My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Randy Bergen, MD
Pediatrics
Welcome to My Doctor Online, a web site that my colleagues and I developed to make it easier for you to take care of your healthcare needs. On this site you will find answers to many of your questions about my clinical practice. Also included are several online features that will allow you to e-mail me, check your laboratory results and refill prescriptions. I hope you find its content informative and useful.
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General References
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Breastfeeding: Fenugreek Herbal Supplement Can Enhance Milk Production
Women from many cultures have used herbs to increase breast milk production for thousands of years. More recently, some hospitals and lactation centers in the United States have shown that herbs can aid in increasing breast milk supply. Although there is no scientific research conducted on these herbs to prove their effectiveness or safety, thousands of women have had positive results with them.
Fenugreek seed is an herb commonly used in America and other countries to increase mother's milk. It also fortifies the milk with added vitamins and minerals. Fenugreek is used extensively in countries like India and Mexico to increase mother's milk supply and it is believed to have other health benefits as well.
In other countries, fenugreek is thought to relieve infant colic, ease digestive disorders, calm nerves, and relieve depression. Mothers report that fenugreek can calm and relieve nervous tension caused by stress and fatigue.
To date there are no data to substantiate this claim. However, research studies have shown that fenugreek can increase red blood cell production, thus improving anemia.
The FDA included fenugreek on its list of herbs that are generally considered safe. All parts of this plant are believed to be safe. It is thought to be safe for both mother and infant, but has not been studied in a controlled manner like other drugs. Other benefits of fenugreek for mother and infant:
- Stimulates breast milk production in many women.
- Increases milk volume within 2 to 3 days.
- Fortifies mother’s milk with added Vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3, D, calcium, and iron.
- Considered to be safe and non-toxic.
- Affordable and easy to obtain. A bottle of 100 capsules costs about $6 to $8. It can be purchased at most natural or health food stores.
Fenugreek capsules
Capsules are the recommended form of the herb because of greater potency (four times stronger than the tea form). They are easier to take and taste better than the tea.
Most brands of fenugreek come in 580 to 610 mg strength. It is important to take 3 to 4 capsules regularly, 3 times a day. The effectiveness of increasing your milk volume depends on taking the correct dosage. Capsules will be much less effective in increasing your milk supply if you skip doses and only take capsules once a day.
Take pharmaceutical-grade ground fenugreek in capsules. Purchase fenugreek capsules from reputable manufacturers sold at natural and health food stores.
Fenugreek tincture
A tincture is a solution of alcohol and water that contains the plant’s ingredients. The alcohol carries the herbal properties quickly into the bloodstream, so tinctures are absorbed faster than capsules or tablets, which have to go through the digestive process. The small alcohol content acts against bacterial contamination and increases shelf life of the preparation.
The tincture is liquid and usually taken with a medicine dropper. A normal tincture dosage is 1 full dropper under your tongue at the beginning of every breastfeeding session or 3 times a day according to response of your milk supply.
Tincture drops may be taken directly under the tongue or mixed with 1 to 2 ounces of water or juice.
If you are concerned about the alcohol content, put the dosage in a small amount of hot water, which dissolves most of the alcohol in a few minutes. Then drink the water.
Fenugreek tea
Fenugreek comes in tea form by itself or as an ingredient in special teas designed for nursing mothers: 3 to 4 cups per day (or more) are needed to increase your milk volume. It is useful to include the tea as part of your fluid intake throughout the day. (Some mothers object to the slight curry taste of the tea.)
Warnings:
- Do not take fenugreek during pregnancy. It may cause uterine contractions.
- Fenugreek should be avoided by women with asthma. It can worsen asthma, especially if you are also allergic to peanuts or other legumes.
- Diabetic mothers should use caution. This herb has been shown to lower blood glucose levels in some patients. If you have diabetes, start slowly at lower doses and monitor your blood sugars. Talk to us before using fenugreek.
- Initial gassiness or loose stools may occur for the first few days for both mother and baby. Mothers who are taking anticoagulant medication should use fenugreek with caution to reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.