​The Benefits Of Fenugreek For Increasing Breast Milk Production

​The Benefits Of Fenugreek For Increasing Breast Milk Production

Posted by Kelly Northey on 31st Jan 2015

fenugreek for breastfeedingChances are you’ve heard about the amazing benefits of using fenugreek to help produce more milk – but does this herb really help? Although it has centuries of historical use in helping mothers ensure that they always have enough milk to feed their babies, some good clinical research is always a great idea. In recent years, medical professionals have taken a serious look at fenugreek due to its popular use and effectiveness and we’d like to share those results with you today.

Hormone Precursors

In the human body, there are special chemicals that are released in order to start the production of certain hormones. These chemicals are called ‘hormone precursors’, and they play an important role in just why fenugreek is reputed to be so helpful in increasing breast milk in mothers.

The hormones that these precursors bring about are the very same that lead to increased milk production. When these chemicals are present in the body they act like signals letting the mother’s body know that it’s time to make more milk. For women who aren’t making enough milk or who are having a hard time getting lactation to happen in a steady way, fenugreek could possibly assist in providing extra signals to the body to help get the process moving along more productively.

Steroids

Fenugreek is rich in a variety of specialized steroids called steroidal sapogenins. These steroids help strengthen and energize certain functions within the body – and as you’ve probably already guessed, lactation is one of them. Several of the gentle, all-natural steroids contained in fenugreek may help help strengthen the parts of the body that produce milk so that the process can happen more regularly with greater output.

A recent study involving 1,200 mothers found that all of them experienced a noticeable increase in breast milk production within just 72 hours of using fenugreek (1).

Sweat Glands

Breasts perform a lot of functions, and one of those functions is that of a modified sweat gland. One of the best known effects of fenugreek is its ability to induce and increase sweat production – another reason why this herb may cause positive changes for breast milk production.

How To Use Fenugreek

how to use fenugreek to help increase breastmilk

Mothers involved in various studies were given fenugreek in a variety of forms. The simplest way to take it, however, is as an added ingredient in foods or as an extract since these don’t require noticeable consumption of an herb that has a very strong scent and flavour. One of the most popular ways to get fenugreek in the diet is by making cookies that include fenugreek. There are countless recipes that get handed down between mothers, and some commercial brands that use fenugreek as a main ingredient.

Of the mothers and their children involved in the studies cited in this article, no negative side effects were perceived. Fenugreek is considered to be an extremely safe and gentle herb that may work well for many mothers. If you have concerns about using herbs for increasing breast milk, talk with your doctor to get more information.

References

Carol Reeder, BSN, RN, IBCLC, Anita LeGrand, BSN, RN, and Susan K. O’Connor-Von, PhD, RN. “The Effect of Fenugreek on Milk Production and Prolactin Levels in Mothers of Preterm Infants.” 2013. Web.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Effect of Fenugreek on Milk Production (fenugreek)” November 25, 2013. Web.