When I wrote about low-milk supply, the vast majority of you said I wasn't getting enough fenugreek (or blessed thistle). I'm now taking 1 of each, 3 times a day...plus some tea. Well, my son is now pooping constantly (1-2 times a day - used to be every 2-4 days) and the consistency isn't what it used to be. I know they're digestives. Is this anything I need to worry about. Also, he's developed a rash on his belly...could this also be related?
Having 1-2 bowel movements is much more normal than not having one in 2-4 days. Constipation can lead to colon problems down the road. Can he drink water? How old is he? I would maybe decrease a cup a day of the tea (if that is how you are taking the fenugreek and blessed thistle)until his rash disappears.
Good luck!
K.
Many of the women on here has an enormous amount of wonderful advice and knowledge to give. I think you have to take what you have heard/read and discuss the options with your Doctor before adding/changing any supplements ect. while breastfeeding. Best to you and your lil one!
Don't listen to alot of these ladies about how much a baby should be pooping. Breastfed babies can go a few days without pooping and that is perfectly normal and healthy. The breastmilk is absorbed without much waste. My babies went through periods of going once a week, and then 3 times a day. And they were all breastfed exclusively. Talking to a lactation consultant is actually better than talking to your doctor. Doctors aren't as informed about breastfeeding as they should be. Sue M. gave the best advice on here. When it comes to breastfeeding issues, always listen to a lac. consultant. I say this because I actually had a pediatrician tell me to stop nursing and put the baby on formula and she would sleep better at night. What kind of advice is that??? Ridiculous! I used my better judgement and nursed for over a year with all my babies. Also, I had a very low supply of milk too. I ended up just always nursing more frequently. Some people could go 3 hours between feedings, I couldn't. In the first month I was nursing every 45 minutes or so. It doesn't last forever. As they get older, they start to slow down in frequency and when they start solids at 6 months, then you only nurse 6 to 8 times a day. Good luck to you!
So you're breastfeeding is what it sounds like. As with anyone who is constipated, bacteria builds up in the colon and intestines. When they become regular and start to get their system cleaned out, rashes may appear.
One of two things can be happening. The above or he has a an allergic reaction to the fenugreek. I am not a nurse, but my suggestion would be if it doesn't clear up in a couple of days, take him to the doctor.
try eliminating two of the products.. get down to just fenugreek.. my regualr old pediatrician told me fenugreek was safe for me and the baby.. I think fenugreek did upset my tummy a bit and also seemed to make my sinuses a bit worse.
So eliminate everything but the fenugreek.. see if his symptoms improve.. if he is in day care.. the rash could be some contaggious kid disease.. as could the change in diapers..
Fenugreek can give a rash. Your son having more than one bowel movement a day is good if your breast feeding most babaies give about 3 -6 diapers a day so your doing fine as far as I am concern. the only thing is you might want to watch the rash. drink lots of water just like if you where pregnant too. make sure its water.
Hi L.,
I took the fenugreek and blessed thistle but didn't drink the tea with it. I found the herbs had more of an effect on my GI tract than my daughter's and it only lasted the first 1-2 days. My daughter has always pooped at least once/d but I know some breastfed babies can go days without since breastmilk is so readily absorbed. A change in your baby's bowel habits are definitely something to watch.
The rash would concern me, too. If you haven't introduced any new foods or changed soap/laundry detergent recently, I would likely blame the herbs. The only way to find out whether they are the cause is to stop taking them (or at least one of them) for 1-2 weeks and see what happens. Good luck!
C.
A breastfeed baby usually poops 1-2 times a day and the consistacy is usually yellow and somewhat runny/creamy or seedy. The rash may be something else...you might want to call your Dr about it.
Hi L.,
I'm a lactation consultant and recommend fenugreek often. I generally recommend taking the pills that are anywhere from 500-625 mg per capsule. On day one it's 2 capsules 3 times a day (with meals). Day 2, same dosage. Day 3 -3 capsules 3 times a day. Day 4 same dosage as day 3. You can continue to increase every other day until you're taking 5 capsules 3 times a day. Don't go higher than that. Or if you'd rather you can take fenugreek in essence or tincture. It's 2 dropperfuls 2-3 times a day.
You mention that your baby is pooping constantly, 1-2 times a day. That's not constantly. Babies for the first few months tend to have 3 or more a day. The increase in baby's stools is a good sign. It lets you know he's getting more milk. I don't think the rash is from the fenugreek. I hope this helps. S.
I don't know much about the fenugreek - but most babies should be pooping 1-2 times a day. Every 2-4 days is not healthy.
We should all be so lucky. Did you know that everyone should poop after every meal? Dr. Oz had a segment on this topic just the other day. If something goes in, something should come out. Americans consume much less fiber than we should be. Fiber helps the process along. I can offer supplement support if you need it!
S.
