We include products we think are useful for our readers. Lavender as an oil helps you to remain calm and reduce the level of stress. The authors investigate whether and how peppermint influences milk production at the cellular and molecular levels. If sage is used to reduce an oversupply of milk, then it is possible that milk supply may dip permanently. Drying up your breast milk is a process that can take time. Coconut is one of the best home remedies to decrease breast milk. Parsley has also been used to reduce milk supply. However, the extent to which they work depends on whether or not they contain the right herbs to dry up breast . I was told not pump or exspress now , is there anything I am doing wrong ? Some people see their milk dry up after just one dose of medication. J Am Dent Assoc. Since the changes vary by individual, pregnancy isnt a reliable method for drying up breast milk. There are other things that can have the same symptoms as overabundant milk supply: Fun fact: medical terms to describe oversupply are hyperlactation and hypergalactia. mixing them with an existing product, such as a body lotion. For example, if you are having a medical procedure that requires you to take a medication, it might need to clear from your breast milk before you'll be able to feed your baby. Breast Engorgement Remedies Smart Moms Essential Guide. She may want to eat very frequently most of the time. Coconut does not have any adverse effect when it comes in contact with the skin or any body part. Side Effects. Thanks to its menthol content, peppermint essential oil can be just as helpful for arthritis pain as any of those store-bought menthol creams! More recent studies, including ones from a 2017 literature review, have presented conflicting information regarding the effectiveness of this option. I have a couple of different blog posts about increasing your supply. Herbal teas containing sage are available. You may have too much breast milk if (Source): If youve agreed with several of these statements, you may have an oversupply of milk. Spray Peppermint Oil for Mice. And if you need to pump, only doing as much as you need for the desired results. If peppermint is used on the nipples, it should be used after nursing and wiped off before the next nursing. LactMed database from the NIH, US National Library of Medicine. Companies have even created tea blends specifically for this purpose, such as theNo More Milk Tea by Earth Mama Angel Baby. If you are not seeing much difference you can increase the amount. Choose the method that works best for you, but be sure to ask your medical practitioner before taking any medications or herbs to help dry up your milk supply. Menthol breastfeeding therapy for weaning purposes. So, the more you breastfeed, pump, or hand express breast milk, the more will be produced. Avoid pumping for comfort and any nipple stimulation (which includessexual stimulation). Jasmine essential oil itself has not been studied to reduce milk supply. Having too much milk can bring its own set of challenges and problems. Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your babys age and how much milk your bodys making. New Mothers Guide to Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Confidential shares helpful breastfeeding information supported by the latest research and the deep real-life experience of lactation consultants. New parents who choose not to breastfeed will dry up their breast milk in the early days after giving birth. Cool and then strain the herbs out and store in the refrigerator. Large doses can cause heartburn, nausea and vomiting. This mom and baby went on to happily breastfeed for over 18 months. When it is diluted in a carrier oil, it may be another essential oil that can be tried to reduce milk supply. The next thing you will need to decide on is which carrier oil to use. Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ) is a perennial herb (meaning it grows year-round). Please check them out. Inhale the oil if you don't want to apply it to your skin. Drink sage tea made with 1 to 3 grams of dried sage leaves. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Not everyone will experience these suppressive effects, but many will. The Physiological Basis of Breastfeeding in Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. This is because it would be a much higher concentrated dose than the usual maternal doses considered to be not harmful by LactMed. Vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation appearing in the form of red marks on the skin. Your breasts might leak breast milk when they become full or when you think about your baby or hear themcry. Heads up, this post may contain affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission check my Disclosure Policy to learn more. Other parents may need to stop making milk due to going back to work, needing to travel away from their baby, or for a medical reason, though the weaning might only be temporary. Peppermint oil massage for hair growth. If you are breastfeeding and using peppermint oil, it is recommended to use peppermint oil after nursing or pumping. One of the great things about Young Living oils is that they have essential oils that are safe to ingest. If enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are taken at the same time as antacids . Continue with Recommended Cookies. You should start with a small amount of sage and see how your body reacts. She has her MA in Health and Wellness with a focus in Lactation. What Is Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply? Just pump until you are more comfortable. I have had moms use peppermint to decrease their milk supply in various forms for years. 77043. The Healthy Pregnancy Book: Month by Month, Everything You Need to Know from Americas Baby Experts. Talk to your healthcare professional before you take any OTC medication while breastfeeding. Listen to your breasts. I have to drink at least 1l of peppermint tea to not get engorged. 