Hi, I'm trying to increase my milk supply so last night I took blessed thistle, fenugreek, and mother's milk tea. I woke up in the middle of the night and nearly passed out. (Got tunnel vision and had to put my head down between my knees to prevent passing out. When I felt better I saw myself in the mirror and I was very, very pale.) I had a headache yesterday before I took the herbs, and today I'm feeling a little headachey and light-headed. I've taken the fenugreek and mother's milk tea before without any kind of reaction. Do you think the near-blackout is connected to the blessed thistle?
The best thing you can do to increase milk is hydrate and eat very nutrient rich foods, including enough protein and fat! And nursing and pumping as much as possible as well! I had low milk production and it was a struggle but I can't say any of the herbs ever seemed to help.
You could also be dehydrated. Nursing mothers should drink a gallon of water a day. I would drink a ton of water and see if that doesn't improve how you feel. Your milk supply will also benefit. Good luck!
the problem with herbs and such is there is absolutely no regulation on them at all, so who knows what is used to grow them. plus there are numerous articles that explain the dangers of using them. I would talk to your OB about things to help with your milk production.
I could not tolerate the fenugreek either...I had the same reactions you had/have...I just had to stop taking both and resulting to eating oatmeal and lactation cookies...feel better.
I have only taken fenugreek, so I can't really speak to the others, but I'm wondering if you should be taking all 3 at once?? Maybe you should try each individually and if one doesn't work, try another. As someone else mentioned, herbals aren't regulated so there may be purity issues as well. Are you taking other medications? If so, there may be an interaction between the herbals and your medication. I took fenugreek with my first child but couldn't stand how I reeked of maple syrup. I don't think it was very effective for me. If I have supply issues this time around, I will try mother's milk tea.
Contact Leleche League. They can advise you of any reccomendations or risks with any of the herbal supplements. It rally sounds as though you're dehydrated. All the milk that you have must come from fluid already in your system.
I used blessed thistle and fenugreek with no side effects. I did not use the mother's milk tea. Agreed as others stated, drink lots of water! And make sure you are eating enough too.
