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Lactation Consultant

Ive been exclusively breast feeding my seven week old daughter and have been pumping and storing small amounts of milk for when I am away, but ive been having a hard time producing enough milk to feed her and pump, so im starting to take fenugreek. my question is does the fenugreek really help produce more milk, cause ive been drinking like five cups a day of mothers milk tea and i havn't seen any results from that which is why Im gonna try just the fenugreek. Ive also been takeing fish oil pills for postpartum and brain development for the baby, is it safe to take those two together, and whats the highest dose of each that is safe to take while breastfeeding.

- michelle; moses lake, WA ( 5/12/2009 )

First of all, good for you for doing your research. The only problem is that you aren't getting enough of the Fenugreek. To really get the full benefits, buy just straight Fenugreek and take 4 pills, 3 times per day. If this causes you to have too much, back down to 3 pills, 3 times per day. And yes, totally safe to take the 2 supplements together. Dr. Winkelbauer

- Lindy Winkelbauer; Boulder, CO ( 6/2/2009 )

Good Morning, Fenugreek is an effective galactogue and is the most familiar here in the US. It is best to take the fenugreek as a tincture as tinctures are most readily absorbed by the mucous membranes. One needs to drink a lot of fenugreek tea to observe an increase in milk production. I suggest going to your local natural grocer/pharmacy and purchase Motherlove's "More Milk Plus". Generally a nursing mother will observe an increase in her supply within 48 hours, as long as the tincture is taken per instructions on the bottle. If you do not observe an increase, you may want to consider Motherlove's "More Milk Special Blend". The MMSB also contains Goat's Rue which is an effective galactogue for nursing mothers who have had alteration to their mammary tissue. Please learn more about these tinctures at http://motherlove.com/products_extracts.php. Another piece to the "building supply" puzzle is the frequency by which you empty your breasts. Not knowing the age of your infant, the breasts should be emptied (nursing and/or pumping) 10-12 times/24 hours if you are wanting to build supply for an infant less than 3 months old. Please consult with a natural pharmacist/naturopath in your community about the recommended doses of fish oil. I do not know of any contraindications for taking fish oil and fenugreek, however, it is best to discuss this with a naturopath or pharmacist. Kind Regards, Stephanie Moore, RN, BSN, IBCLC International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Owner of Becoming Mothers Boulder, CO www.becomingmothers.com

- Stephanie Moore; Boulder, CO ( 6/1/2009 )

Lactation Consultant

I returned to work a week ago, I have been pumping as often as I can. It isn't always every three hours, but I try. My son has been sick the past couple of days and hasn't been eating as much. I have noticed a significant decrease in my supply, how can I bring it up and keep it up? Is there something I can take to help it? I don;t want to supplement or change to formula all together. I want him on breastmilk exclusively as long as I can. Help!!

- Jennifer; Poughkeepsie, NY ( 3/12/2008 )

WEll, sounds like you understand how important the pumping is. If you can some how get every 2-3 hours in, that will help. Also, obviously, breastfeeding is the best way to keep your supply up. But, you can also take Fenugreek. Buy it at a natural food store. Buy the straight Fenugreek capsules, not the one's with other herbs. Take 3 caps, 3 times per day. If your milk supply gets too high, then cut back to 2 each time. If not enough, you can do 4 caps, 3 times per day. Your milk will smell and taste like maple syrup, which your baby will love. good luck Dr. Winkelbauer

- Lindy Winkelbauer; Boulder, CO ( 3/14/2008 )

Lactation Consultant

Can I take Omega 3 and Glucosamine Supplements while nursing? And, is it safe to eat chunk light canned tuna while nursing?

- Jennifer; Poughkeepsie, NY ( 2/7/2008 )

Hi there did you ask this question before. If so, I hope you got my response. If not, must be a freqently asked question. You can take the Omega 3 fish oil. Actually, one of the best things you can take during nursing and pregnancy as it is a large part of brain development. I would hold off on the glucosamine as it is shell fish derived and you don't want to expose you baby to too much of that to avoid a future allergy. tuna is fine, limit 1 can per week. good luck Dr. Winkelbauer

- Lindy Winkelbauer; Boulder, CO ( 2/15/2008 )

Lactation Consultant

I would like to know if it is safe to take Glucosamine Chond. and Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements while exclusively breastfeeding? Also, is it safe to eat canned tuna while nursing?

- Jennifer; Poughkeepsie, NY ( 1/24/2008 )

I would avoid the Glucosamine, as it is a shellfish derivative. You don't want to over expose your baby to this to avoid future allergies. And yes, Fish oil is a must during pregnancy. So good for brain development, among other things. tuna is fine, at low levels. no more than 1 can per week. Try and avoid the albacore, as it has higher amounts of mercury. Dr. Winkelbauer

- Lindy Winkelbauer; Boulder, CO ( 2/12/2008 )

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