Ok. So breastfeeding isn't that easy. Who ever said it was going to be? No one. So you think you want to increase your milk supply? reasonable enough thinking and you think you have found the answer; Fenugreek. Well, read on dear parents. You are in for a bit of a surprise.
As a nursing mother I too wanted to boost my supply. I had heard of fenugreek and the wonderful way it can help with breastfeeding. So with a plan in my head I headed to my nearest health food shop and bought some. Being the kind of person who is cautious, I asked what side effects were associated with the product. The smiling shop attendant said there were none so I bought it.
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Now the problem begins. Not only did it not boost the supply, but I found that it was affecting me and our 3 month old baby. I was having stomach cramps so bad I could barely walk (not period pain, but actual stomach pain); I was thirsty all the time and having tension headaches. Our baby also suffered terrible stomach cramps and was generally restless.
The fact sites my partner looked at confirmed that fenugreek was indeed the cause of our problems. I have now stopped taking it and things are starting to go back to normal.
I have included the links here and strongly urge those of you who are taking or thinking of taking fenugreek to read these. Those of you who have thyroid conditions or diabetes and are taking fenugreek, then stop. This product is not for you. The side effects for people with these conditions are terrible.
Please read the following links.
As a parent wanting the best for your child, you should have more of the facts and I sincerely hope these give you more. As a parenting wanting the best for my child, I did what I thought was something helpful and instead it was a nightmare.
Please before you take any medication, herbal or prescribed, find out more about it. This is just one more way we can do right by our babies. Our job is a tough one and these quick fix solutions are not always the best.
My words aren't meant to alarm or scare you but to make sure you are a little more informed about something that seems to be innocent enough but really, for me, was the devil in disguise.
Bubs and I are getting better now and I thank you for reading this advice.
Happy parenting to you all.
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Alas, I didn't do my research first :(
I'd heard, like many women, about how it can increase milk supply, but I didn't think to do any research about it. I blame it on the sleep deprivation, but it is still no excuse.
Thankfully, now with #5, I am finding that I have a massive oversupply, and it is all natural too. Here's to hoping that we make it much further this time ;)
Thanks for sharing about fenugreek
Great post! I've heard a lot of people pushing fenugreek, especially in breastfeeding forums. I personally have never used it, trusting my body to do what it does naturally. But it does worry me how many people will turn to some kind of remedy so easily (be it natural or synthetic). I have a friend that likes to remind people that hemlock is all natural too.
Good for you for trying to find out the side effects before taking anything and for sharing your experience with everyone. Thank you.
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