Fenugreek

Hi B.

You sound very much like I was. I produced just enough for her day to day needs. Fenugreek did not work for me, I really didn't notice a difference. The only thing that made a slight difference was increasing how much water I was drinking. I also pumped 20 mins after every feeding. It helped at first until I started slacking! So I'd say water and pumping as regularly as possible would help. Hope it helps a little... Have a great trip!

G.

I took Fenugreek when trying to breastfeed my second son. It can take up to 10 days to see results. It kind of worked for me but only as long as I was taking it. As soon as I stopped my supply started to dwindle. I had a supply problem with my first son as well but never tried the Fenugreek. It was also suggested by my lactation consultant to try mother's milk tea to get my supply up but I never did. What worked the best for me was to nurse, nurse, then nurse some more. The pump didn't do much for keeping my supply up since the suction is much different than that of your baby. I would feed my son then pump out anything that he didn't get. Congratulations on feeding your daughter for so long, keep up the good work!

One thing that worked for me was a bowl of oatmeal once ad ay. Really ups your milk supply. Also setting a pumping time is the best, like after you nurse first thing in the morning, then pump th other breast and you should get a good pumping. And then after your child goes to bed at night, wait about 2 hours and then pump. Do it at the same time every night so your obdy responds and makes milk for that 'feeding'.

Hi B.,
I am a nursing mom too and back when I was nursing full time I was taking Fenugreek also. It takes a little bit of time to kick in and I found taking Blessed Thistle along with Fenugreek works even better. GNC can get Blessed Thistle, but sometimes you have to call them to order it because it isn't something they always stock due to lack of demand. There may be other natural stores that have it on hand? This worked for me pretty well. Otherwise there is a prescription "Reglan" that you can take that REALLY works. They don't recommend taking it for long periods of time but I had super supply when I took that for a month. You could call your doctor for that. Usually you don't need to even go in they can just call it into the pharmacy.
It kicks in pretty fast so if you got some now you'd probably be ok before your trip.
Good Luck!
J.

I personally never had luck with the Fenugreek, but I did have luck with maple syrup. A lactation consulation recommended it to me to help with my low milk supply and it did help. I took a tablespoon about 20-30 minutes prior to pumping or a feeding. Of course adding in extra pumpinps will help increase supply too, even at night or when your daughter has gone a while without nursing. The more you pump or nurse the more milk you will produce, but I am sure you already know this. Good luck!!

When I know I need to store for my son. I pump once in the morning (before I nurse being as that's when I get the most), once in the afternoon, and once in the evening and get my milk suppily on overdrive. It's worked for me on several occations.

Hi, I am not familiar with Fenugreek, but what I did to pump more was wake up in the morning before my daughter, and pump. Then when she would wake up I had more ready to go for her. Getting my body into this routine is what allowed me to have plenty of milk stored for work days or weekends away. So try picking a regular time in which you can sit down to pump, tricking your body into thinking she wants another feeding...Hope that helps.
A. Anderson

I'm not familiar with Fenugreek, but when I was nursing I tried the raspberry leaf tea, it really helped! If there is a coop in your area they should be able to direct you. Good luck!

I tried to use Fenugreek before and saw little results also. I then tried a liquid version. It's called Mother's Lactation Tonic. Got it at the Nature Valley Store in b'ville. They also have a sheet to help promote milk production if you ask and talk to someone in the vitamin isle. I have also heard that the tea works well, but haven't tried it myself. Also, make sure your drinking enough water, and getting plenty of rest (HAHA-right). Hope this helps.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME:
I am a SAHM of two beautiful girls, ages 2 yrs and 7 months.

Hi - I have not tried fenugreek but I would suggest drinking as much fluids as you can and eat a lot of calories. Also pump a couple of extra times a day even if you are not getting anything. The stimulation should help trigger additional milk flow.