Breast Milk Insufficient, Trying "More Milk Plus"/Fenugreek, How Long to Work?

Hello. I can definitely relate to your situation. I am also a slender nursing mom that works full time outside the home. My son is 6 1/2 mo. old and is still on breastmilk only (except for the solids). For me, stress has been the ultimate supply killer- whenever I am stressed, I pump much less. So whatever you can do to destress will definitely help. In the meantime, I agree with the other post that you need to drink plenty of fluid. Sometimes that alone helps me produce more milk. I also find that a nice walk or something that gets my blood flowing helps. Finally, I have tried More Milk Plus and noticed some change however I would now use plain old Fenugreek capsules that I purchased from Mother's Market and those have worked the best for me so far. For me, it kicked in about a day or two after I started taking the supplements. Also, how many times do you pump while at work? You might want to try to add a pumping session if you can. Even though there might not be much milk it may stimulate your body to start producing more milk. Good luck and congrats on making it this far!

Hi L.!

When I was breastfeeding my son, the lactation consultant suggested I take fenugreek because my supply was very low. It took about 4 days for it to kick in. I definitely saw an increase in milk production (from .5 ounces to 12+ ounces). You will know it has fully absorbed into your body when you and your milk, and yes your baby too, have a pleasant sweet maple syrup fragrance. Also, drink lots of water. If you have a hard time eating enough, try snacking throughout the day.

I was also pumping my breast milk and found the store bought machines (in my price range) were ineffective. I opted to rent a hospital grade breast pump which was fantastic! It was quick and I could pump both breast at the same time. It was worth every cent! There was a minimal deposit and a reasonable monthly rent. It is portable as well. If you are interested contact your local lactation expert (usually contactable at your local hospital/ maternity ward) and they should have someone in the area to assist you with that.

Also, try adding an additional pumping session while you are at work. I hope this helps! Maybe try to fit in a nice warm bubble bath and relax in the tub for a few.

Also... they do sell the plain fenugreek capsules at GNC.

That's what I used, and I think it did work, but it took a couple weeks to kick in. Extra pumping sessions will help, too.

Hi L.,
More Milk Plus was recommended by my lactation consultant, and I used it. I think the bottle says it takes between 24- 72 hours to kick in. I never saw a huge increase in what I pumped while I was taking the supplement. Don't expect to suddenly start pumping 8 oz (or even 4) every time you pump.

A few suggestions: try pumping more frequently, like every two hours, if you can. Try using breast compressions while you pump. Make sure you pump for a full 15 minutes - sometimes I have a second let down towards the end, and sometimes right around the 15 minute mark just when I'm getting ready to turn off the pump. There's a CD I read about called "Pumping Sessions" that might help you while you pump. Drink lots of water and eat frequently. I definitely pump more on a full stomach than on an empty one. Also, see if you can sneak in a pumping session at night after your daughter goes to bed so you have a little extra for your next working day.

Lastly, don't stress out about it! You've lasted 8 1/2 months, which is fabulous! Even if she has some formula while you're away and nurses while you're home, she'll get all the benefits of nursing. Congratulations on lasting this long, you've done a great job.

Have you heard about Healthy Nursing Tea by secrets of tea?
I tried it during breastfeeding with my 2 kids with the marvelous result.
God bless you!