Does fenugreek make babies fussy?

The Impact of Fenugreek on Infant Fussiness
Fenugreek, a herb commonly used to enhance milk supply in breastfeeding mothers, has garnered attention for its potential side effects, particularly concerning infant fussiness and gas. As more mothers turn to fenugreek to boost lactation, anecdotal reports suggest a correlation between the herb and increased fussiness in babies.
Fussiness and Gas in Infants
Many mothers have reported that after introducing fenugreek into their diets, their infants exhibited signs of increased fussiness and gassiness. One mother shared her experience, noting that after starting fenugreek, her baby had a notably gassy day, which coincided with her own consumption of the herb. This sentiment is echoed in various parenting forums, where mothers discuss similar experiences, suggesting that fenugreek may contribute to digestive discomfort in some infants.
Understanding the Mechanism
The exact mechanism by which fenugreek affects infants is not fully understood. However, it is known that fenugreek contains compounds that can alter the flavor of breast milk, potentially making it less palatable for some babies. Additionally, fenugreek is known to have a laxative effect, which could lead to digestive issues in sensitive infants. This could explain why some babies may become fussy or gassy after their mothers consume fenugreek.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
Given the mixed experiences reported by mothers, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating fenugreek into their diets. While fenugreek can be beneficial for increasing milk supply, the potential for causing discomfort in infants cannot be overlooked. Pediatricians can provide personalized advice and help mothers weigh the benefits against the possible side effects for their specific situation.
Conclusion
In summary, while fenugreek is widely used to support breastfeeding, its impact on infant fussiness and gas is a topic of concern for many mothers. The anecdotal evidence suggests that some babies may react negatively to fenugreek, leading to increased fussiness and digestive discomfort. As always, it is advisable for mothers to seek guidance from healthcare providers to ensure the well-being of both themselves and their infants.

Does fenugreek mess with birth control?

Fenugreek and birth control don’t seem to directly interact. But it’s still a good idea to avoid combining them. There’s a lack of safety and interaction studies when it comes to taking fenugreek supplements. But they can cause digestive-related side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.

Can fenugreek cause fussiness in babies?

Possible side effects for baby
Sometimes baby will smell like maple syrup, too (just like mom). However, some mums have noticed baby is fussy and/or has green, watery stools when mum is taking fenugreek and the symptoms go away when fenugreek is discontinued.

Does fenugreek have negative effects?

Potential side effects of fenugreek include diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive tract symptoms and rarely, dizziness and headaches. Large doses may cause a harmful drop in blood sugar. Fenugreek can cause allergic reactions in some people.

What are the side effects of fenugreek in babies?

There is a potential increased risk of bleeding in infants after being introduced to fenugreek via breastmilk. The is due to fenugreek’s anticoagulant properties. There is one documented case of gastrointestinal bleeding in a premature infant after the mom started fenugreek as a galactagogue.

How does fenugreek affect breasts?

A theory suggested that fenugreek stimulate sweat production, and as the breast is a modified form of sweat gland, fenugreek might be able to stimulate the breast to supply an increasing amount of milk [21, 24].

Can fenugreek upset my baby’s stomach?

Your baby’s digestion could also be affected by fenugreek. I have seen many babies who were terribly uncomfortable with gas, green super-frequent stools and bright red bottoms who cleared up immediately after their moms stopped taking fenugreek.

Does fenugreek affect emotions?

Antidepressant-like effects of (2S, 3R, 4S)-4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HI), a major amino acid from fenugreek seeds, has been reported in the animal model of acute depression.

Why is fenugreek controversial?

Large doses may cause a harmful drop in blood sugar. Fenugreek can cause allergic reactions in some people. Cases of liver toxicity have been reported in people taking fenugreek alone or in combination with other herbs.

Is fenugreek bad for the baby?

Fenugreek is not safe for use during pregnancy in amounts greater than those found in food; its use has been linked to increased risks of birth defects in both animals and people. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use fenugreek in amounts greater than those found in food while breastfeeding.

Can fenugreek negatively affect milk supply?

According to the Lactmed, Drugs and Lactation Database, out of 85 women who took fenugreek as a way to increase milk supply, 45% of them reported having an adverse reaction. And we’re not just talking about a decrease in milk supply here. There are other possible adverse reactions.