2015; 803-811.doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-408078-2.00038-X. A mom may start pumping to build up a stash of milk in the freezer. Some moms who have used sage tea to reduce their milk supply were unable to get their milk supply back. Oral capsules containing sage and parsley are said to decrease milk flow; however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. LactMed database, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Peppermint Essential Oil Product Description. Is it your goal to wean entirely or do you just want to decrease your supply? That said, abrupt weaning may be uncomfortable and lead to infection or other medical issues. She may come off the breast when your milk first lets down. 10 Tricks to Make it Easier to Stop Milk Production. Obstet Gynecol. Spearmint. Breast care for the breastfeeding mom. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sage and peppermint are often recommended to help decrease breast milk production. Menthol is concentrated at 40.7% in peppermint compared to 0.5% in spearmint. Breasts that get hard with no relief can shut down milk production because of the pressure. Eighteen lactating women were given 100 mg of l-menthol in a capsule on 3 test days. Make sure your bra fits properly. It is a good idea to apply the essential oil to an area where it will not come in contact with your childs skin, like on the soles of your feet. Dont get discouraged. After your baby is born,breast milk production increases. Traditionally, peppermint essential oils have been used for decreasing milk supply. Steep a good handful of mint leaves . When you are applying the oil topically, it is best to ensure that the oil does not come in contact with your baby. You pump large amounts of milk, even if you have just fed. This means that the less you stimulate your nipples or breasts after giving birth, the faster your milk supply will dry up. Because of the high concentration of menthol, it is more likely that peppermint may reduce milk supply than spearmint. The reason is that little babies can stimulate little milk supplies. Just follow the recommendations here and find that sweet spot for milk production. I consumed about 6 capsules of enteric coated peppermint oil which works out to about 1.2ml of oil three times a day for about two weeks. Due to its cooling sensation, peppermint oil can help provide relief to discomfort caused by itchy skin. State of New Jersey. As with many things, it is always good to discuss your situation with a lactation consultant. Pseudoephedrine, commonly sold under the brand name Sudafed, treats cold symptoms because it decreasessecretionsincluding breast milk. If your baby is not taking enough of your milk to soften your breasts, go ahead and pump. She feeds for very short periods of time. How can I increase this to reach a sweet spot. So you recommend drinking peppermint tea before bed? Sometimes it takes that long for your body to figure out how much milk it should be making. Do not use peppermint oil if you are pregnant or . Use peppermint oil topically only if youve completely stopped breastfeeding it can be toxic to your baby. There are many reasons why you may want to quickly dry up your breast milk supply. If you are breastfeeding, skip this peppermint plant use, as peppermint can reduce milk supply. Try placing fresh green cabbage leaves, chilled from the fridge, on your breasts to draw out the excess fluid. Since this is a medication it should be taken with caution. Lavender oil is one of the basic oils for aromatherapy. Keep these tips in mind when trying this method: Try it: Shop for ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications. Another category of medication that is sometimes recommended to help decrease breast milk supply is decongestants. How much peppermint will decrease milk supply? Back of the neck. This is because the essential oil is a much more highly concentrated version of the spice. Breast Engorgement Causes, Treatments, and Prevention, How to Increase Breast Milk Supply by Pumping, How to Increase Breast Milk Supply With Galactagogues, Thrush and Breastfeeding Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment, Common Breastfeeding Questions and Challenges, Annex 1: Acceptable Reasons for Use of Breast-Milk Substitutes. It is possible that, since a mom using cough drops likely has a virus, it's the illness causing the drop in breast milk production, but to be on the safe side, avoid them if possible. In this situation, you would need to follow different proceduresthan if your baby simply needed to go without breast milk for a short time to have a medical test. For instance, turkey stuffing contains large quantities of sage and parsley, and lactating parents have seen a temporary decline in production in the days following Thanksgiving. Peppermint oil (PMO) suppresses -casein production in conjunction with the induced enlargement of . Because of a lack of data, oregano in amounts higher than those found in foods as a flavoring should probably be avoided during breastfeeding. LactMed database from the NIH, US National Library of Medicine. Drink one cup of peppermint tea 2 to 3 times a day to soothe menstrual pains. Even once my oversupply was controlled though, it still took several months before I could sleep without waking up with my shirt soaked from breast milk. 2003;56(1):18-24.doi:10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.01822.x. But stopping breastfeeding abruptly may cause side effects. Use Vitamin B. