However, some moms have noticed that baby is fussy and/or has green, watery stools when mom is taking fenugreek and the symptoms go away when mom discontinues the fenugreek.

Who should not use fenugreek?

Fenugreek is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Fenugreek might be unsafe for children.

How much fenugreek is safe for breastfeeding?

A good dose is usually 2 to 3 capsules (580 to 610 milligrams per capsule) three or four times per day, but check package instructions. Fenugreek capsules work fast, so lucky moms will probably see an increase in milk production in as little as 24 to 72 hours.

How much fenugreek can I take while breastfeeding?

For many women, the ideal dose is 3-4 capsules three times a day. Most brands of fenugreek come in 580mg to 610mg strength. It is important to take 3-4 capsules regularly, three times a day. The effectiveness of increasing your milk volume depends on taking the correct dosage.

How quickly does fenugreek increase milk supply?

Mothers generally notice an increase in production 24-72 hours after starting the herb, but it can take two weeks for others to see a change. Some mothers do not see a change in milk production when taking fenugreek. Dosages of less than 3500 mg per DAY have been reported to produce no effect in many women.

What does fenugreek do to the female body?

Fenugreek is said to have several health benefits, particularly for women, such as increasing breast milk production, relieving menstrual cramps, and increasing sex drive. It also manages blood sugar levels and body weight.

Why should you avoid fenugreek?

Fenugreek is a legume plant and those with sensitivities to foods such as chickpeas, peanuts, or other legumes may experience a reaction to fenugreek. Large amounts of fenugreek may be problematic for women with thyroid conditions. Large doses of fenugreek may also cause other issues such as low blood sugar.

Does fenugreek cause weight loss or gain?

Fenugreek has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions in alternative medicine. Although human studies are limited, some studies suggest that fenugreek aids weight loss by suppressing appetite, increasing satiety, and decreasing dietary calorie intake.

Does fenugreek mess with hormones?

Fenugreek extract is thought to act through aromatase inhibition, leading to decreased testosterone breakdown to estrogen,³⁸ which may also explain our results. Although there is a significant increase in follicles numbers and size in FSA extract treated OHSS models, E2 levels are reduced.

Can fenugreek reduce belly fat?

Research suggests that fenugreek may help reduce belly fat, though more studies are needed to confirm these findings. Some studies suggest that it may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, fenugreek is rich in dietary fibre, which can help keep you full and reduce overall calorie intake.

What happens if you take fenugreek everyday?

Regular consumption of fenugreek seeds helps in lowering total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels in the blood while increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol levels.

How can I get my breast milk back?

The key to resuming milk production is frequent and effective breast emptying. Breast emptying can happen by breastfeeding baby, using a breast pump, or hand expressing. Oftentimes, mothers will use a combination of these tools. (Frequent means at least eight times per day.

What are the pros and cons of taking fenugreek?

Does fenugreek clean you out?

As fenugreek is rich in fiber and antioxidant, it helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and aids digestion. You can even drink water in which the seeds have been soaked to manage digestive problems.

Can fenugreek cause stomach pain in babies?

The most common side effect of taking fenugreek is diarrhea. Diarrhea can affect both you and your child if you start high doses of fenugreek too quickly. But, you can usually avoid stomach issues if you start this herb at a low dose and gradually increase it.

Can fenugreek cause forceful letdown?

The most likely result from taking fenugreek

You will make more milk, and have a more forceful letdown. Remember that if your baby gets fussy, it's probably not so much from the herbs but rather from gorging themselves on the milk! The milk is coming out so fast that they can't help it; they just keep nursing!

Can fenugreek cause colic?

Fenugreek has been known for centuries to help some women but not all. It can cause colic in the infant, which is believed to be an allergic response. It can aggravate asthmatic symptoms.

Does fenugreek seeds cause gas in babies?

Fenugreek can cause gas or digestive disturbance in some individuals including a breast fed baby. If this happens, using the Nursing Tea or Tincture will help to counteract it while helping to support the breastmilk production at the same time.

Can you take too many lactation supplements?

Can you take too many lactation supplements? Taking high doses of any ingredient can be risky and lead to negative side effects for you and your little one. Most specialized supplements will come with instructions on how much – and how often – you should take them.