I'm pretty sure my milk supply is not meeting my newborns needs. She's lost weight and is gaining very very slowly. Like only an ounce in a week. I only want to breastfeed. Formula will be the last resolution if needed. Do you moms really recommend fenugreek, does it really help? Is there anyghing else to use other than fenugreek.
Fenugreek is good. I am a certified Homeopath, I would suggest you consult with a Homeopath as there are several great homeopathic remedies that can help also. Good luck
Aee you taking in a lot of fluids? Do not sit down to nurse baby until you've gotten yourself a large glass of water (or other mild drink - I used to have 1/2 & 1/2 apple juice & water). You have to replace all the fluids you're supposed to be producing plus your normal fluid intake. Most people don't think about that.
Yes, mothers milk plus. Order on line, its hard to find and it takes 72 hours for it to kick in. There may be many reasons your milk supply is not catching up. I hope you see a certified lactation consultant to pinpoint the issues because when BF goes down hill, you can be in over your head in a matter of a day. My second had a lazy suck which in turn did not stimulate me to make milk. I had to put her on the breast for 30 so she could practice, then pump and supplement with my expressed milk because she was using too much energy trying to get it out herself (she nursed for 1-2 hours in a sitting, but still did not gain weight). Don't assume its your body, it could be any number of problems that supplements will do nothing to help. So see a professional before you are forced to go down the formula supplementing road.
I like Fenugreek. And lots of water. For some reason, my supply increases on days when I drink coffee. I wouldn't recommend that for you.
I don't know how old your newborn is, but they typically lose weight before they start the continual gain. It can take more than a week to get back up to birth weight and another week or so to surpass it. That has nothing to do with what you're doing. Also, it can take a while for you and baby to get your rhythm, so don't be discouraged.
I used a supplement called More Milk Plus. Amazon has the best price.
I used it. It did help but did not get me to a full supply. It is used to flavor maple syrup, so I smelled like maple syrup from every pore of my body including urine. That got old :( But it is definitely worth a try!
I tried both fenugreek and blessed thistle. Personally, I found blessed thistle to work better, and didn't have to take it as often (once every couple of days).
Also, if you are taking allergy meds, they are safe while breastfeeding, but they will decrease your supply a bit. So will peppermint and sage (which I have seen as a suggestion to help REDUCE supply when weaning).
Here's a link to various herbal ideas while nursing
http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/herbs-and-breastfee...
Congratulations on your baby! Hang in there, mama!
Yes Fenugreek can help, it takes more than the directions on the bottle say though-- usually 3 pills 3 times a day. You'll know the dose is right when your sweat starts to smell like old gym socks soaked in maple syrup.
More importantly and more helpful in the long run would be to find a La Lech League leader or group near you. You can find one at http://www.llli.org/webus.html the leaders can talk with you over the phone, meet with y ou in person, or you can go to a meeting
Our local group even has a facebook page for instant support!
It worked for me. I would recommend it.
If your baby is not thriving, I would think a visit with a lactation consultant is needed. Low weight and dehydration can be VERY dangerous. The consultant can tell you how to use the tea, as well
My midwife gave me some tea to drink after I had my son--he was in the NICU and I wasn't able to nurse immediately. The tea is called Mother's Milk and it is by Traditional Medicinals. I found it at Target for $3 after I got home! I'd say it worked well--my son was a 10lb 2oz newborn (!!) and he gained weight like CRAZY after I brought him home. He was exclusively breastfed until 6 months, and we nursed until 14 mos! For a couple bucks, the tea is worth a try! Also, the more she nurses, the more milk you will make. Good luck to you!
It was recommended to me, but didn't help. I know a lot of women that will swear by it. So, why not give it a try and find out?
