Will Fenugreek Increase My Breast Milk Supply?

After baby arrives, many moms look forward to breastfeeding their child. Not only could breast milk boast many benefits for your little one, like providing ideal nutrients, but it also can have a positive impact on your health! By nursing your child, you may heal faster postpartum and enjoy extra mommy-baby bonding time.

With that being said, every family is unique, and the choice to breastfeed is yours. If you do choose to nurse your little one, there are ways that you can promote your milk flow, like incorporating galactagogues in your diet.  

What is fenugreek?

When transitioning into the fourth trimester, or the postpartum period, nutrition is extremely important. Moms may choose to adjust their diet for optimal nourishment post-birth, and to increase their milk supply while they need it most, which is why many mothers choose to incorporate fenugreek in their meal plans after delivery.

Fenugreek is a common herb that has been used as a galactagogue — milk promoting agent — for centuries. Lactation teas and cookies typically highlight fenugreek as a main ingredient because the herb contains phytoestrogens, which are plant chemicals that mimic estrogen (estrogen is the female hormone that stimulates milk production).

Potential benefits of fenugreek for breastfeeding moms:

• Lactation promotion
• Metabolism support
• Anti-inflammation
• Blood sugar balance
• Menstrual relief

In the past, some women have speculated the effectiveness and safety of fenugreek; however, there is not sufficient evidence to support this claim. Actually, fenugreek is labeled “Generally Recognized as Safe” or GRAS by the U.S. Food and Drug Association.

So, moms can typically consume recommended doses of fenugreek safely!

How do Majka products boost milk supply?

Majka products do not contain fenugreek but are rich in other galactagogue herns that have been proven to increase milk supply. You can find our top lactation products here:

• Nourishing Lactation Protein Powder
• Lactation Bites

Our Nourishing Lactation Protein Powder and Lactation Bites help keep you filled with essential nutrients that your body needs postpartum, so you don’t end up nutritionally depleted. By establishing this wholesome foundation, your body is better equipped to repair post-birth and handle the new demands of motherhood, like producing milk!

When it comes to the effectiveness lactation supplements, the ingredients are ultra-important.  Majka protein powder and lactation bites were created by mothers, for mothers, and with the help of professional nutritionists, the Majka lactation blend was created. Both our powder and bites contain high-quality and lactation promoting ingredients, including:

• Shatavari Root
• Black sesame seeds
• Chia seeds
• Coconut
• Flax seed
• Turmeric
• And more!

These super ingredients support lactation production. So, yes — our products really work!

Recipes for a healthy milk supply

The Majka Nourishing Lactation Powder contains 2.5g of galactagogues per serving while our Lactation Booster contains 3.8 g. Here are our favorite go-to recipes that feature fenugreek to support your milk supply:

1. Ultimate Lactation Smoothie Ingredients: 1 cup almond milk ¼ cup oats ½ banana ½ cup spinach 1 tbsp MCT oil or coconut oil 1 tbsp almond butter 1 tsp chia seed 1 tsp flaxseed 1 scoop Majka Nourishing Lactation Powder 1 tsp vanilla Optional: sweetener of choice Directions Blend all ingredients together

 

2. Protein Energy Balls Ingredients: 2 cups coconut flour ¼ cup Majka Protein Powder ¼ cup shredded coconut ¼ cup chia seeds ½ almond butter (or nut butter of your choice) ¼ cup almond or coconut milk 2 tbsp MCT oil 2 tbsp organic vanilla extract Directions: In a food processor, combine all ingredients until a dough forms (it should be somewhat sticky in consistency.) With your hands, roll the mixture into balls using about 1 tbsp of dough. Repeat until all dough is rolled. Place rolled dough on a lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight. These bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks! Majka Iced Latte

 

3. Majka Iced Latte Ingredients: 12 oz almond milk 1 scoop Majka Nourishing Lactation Powder Ice Directions: Add 4 oz of almond milk (from the 12 oz) to a frother Set the frothed almond milk aside Mix remaining 8 oz of almond milk and Majka powder in a shaker Pour mixed liquid and powder over ice Add frothed milk on top of iced latte

Craving more lactation recipes? We’ve got you covered! Our one-week breastfeeding diet guide has 22 recipes to fuel your motherhood.

 

We want to see if you tried a fenugreek or lactation recipe out at home! Tag us on Instagram @lovemajka and #lovemajka so we don’t miss your post!

 

Frequently asked questions about Fenugreek:

1. Is it safe to breastfeed while taking fenugreek?

Yes, however it’s important to make sure you're consuming the herb in safe amounts.

2. How much fenugreek should I take for breastfeeding?

The recommended dose of fenugreek for the purpose of boosting milk supply is up to 3,500 mg per day.

3. How long will it take for fenugreek to increase my milk supply?

Many moms notice an increase in production between 24 and 72 hours after consuming the herb. However, it can take up to 2 weeks for others to notice a difference. Consistency is key!

4. What are the side effects of fenugreek?

Potential side effects of fenugreek include diarrhea, flatulence, and dizziness. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t experienced by everyone. Just like with anything, we always recommend talking to your doctor if you’re unsure about adding something new to your regimen.

5. Does Fenugreek affect baby? 

Fenugreek hasn't been found to cause any negative side effects for baby. 

6. Does Fenugreek make your breasts bigger? 

While a ton of research hasn't been conducted comparing the affects between Fenugreek and increasing breast size, Fenugreek is interpreted in the body as estrogen and can lead to an increase in milk supply. With an increase in milk supply, typically growing breasts coincide.