I haven't had time to read my Lactnet messages since the holidays started
and have just resumed my reading after about a month hiatus.  I'm very
curious about women's responses to these herbs and how these affect milk
production and have not yet delved into the literature on the topic
myself.  Since I have a huge list of topics to explore in the literature I
thought perhaps those who have expertise in this area might have an
explanation. I make tabouli salad at least once a week, which contains lots
of parsley and I have never noticed a drop in my supply after eating
tabouli salad.  In addition, I often use thyme in a sweet potato dish and
use rosemary on roasted asparagus and again, never noticed a dip in
supply.  I'm wondering if there is a variable response to these herbs among
the population, whereby some women are severely affected and other women
only by unnoticiable amounts. Any explanation for my atypical response to
these herbs?  Could it be because I started the tabouli after my milk
supply was well established (I think when my son was about a year old) and
the amounts of the other herbs I use are much smaller?  What happens in
countries where tabouli is a typical part of the diet? Has anyone ever
studied what factors might influence the responsiveness to these herbs?  It
seems that such information would be helpful in terms of more specific
advice to women.  For instance, "don't use these herbs while you're
establishing your milk supply" - or "don't use these herbs before your
child has started solids" - or "most women can't use these herbs, but there
are a few lucky women who can"

Susan Burger
(Glad I didn't know at the time I started nursing that these had a negative
effect since I love tabouli!)

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