In one of my post, I talked about some tips to increase breast milk production. One of the tips was “consuming fenugreek”. In this post I am going to talk more about what fenugreek is and how to consume it
The fenugreek is a plant has been used for thousands of years throughout the world to increase breast milk supply in lactating women both as an herb and as a spice. In ancient Egypt, the herb is called “hairs of the earth”.
Crushed fenugreek seed also appears to lower blood sugar and has been used as a treatment for diabetes in Ethiopia. Fenugreek is also a common ingredient in curry powder and adds a maple syrup flavor to artificially flavored maple syrup.
Now here are the ways you can consume the fenugreek
Buy the capsule or actual herb.
Buy fenugreek capsules at a natural health store, natural supplement store, or drugstore. Or purchase loose fenugreek spice from a reputable herbalist. Good, fresh fenugreek should smell somewhat like maple syrup and not smell acrid.
Here is the fenugreek capsule dosage:
Take 4-7 grams a day. This means 2-4 610 mg capsules three times daily OR 1/2-1 teaspoon of the spice (powdered fenugreek seed) dissolved in water, juice or milk three times daily OR 1 cup of fenugreek tea 2-3 times per day. You may start at the lower dosage for a few days and then work up to the maximum dosage if called for.
Results will be seen within 1-3 days. Continue to take fenugreek seed for several days. Nurse or pump or express breast milk, eliminating as much milk from your breasts as you can to build your milk supply.
You may try going off the fenugreek when you feel your milk supply has increased sufficiently to feed your baby. If your breast milk production lowers again, even with the baby draining your breasts completely, resume taking fenugreek seed in the same dosage as before and keep taking it.
As a mother, you must want the best for your children, and giving breastmilk is a part of it. Breastmilk contains the right amount of nutrition and gives more immunity to the baby compared to formula milk. But unfortunately, to some mothers, their breastmilk production is running low after two or three months (and that includes me). So I researched and found some tips to increase breastmilk production. Here they are
I consulted my doctor about the low production of breast milk and my doctor said that I should not be stressed. Stress is the major cause of low breast milk production. However, I am not stressed at all so I guess that reason does not apply for me. These are the tips that my doctor suggest me:
Pump or breastfeed more frequently.
Try pumping for five to ten minutes after a nursing session. Whether nursing or exclusively pumping, you can also try adding a pumping session or two during the day to increase your supply, such as first thing in the morning or after baby has gone to bed. I am using the Medela breast pump, and it has worked very well.
Drink plenty of water.
Make sure you’re drinking enough water during the day. It’s summer now in here and weather is so hot, and I did not drink enough water, maybe that’s why my breast milk is running low.
Eat enough.
Breastfeeding moms should consume 1,800-2,200 calories per day to maintain an abundant supply; fewer than 1,500-1,800 calories can cause a decrease in supply and decrease in the number of calories your milk contains. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein-rich foods.
Rest and relax.
Try taking a nap during the day or just resting on the sofa with your little one. Some sources also suggest co-sleeping with your baby.
Try eating oatmeal.
Lots of moms say that adding oatmeal to their diet somehow increased their milk supply. Have a bowl or oatmeal for breakfast, or snack on oatmeal-granola or even oatmeal cookies throughout the day.
Take away the pacifier.
Your baby should be sucking only at the breast, not pacifiers. Your baby’s need to suck will ensures that he or she spends enough time at the breast to stimulate your supply.
Try massage and relaxation techniques.
Before breastfeeding or pumping, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. Sit in a comfortable chair, play soft music and massage your breast for a minute or two before you begin to help with letdown.
Herbal remedies.
Fenugreek is an herb commonly used to increase milk supply. Fenugreek can be used short-term to boost your supply or long-term to augment supply and/or pumping yields. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies.
For mothers who still work while breastfeeding, storing some breastmilk supply is very important. That’s why choosing a good breast pump is very crucial. Here’s my experience in choosing breast pump
I searched for breast pump about 2 months before my expected delivery due date. At aht time I was just looking for cheaper stuff since I did not know much about breast milk. After going to some babystores, I decided to choose Little Giant breast pump as my choice. I think the price was about USD 25.
Three days after giving a cesarian birth, my breast started to become full of milk and since at that time I already gave direct breastmilk for my baby, I tried to breast pump my milk.
Well, somehow, the Little Giant breast pump doesn’t work that well. It doesn’t really suck my nipple. Fortunately, my husband was available and so he ran to the closest babystore and got me a Medela breastpump (price was about USD 80).
I am very satisfied with this Medela pump…maybe because it is not made in China. It is the best breast pump ever. It sucks very powerfully and with minimal pain. Recently, I also found in the internet that Medela is also selling Medela Freestyle which is their newest model for breast pump.
Here’s the demonstration video for the breast pump
Generally, all mothers produce enough breast milk for their babies. Breast milk has important nutritions for the baby’s growth. The more you breastfeed your baby, the more milk you produce. Some mothers also give formula milk aside from breast milk, which decrease the breast milk production.
During the first week after giving birth, most of use are very confident that we’re giving our love one enough breast milk.
Take a close look of these signs below to make sure that your baby is getting enough breast milk:
Your baby usually drink breastmilk for at least 8 times a day (8-18 times in 24 hours)
Your baby needs diaper change for at least 6 times a day after five days old.
Your baby poo pooing for at least 2 times in 24 hours. But not too often other wise, she/he might having diarrhea. Usually it’s about 2-6 times a day.
Your baby is active and energetic when drinking the breast milk. You can hear the swallowing sound from her throat.
Hi everyone! My name is Maria Dewi (I am a classical pianist, you can see my separate blog about classical music here). This blog is a real life story, sort of like my personal pregnancy and motherhood journal. Everything written in here is based on my own experience thus really happened in true life. I know how blurry it is to have your first baby, so if any of you are first time parents like me, you can just join me with my journey.
