For those that live in the US... I do not know if this has anything to do
with the situation that started this thread but... About 2 years ago, a
patient bought Fenugreek to increase her milk supply.  The next day after
starting the Fenugreek she had a DRASTIC reduction in milk, she actually
went from a normal supply that needed a boost for a sick baby with a calorie
need so she was pumping to increase her supply and using only expressed
breastmilk via tube feeding at night.  Then suddenly after just a few doses,
she could not pump any milk and her baby became frantic as if he was not
getting enough at the breast.  (again all other measures to increase supply
were being done, closely observed patient)  When she called we reviewed
everything, and finally we asked her where she had bought her Fenugreek.
She had bought it from GNC. (GNC is a US vitamin and dietary supplement
chain of stores) As it turned out, one of our LC's a year before that had
noted that Fenugreek had a negative affect on her (although not nearly as
severe) but when she took the Mother's Milk Tea, which had Fenugreek in it,
she had an increase in supply.  She too had bought her Fenugreek from GNC.
Finally about the same time as the patient with the reduction in milk,
another client called.  She stated she had the same problem, she had gotten
her Fenugreek from a co-worker though... turns out the co-worker told her
that it seemed like instead of increasing her milk, it had the opposite
affect on her when she used it so she quit taking it, and subsequently quit
breastfeeding shortly thereafter.  Where had she bought the Fenugreek?  GNC!
So now we tell all of our clients not to get their herbs to increase milk
from GNC.  Someday they will probably sue me over this, but 4 clients and
over a stretch of time... can't just be coincidence.  I do not know if it is
when they picked it, or how it was processed or what.  I had searched the
archives and other literature and did not find any other mention of someone
having a decrease in supply.. lack of an increase, yes, but not an actual
reduction when using Fenugreek.  Especially when all the other measures to
increase milk supply are being followed.


Pam Price IBCLC, CBE
Lactation Services Coordinator
Women's Health
Trident Health System
9330 Medical Plaza Drive
Charleston, S.C. 29406
(843) 824-5013 office
(843) 728-9640 pager

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