Hi Lactnetters,

I was in Lactnet withdrawal all last week when I couldn't access my e-mail
via AOL.  The problem is now fixed and I'm glad to be back.

I need some input about the effect of fenugreek seeds tea and mother's milk
tea on a baby's digestive system. Baby is seven months old and has had
diarrhea for the past two weeks (frequent mucousy stools, very irritated
diaper area). Is otherwise well. Mother reports she started drinking these
teas - up to four cups a day - about two weeks ago, because she read that
they would increase her milk supply. She's going back to work on Feb 1 and
was trying to boost her supply so she could pump and store some bottles ahead
of time.

The literature describes these teas as galactagogues but with various
potential side effects. I wondered if the mother was overdoing it with four
cups a day.  Another possibility is that the baby started on rice cereal a
month ago ( before she began drinking the teas). However, she reports baby
had no adverse reaction to the cereal. Prior to that, baby was fully
breastfed.
I've suggested that she cut out the teas for a week to see if the diarrhea
stops, and if not, then try cutting out the cereal.
Thanks for any info.

Beverley Rae, MSW CSW IBCLC
Tired of all the snow in NY