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Additionally, parents of babies who are transitioning to formula, cow's milk (recommended after age 1), and/or solid foods (recommended at 6 months old) may want to start drying up their milk at various points in their baby's development. When I searched in the LactMed database, I found that breastfeeding moms should avoid oregano essential oil. In addition, peppermint oil vapor is sometimes inhaled to treat symptoms of colds and coughs . However, anecdotally many moms have noticed that their milk supply has dropped after they use peppermint oil. If you are pumping for a freezer stash, and you get a lot when you pump, dont pump every day. Extended use or taking large amounts of sage leaf or oil may result in restlessness, vomiting, vertigo, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage. (2003). Eglash A. Keep in mind that while these bars are full of chocolate goodness, peppermint isnt great when youre breastfeeding as its rumored to reduce milk production. Chilled cabbage leaves are a great if you want to know how to stop breast milk production, and soothe your engorged breasts. If you are interested in diffusing oils, it is best not to diffuse the oils around your children. To make a refreshing and effective peppermint tea, take a glass of hot water and pour in a few drops of ingestible peppermint essential oil in the mixture or add a few leaves of the peppermint herb. Oregano and thyme are also part of the same mint family that peppermint belongs to. Many people breastfeed successfully throughout their pregnancy. Extra fluids for breastfeeding mothers for increasing milk production. The breast milk is tested and pasteurized so its safe for consumption. inhaling them through a diffuser designed for essential oils. Im considering trying a cup of mint tea before bed, but Im concerned about affecting my milk supply overall. To do this, you will want to mix 3 drops of essential oil with 2 teaspoons of carrier oil. This happens because milk production works on a feedback system. Standing with your back to the water can keep this from happening. The two best essential oils for reducing milk supply are peppermint oil and lemon balm oil. Some foods (known as lactogenic foods) can make your body produce more breast milk. Pumping can help ensure that a milk supply, discuss your situation with a lactation consultant, Mint Chocolate Chip Homemade Energy Bars (Easy, Healthy, Paleo) Video. Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. 5. Tips for Mothers Who Temporarily Stop Breastfeeding. Start with a minimal dose. Essential oils and herbs seemed like they would be a good option for me. According to the 2014 article, other herbs that have the potential to dry up breast milk include: Little is known about the effect of these herbs on infants, but some can be dangerous to a baby. Alijazaf K, et al. This study asked women who took peppermint essential oil drops if they saw an impact on their milk supply. So, how do you use essential oils to decrease your milk supply? It can be used the same way or mom can blend the two and apply to the breast and down the spine. Some people decide to take a more natural approach and let their milk dry up on its own. See if it could interact with any medications you are taking. Reduce a fever. Houston, TX Evaluation and management of galactorrhea. 10. If you feel like you must pump some milk off, pump just enough to feel more comfortable. There are many different reasons for wanting to dry up your breast milkand just as many "right" times to do it. Jasmine flowers can help to stop milk production and supply. Sort of). Like birth control, Sudafed should only be used to suppress lactation under the supervision of a doctor. Back. Relieve Muscle Pain. Drink up for irritable Bowel Syndrome. La Leche International. What's the deal? The last thing you want to do is make less milk if it is not causing a problem. Lactation after loss. They started eating solids at 6 months (now they eat 2-3 times a day), and my breasts cant seem to slow down. A carrier oil is important because you will need to dilute the essential oil. 2012;3(3):94-100. doi:10.1891/215805312807022897. . The key to temporary weaning is maintaining your breast milk supply. The flavor of peppermint comes primarily from its menthol content, but 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol) is also present. A mom who can pump more than 3 oz after feeding her baby should only pump once every 2-3 days to build that stash. There are several reasons why a mother may be interested in decreasing your milk supply. Some of it is just the luck of the draw. Thyme. 1. However, it has been safely and effectively used with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, diarrhea, and other conditions,[1][2] so the smaller amounts expected (but not demonstrated) in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses LactMed database from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Your doctor may treat this condition with antibiotics. This is the first thing that can confuse your breasts about how much milk to make. Breastfeeding Hacks: Does Body Armor increase milk supply? The following are some methods you may have heard about anecdotally, but which are unproven or potentially dangerous. Rub the peppermint oil on to one or several of the following areas: [4] Forehead and temples. Because of this, they have not been fully tested for their safety. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Sage is an herb that can decrease supply. Rub on the affected areas as needed. Essential oils have not been tested for their safety around children. Cole, M. Lactation after perinatal, neonatal, or infant loss. Research shows the Sudafed causes a noticeable decrease in milk production. Ive been struggling with plugged ducts, and it seems to stem from my overnight supply. You'll likely need to usea breast pump orhand expressionto mimic your baby's natural feeding schedule as closely as possible. Ndikom CM, et al. Here's what you need to know about drying up your breast milk. Im also a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor and love to share my knowledge about pumping and breastfeeding (read more). Haved you tried a lecithin supplement for the plugged ducts? Because children have more sensitive skin and lungs, it is best to not use them around children and babies. I struggle sooo much with this! Watch your babys cues. Wash leaves of green cabbage and chill