Renee, You wrote about a mom who is pregnant and still trying to breastfeed
her 9 mos old. According to Sheila Humphrey's book and other herbal sources I
have, fenugreek is contraindicated during pregnancy because it has
oxytocin-like effects and may stimulate uterine contractions. This caution especially
refers to fenugreek use in late pregnancy, the last trimester, and yes, there
is conflicting information about its use during pregnancy.
She has seen a product that contains raspberry leaf, nettle leaf, and
alfalfa leaf that is supposed to increase milk supply while being safe during pg.
These herbs are fine and the main consideration here would be quality and
purity of the herbs, as well as any allergies she may have. The following
websites can offer her choices (she should also let her OB know she has chosen to
take these herbs): motherlove.com , has the combo of herbs this mom discussed
with you, birthandbreastfeeding.com (Mechell Turner's website, also has
homeopathy) and kellymom.com has a whole section on herbs. Mom can also use foods
like oats, oatstraw teas, to increase her supply; I suggest Mother Food for
Breastfeeding Mothers an excellent book by Hiliary Jacobson. I also second
Karleen's suggestion of donor milk until her own supply goes back up.
Best of luck to this mom and do let her know many mothers have been in her
situation and done just fine without supplementation of formula.
Barbara Latterner, BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC
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