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.

Tags : breastfeeding moms, breastmilk, diet while breastfeeding, fenugreek

Congratulations on your newborn baby. Now that you are a mother, you may want to give your baby breast milk. Since breastmilk comes from your body, you should watch what you consume also. Here’s a bit info about what to eat and not to eat during breastfeeding period

Interestingly,breast milk can meet your baby’s nutritional needs even if you’re not eating well. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t suffer. Getting enough vitamins and nutrients is important because you need energy to meet the physical demands of caring for a new baby. Think of nursing as continued motivation to follow the healthy diet you followed during pregnancy. Focus on eating whole grains and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and foods that provide plenty of protein, calcium, and iron. Also, drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrate and stay away from alcohol and smoking. Smoking and alcohol might spoil your breast milk thus making the baby sick.

Experts also recommend that nursing moms get an extra 500 calories a day. Your energy needs will depend on your current weight and a lot on your activity level — there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation.

So breastfeeding moms, please watch your diet! You don’t want to have a son/daugther that is not fully healthy, right?

Tags : breast feeding, breast milk, diet while breastfeeding