in the refrigerator. When I was ready to wean from breastfeeding, I started researching essential oils to dry up my milk supply. When your milk first comes in, supply usually overshoots your babys needs initially. . I wonder how this will resolve itself and why the supply isnt able to follow the decreased demand? It's important to be aware that while herbs are often well-tolerated by adults, they can be potentially dangerous for babies. Some mothers have noticed when they eat a dish with a lot of parsley, such a tabouleh, their milk supply decreases. Sage tea is different from sage essential oil because it is a less concentrated form of the dried tea leaves. Combine the oil with the water and dish soap, mixing well, then spray the aphid killer onto the aphids with a spray bottle. I might do it even if her baby is breastfeeding well. 6 essential oils that are safe to use when breastfeeding. However, many people find cabbage leaves to be a helpful and convenient option. Kabiri M, et al. Wait at least 2 hours between taking a dose of peppermint oil and taking an indigestion medicine. Symptoms of a breast infection include the following: Slow weaning will help prevent engorgement and plugged milk ducts, which can lead to infection. Keep lemon balm oil away from your infant when applying it, even when it is diluted in a carrier oil. 2014. You can use this to your advantage to decrease your milk supply. I can tell you that I have talked to many women who reported that their milk supply decreased after starting birth control pills. Whatever your reasons for suppressing lactation, there are a variety of ways to effectively and safely dry up your breast milk while minimizing the risk of infection or engorgement. You can drink peppermint tea, eat peppermint candies or put a drop of essential oil in your water or in a capsule. Others use medications as well to help dry up their milk faster. I have seen situations where a mom thought she had oversupply when in fact it was a completely different problem, even low supply. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever likeTylenol (acetaminophen)orMotrin (ibuprofen) to help with any pain and pressure you experience. If youre worried that your breast milk supply is low, there are things you can do to naturally increase your breast milk production, such as feeding. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this post (at no extra cost to you). How to quickly and easily scald high lipase breast milk. Many women, around the globe, use this oil to reduce the milk production. Once my milk came in with my second, it only took a couple weeks to get it under control. Itchiness. Many of these herbs are commonly used in cooking. There are 3 oils that are fantastic for boosting your supply: Fennel, Basil, and Clary Sage. Each of the oils had their own properties to reduce milk. Sip this slowly at the start of the day to give your digestive system a boost. This is the first thing you should try. Pseudoephedrine, or Sudafed, is a common over-the-counter decongestant. Remember, though, that herbs can act like medications, meaning they have risks and side effects. Peppermint oil has been historically used orally and topically to treat digestive disorders, cough, and other upper respiratory symptoms. First time mothers can also get rid of anxiety and tension from the aroma of this oil. In addition, taking the daily maximum dose of this medication didnt adversely affect babies who continued breastfeeding as lactation was being suppressed. Binding means to tightly wrap the breasts. I pumped for a year to provide milk for my preemie. When you are pregnant, you will experience the same hormonal changes (including those that stimulate milk production) whether you decide to breastfeed or not. Drink one cup a day and give it a couple of days to see if it helps. I want to be clear, when you get engorged you need for your breasts to soften at least every four hours. 3. It has a rather bitter taste so you may want to sweeten it with some honey. Very warm or hot water can stimulate breast milk production. New York. Sometimes it is from things a mom does. To utilize herbs for lactation suppression: Drink sage tea made with 1 to 3 grams of dried sage . I find that these oils absorb well into my skin. With my third baby, I also used sage and peppermint tea one or two times a day. 4 tsp vegetable oil. Make pudding treats for your baby (after they start solids of course! Toothache. However, jasmine essential oil is a more concentrated form of the jasmine plant. This leads to pain relief . Cabbage Fennel Seed. Because of the high concentration of menthol, it is more likely that peppermint may reduce milk supply than spearmint. Clinical Lactation. J Clin Pharm Ther. How To Get Rid Of A Clogged Duct (Including A Little Known Way), Help For Mastitis A Lactation Consultants Practical Advice, Fast Relief For Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding. In fact, some breastfeeding parents report being able to express small amounts of breast milk long after their child has stopped nursing. Depending on how long youve been breastfeeding, it may take time. tb1234. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Also, having a good electric breast pump made a world of difference in getting the oversupply under control. You will have to drink a lot of peppermint tea to notice any decrease in milk supply. Read our, When and Why to Start Drying Up Breastmilk, How to Rebuild or Increase Your Breast Milk Supply, 16 Ways to Naturally Increase Your Breast Milk Supply, Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk for Your Baby. Lemon balm oil is likely to be safe when it is used topically by a mother according to the NCBI LactMed database. Which Formula Tastes Like Breast Milk? Simply steep a teaspoon of dried sage in a hot cup of water for approximately 15 minutes. Of all the benefits of using peppermint oil for hair growth, this is by far the biggest. Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.