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Does fenugreek upset babys stomach?

Understanding Fenugreek and Its Effects on Babies
Fenugreek, a popular herb known for its culinary and medicinal uses, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits. However, when it comes to infants, parents often wonder whether this herb could upset their baby’s stomach.
Potential Digestive Issues
While fenugreek is generally considered safe for adults and can even aid digestion, it may not be as benign for babies. Some sources indicate that fenugreek can cause stomach upset, bloating, and gas in certain individuals, particularly if consumed in large amounts or if the person has a sensitive digestive system. This raises concerns about its suitability for infants, whose digestive systems are still developing.
Benefits vs. Risks
Interestingly, fenugreek is sometimes recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may help increase milk production, which is crucial for infant health. However, the herb’s effects on a baby’s stomach are less clear. While some adults report relief from digestive issues like acidity and bloating when consuming fenugreek, the same cannot be assumed for babies. Infants are particularly sensitive to dietary changes, and introducing new foods or herbs can lead to unexpected reactions.
Conclusion
In summary, while fenugreek has several health benefits, its potential to cause stomach upset and gas suggests that caution is warranted when considering it for babies. Parents should consult with a pediatrician before introducing fenugreek or any new supplement into their child’s diet, ensuring that their baby’s health and comfort remain the top priority.

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.

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 cause green poop in babies?

This may not be a concern unless your baby is also upset and fussy or seems to have tummy ache in which case chat with your breastfeeding specialist about whether to make changes to mum’s diet (and see #4 above). A mother taking a lot of fenugreek for her milk supply may notice her baby has green poop.

Does fenugreek cause an upset stomach?

Yes, consuming fenugreek can lead to gas or stomach upset, especially if taken in large amounts or if you’re not accustomed to it. Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, which can cause digestive issues like bloating and gas in some individuals.

Can fenugreek cause stomach pain in babies?

Fenugreek is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Most people tolerate it well, and it hasn’t been shown to have any negative impacts on infants, though some moms report that their babies are a bit gassy when they take it.

Why is my baby’s poop green and gassy?

If your breastfed baby has green, frothy poops accompanied by gas and spitting up, they may be experiencing foremilk-hindmilk imbalance or food intolerance or allergy. You can try to remedy these issues with the help of your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Why do breastfeeding moms avoid fenugreek?

⁣ 2️⃣ Digestive Issues: Mothers might experience gas, bloating, and diarrhea, while babies can suffer from colic, gas, and diarrhea if the fenugreek passes into the breast milk. ⁣ 3️⃣ Impact on Blood Sugar Levels: Fenugreek can lower blood sugar levels, which may pose a risk for mothers with diabetes or hypoglycemia. ⁣

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.

What not to mix fenugreek with?

Avoid using fenugreek together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil’s claw, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

What Chinese herbs should you avoid while breastfeeding?

“However, you do need to avoid some herbs while breastfeeding. For example, Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf), Da Huang (Rhubarb), and Huang Qin (Chinese Skullcap), as these herbs contain high levels of alkaloids that may lead to difficulty in breathing, low body temperature, and a loss in appetite for the mother.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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