allergic to peanuts, alternative to fenugreek?

[Razz2525]

Since I really can't make those delicious oatmeal lactation cookies EVERYday, I'm looking for a supplement I can take daily to boost my milk supply. I've read that fenugreek has the same properties has peanuts and since I have an allergy, that's a no-no. Any other herbs I could take daily? Blessed thistle or alfafa, or are these supposed to be taken in conjunction with fenugreek? Thanks!

[spughy]

You only need to avoid fenugreek with a peanut allergy if you also react to things like chickpeas. If you can handle other legumes, then you're fine. However, if you've had reactions to peas, lentils, chick peas, red clover, soy or other legumes, then you should avoid it.

Blessed thistle is also a good galactagogue, but it works slightly differently - IME fenugreek boosts overall supply, while blessed thistle helps produce more let-downs. (I am super-sensitive to the feeling of letdown, I typically felt ALL my letdowns despite volumes of literature saying I couldn't. And I noticed more letdowns with the blessed thistle.) This is why blessed thistle and fenugreek work so well together - the fenugreek boosts the amount you can make, while the blessed thistle helps get it out quickly so your body gets the idea it NEEDS to make more.

[Razz2525]

Thanks very much! I'm fine with chickpeas and the like so I guess I'm good there! About how much do you take daily to boost your supply? I'm going to make a run to Whole Foods this weekend to see what they have. My right breast has completely shut down oddly enough and I barely eke out an ounce during pumping, although DS#2 seems to get a bit more when he nurses.

[spughy]

Dosage varies slightly depending on your size - generally 2-3 capsules 3-4 X per day is about right. It's hard to overdose, but you want to take enough so that you start to smell a bit like maple syrup.