Does anyone know what

[fernykins]

Fenugreek is use for and if there is any side effects......
Fern

[Kimberlina]

Well, I don't know all its uses, but it is often used by nursing mothers to increase milk supply. I used it because I had a really bad time getting enough milk when I was pumping. I don't really think there are any side effects, but let me pull up some info I have and let you know in a minute.

[Kimberlina]

"Possible side effects and cautions

* Sweat and urine smells like maple syrup; milk and/or breastfed baby may smell like maple syrup.
* Occasionally causes loose stools, which go away when fenugreek is discontinued.
* Use of more than 100 grams of fenugreek seeds daily can cause intestinal distress and nausea (recommended dose is less than 8 grams per day).
* Repeated external applications can result in undesirable skin reactions [Wichtl 1994].
* Ingestion of fenugreek seeds or tea in infants or late-term pregnant women can lead to false diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease in the infant due to presence of sotolone in the urine. See [Korman 2001] and other studies on fenugreek and maple syrup urine smell. "


There is a lot more info here:

http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milks...ml#sideeffects

I honestly don't know what else it is used for. I actually just got rid of some of the repugnant stuff. (Fenugreek tea is NASTY!)

[fernykins]

Its for Paula. the nurses up at the NICU want her to take it to produce more milk. since that is the milk they are using.....
Thank You Very Much
Fern

[Kimberlina]

I sort of assumed it was. If you are near here, you could also try making her some oatmeal-packed treats, as oatmeal is also a galactagogue. Actually, here is more info on galactagogues- I became very familiar with them, because as I said, I had a difficult time pumping enough. Actual BF worked fine for us, but the pump and I did not get along. It is crucial in Paula's case, though, so get her some oatmeal cookies, if you can, and head on over.


http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milks...actagogue.html

[Kimberlina]

That should say "near HER," not "near here."

[littlemotherhaywood]

Originally posted by fernykins
Its for Paula. the nurses up at the NICU want her to take it to produce more milk. since that is the milk they are using.....
Thank You Very Much
Fern

Something that helped increase my supply in leaps and bounds was Goat's Rue. It comes in a tincture and tastes awful, but it worked very well. I pretty much doubled my supply using it.

[fernykins]

I wish I could be near her but I live 41/2 hours away. She has no family because she spent all but 2 years of her life in foster care. Her foster mom would help but she's 90 and in a home now. Her husbands family is not surportive, and thinks what happened was her fault. All I can do is be here when she calls which she does a lot. And take my grandaughter Julia from her relationship with my son. I am very suportive of her, and I seem to be the only one who can calm her down when she is upset.
Fern

[Missy]

Traditional Medicine Teas also has a mother's milk tea that is supposed to promote healthy lactation. Blessed thistle and alfalfa are supposed to help too, I dunno, I didn't see a diference. Wish i had known about the oatmeal.

Also Reglan, a perscription med her doc or baby's doc can perscribe, helps too. That increased my supply.