Can You Take Fenugreek to Increase Breast Milk?

Thinking of the ways to boost your lactation? Can fenugreek help to boost breast milk?

How to use fenugreek seeds for lactation?

Which are the ways by which I can take fenugreek to increase my breast milk supply?

Did I just read your mind, new momma? Don’t worry, as always I am here to help. Today’s post is all about using fenugreek to increase breast milk in new moms.

New moms are always worried if their little ones are getting enough milk. Most of the times they are. All you have to do is check if he or she is gaining weight according to their age and birth weight. If your little one is not, then one reason could be that your baby is not getting enough milk.

• Read: Benefits of breast feeding you may not be even aware of

Causes of low milk production in moms:

 The reasons behind low milk production in new mothers can be,

• Lack of proper nutrition

If you are worried about losing all that pregnancy weight and head straight to dieting, you may end up losing on proper nutrition. This can lead to diminished milk supply.

Do you know that you can lose weight while breastfeeding?

• Improper latching of baby while feeding

If the baby is not latching on to the breast while feeding, he or she won’t get enough milk. It will also lead to your breasts not draining properly with each feed.

• Stress

Having a baby means a lot of things. You are trying to figure out how to handle everything without making a mess. That can lead to stress. Unfortunately that can also cause low milk production.

• Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can also be a cause of less milk supply.

• Certain illnesses and medications

Illnesses and medications can also bring down your milk supply. Make sure you inform the doctor that you are breast feeding, if he prescribes any medications.

You can also read about 25 foods to be taken in moderation or avoid during breastfeeding.

Qualities of fenugreek:

You know fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), uluva, vendhayam or methi, as a herb that can elevate the taste of your food. But did you know that it has other benefits too? It contains minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients which makes it possible for it to be a useful in a variety of ways.

• Treating heartburn
• Reduced absorption of cholesterol
• Skin and hair
• Detoxifying
• Helping patients with diabetes
• Treating menstrual issues

Fenugreek and lactation:

Ever heard something called a Galactalogue? It is something that helps stimulates and increases blood supply.

After your delivery, there are times when you feel that your grandmother, mother, mother in law or aunty has been promoted as the international spokesperson for fenugreek. Well. You can’t blame them.

For all you know they are speaking out of experience.

Fact is that fenugreek seeds have been used for breast milk production since biblical times.

The relationship between fenugreek and lactation is not quite clear, despite the fact that it has been a tried and tested method since olden days.

• Read: 15 super foods to increase lactation in new mothers

How to consume fenugreek to increase lactation?

The downside about fenugreek is that not many like the taste. The good part is, you can have it many ways.

1. Seeds

This is the best way to have fenugreek. Take a teaspoon of fenugreek, you can swallow or chew it.

2. Fenugreek tea

Take a teaspoon of fenugreek and pour hot water over it. Let it steep. Have this fenugreek tea also known in India as ‘methi ki chai’. You can eat the seeds too. You can add sugar or honey if you like.

3. Capsules

You get capsules containing fenugreek extract. You can take these if you find it hard to stomach the taste. But before you take these, consult your doctor, so you can take the correct dosage.

4. Fenugreek- rice porridge

Fenugreek rice porridge or vendhaya kanji is given to moms after delivery to help boost lactation.

To prepare this, 1 cup of rice along with 2 tablespoons of fenugreek are seeds are pressure cooked with enough salt and water till it turns mushy.

5. Fenugreek laddu

Part of the post-natal diet followed in North India, fenugreek laddu or methi laddus help boost lactation. It also helps with back ache in new moms.

6. Roti

You can make fenugreek rotis or parathas, to increase your intake of this wonder herb. Theplas are yet another wonderful way for intake of fenugreek leaves.

7. Curries

Add it to your dal, sambhar or any dish to enhance the flavour and increase your milk supply.

8. Fenugreek leaves stir fry

Stir fry made using fenugreek leaves are yet another way of including fenugreek in your diet to boost lactation.

9. Fenugreek dosa

Vendhaya dosa or fenugreek dosa is known for its importance in the postpartum diet of Kerala.

Rice along with fenugreek seeds is grinded to a dosa batter consistency. Coconut and melted jaggery is then added to it. Dosas are made out of this batter.

How much fenugreek to consume to increase breast milk supply?

It is said that you should consume 3.5 gm to 6 gms of fenugreek daily to achieve the desired results. If you are taking enough, then your urine and sweat will start to smell like maple syrup.

In case you experience any ill effects like loose motions after consuming fenugreek, try reducing the amount you are taking or discontinue it.

Precautions while using fenugreek for boosting lactation:

While fenugreek helps immensely with increasing breast milk supply, you got to take precautions.

• Excessive use of fenugreek during pregnancy should be avoided. It can cause uterine contraction.
• Diabetic moms shouldn’t take this in excess as it can lower the blood sugar levels.
• Mommies with peanut allergy should exercise caution while having this as fenugreek might cause allergies in people with allergy to peanuts.

Mommies, hope you found this article on fenugreek to increase breast milk was informative.

Moringa leaves can help a lot to boost lactation too. Try moringa leaves stir fry recipe today itself.

Do you have any tried and tested home remedies for increasing lactation? If yes, do share with me in comments.