Herbs?

[destany08]

Which herbs can I take soon after birth to help with milk production?! Ive heard of Fenugreek and Milk Thistle.........what else?

[Bokonon]

The best way to establish your supply is to nurse on demand. If you try to increase your supply before your baby has established it naturally, you may end up with an oversupply, which doesn't sound like such a bad thing, but can seriously derail the nursing relationship.

[nameisrio]

Originally Posted by Bokonon

The best way to establish your supply is to nurse on demand. If you try to increase your supply before your baby has established it naturally, you may end up with an oversupply, which doesn't sound like such a bad thing, but can seriously derail the nursing relationship.

Good point. Don't worry about the herbs until/unless you really need them. I took fenugreek after I went back to work and was pumping. Also drank Mother's Milk tea. Eating oatmeal is also supposed to help, and of course staying hydrated.

[PatioGardener]

I agree with the PPs, especially if this is your first baby and you are not dealing with issues such as a breast reduction (or other breast surgery) or insufficient glandular tissue/hypoplastic breasts.

If this is the case, or if you were low supply in the past, now is a perfect time to talk to a lactation consultant and get a plan ready.

Best wishes for your birth!

[StrongFeather]

nak, i hope that you take the pp advice. I jumped the gun and was taking fenugreek and drinking teas, etc before i knew whether i needed them, add pumping all the time to the mix and i classic oversupply. Now after trying to fix that I am worried about undersupply!!

Nurse on demand and let the baby set the pace, then if you *need to* you can try herbs and oatmeal.

I hth