[bargdill]

this lady told me that nothing is safe to take while nursing. i already ordered it and was so excited and now i don't know what to do. i am trying to wean her slowly but i don't think i can just quit all of a sudden. it took three years to concieve her so i really wish there was something i could do.

[KittyMom]

http://kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herb...em_c.html#vitex

Chasteberry/Vitex/Chaste tree berry has been said to enhance lactation, but in practical application it may decrease milk supply. Once the milk supply is firmly established and on autocrine control, it's doubtful that the use of vitex, in and of itself, will have any negative impact on milk production, but it should not be recommended as a galactagogue.

Vitex is a very useful herb for PMS symptoms, as well as for moms who are breastfeeding and are desiring to conceive again, and are having problems with their cycles returning or becoming regular enough to sustain a pregnancy.

Vitex works by stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and suppressing the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This in turn causes the corpus luteum to secrete more progesterone. Progesterone suppresses the production of prolaction. Also, vitex has components that bind to the dopamine receptor sites of the pituitary, inhibiting prolactin secretion.

German studies from 1943 and 1954 suggested that vitex increases milk supply, but these studies were not very well designed. They basically measured when the mom weaned, and found that women who had been using vitex had a 2% weaning rate at hospital discharge, as compared to a 8% weaning rate for the other moms. Nothing was measured regarding hormone levels (obviously back then they weren't even aware of the hormones involved with lactation).[/b]

I know lots of BF'ing moms who have used it to regulate themsleves but like the article says, only once breastfeeding has been firmly established. HTH's!

[drewbears]

You can take it while nursing yes. BUT it could decrease your milk supply. Not likely when the nursing realationship is will established.

I have taken Vitex several times when TTC some of my kids.

[bargdill]

thanks so much guys, i am going to try it. i haven't even gotten it yet I ordered the tincture stuff i guess that is supposed to work faster or something.

[drewbears]

thanks so much guys, i am going to try it. i haven't even gotten it yet I ordered the tincture stuff i guess that is supposed to work faster or something.[/b]

Vitex is not a fast acting kind of thing. It can take up to 3 to 4 months to show any sort of difference in regulating things.

BUT there are some times when it works quicker