Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-grecum), as with virtually all herbs, has to be dosed according to the mother's and baby's reaction and response. This is true of pharmaceuticals as well. It is one of the oldest known/documented herbs. With that stated, I am hoping that this mom worked her way up to the dose you listed. That dose is the upper limit that I would suggest in most cases; however, that does not mean that there are detrimental effects over that level. There are no known long-term effects of taking fenugreek EXCEPT IN PREGNANCY AND IN INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETICS (it can be used as a hypoglycemic-state inducer). It is not believed to be stored in fat cells and has a relatively short half-life of its active ingredients. HOWEVER, I cannot vouch for the purity, freshness, quantity of, or quality of a company that I have not worked with and investigated. So, there may be something in the capsules besides fenugreek that is causing the maple-smell. This is usually a sign of sugar in the urine, and that can be caused by many things (and should be taken seriously). Fenugreek does contain alkaloids (trigonelline and gentianine), mucilage, protein, and sterioidal saponins, as well as Vitamins B and C, and small amounts of A (which is a fat soluble vitamin--not in sufficient dosage to cause concern here). It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, digestive tonic, milk promoter (galactogogue), demulcent, uterine stimulant, and it lowers blood sugar (although some say it just regulates blood sugar). One approach might be to lower the dose of fenugreek and combine it with other galactogogues such as fennel, thyme, hops and blessed thistle (any one or more). I'd also look at the mother's diet (when and how much of what), as well as other meds she might be taking. I hope this helps and is clear. : )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC email: [log in to unmask] : ) : )HSR & Health Educational Consultant voice/fax: 541 753 7340 : ) : )LLLLLLLLLLLLL**CHANGE THE WORLD, NURTURE A CHILD!**LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL : )