Fenugreek dosage for low milk supply
Hi, my baby is one month old and I feel the need to increase my milk supply. I know he is getting enough but when I go to pump, I can barely get an ounce. I need to start pumping and freezing for when I go back to work. My physician approved the use of fenugreek or blessed thistle but I don't know how often or how many to take?
Answer from the lactation consultant:
My first question is: what kind of pump are you using? Having a good pump is of supreme importance. Next, before you take a herb, I would suggest trying simply pumping for 10-15 minutes(even if nothing is coming out) in the mornings only after your first feed of the day. Do this for 2-3 days and if by day 4 you are not able to make at least 1/2 ounce then consider a galactogogue. The down side of taking an herb to stimulate milk supply in your situation is that it will stimulate your supply 24/7 and you do not need it 24/7 so you will likely have oversupply when and will be forced to pump frequently or run the risk of mastitis. Simply increasing supply by demand (pumping extra) is a much better method. Even if it takes you 3 days to collect a bottle, that is fine. You only need one days worth of feeds in the freezer when you go to work. As far as dosage goes of the herbs: here is a useful link to dosages. Galactogogues
Hope this helps,
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC