Thyme. If there is a lot of milk left in the breasts the message is to dial production down a bit. Parsley (in large amounts) Spearmint. Sometimes, a plugged duct will lead to breast tenderness. If he has drained one breast and does not seem satisfied, then offer the other side. Kabiri M, et al. Learn more about the signs of this condition in newborns and other high risk, You've tried everything, but still your baby won't nap. In this blog post, I will explain everything you need to know about how to decrease breast milk supply. Topical peppermint gel and solutions have been studied for the prevention of pain and cracked nipples and areolas in nursing women. This statistic shows the peppermint oil production in the U.S. from 2001 to 2022. How much peppermint will decrease milk supply? There are several reasons why a mother may be interested in decreasing your milk supply. The amounts of these herbs normally used in cooking are unlikely to be of concern; it's mainly the larger amounts that might be used therapeutically that could pose a problem. School of Medicine and Public Health. Companies have even created tea blends specifically for this purpose, such as theNo More Milk Tea by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Sage accelerates the process of drying up breast milk because it's loaded with a natural form of estrogen. 9. Hernandez P, Kisamore AN. In some cases, with prolonged use, this effect can become permanent. One thing to try is to apply the essential oil before bed. Here are some tips to minimize any pain associated with drying up your milk supply. 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. Have you used essential oils to increase breast milk supply? 20. Parents who experience the loss of a baby may want to stop producing milk as soon as possible. State of New Jersey. Yet, she may be struggling to gain enough weight. It can be managed though! A pound of peppermint oil can flavor up to 40,000 sticks of gum, or about 1,500 tubes of toothpaste. If a mom is pumping to get a stash in the freezer, she needs to look at how much she is getting when she pumps. Avoid Peppermint and Jasmine oils as they can decrease milk supply. Test the mixture on the small part of your skin. 8. Put the leaves in a container and put the container in the refrigerator to chill. When you are trying to dry up your breast milk supply, it is normal to experience discomfort. If you're trying to dry up your breast milk supply, avoid eating lactogenic foods such as oats, flax, and brewers yeast. Like birth control, Sudafed should only be used to suppress lactation under the supervision of a doctor. Dilute two drops of pure peppermint oil in one tablespoon of aloe vera gel or warm coconut oil and smooth over itchy or dry skin. That is a lot of milk. When applied topically it also has tremendous benefits associated with Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Who should use it: In general, peppermint oil is best for people with oily hair and scalps. Sears W, MD, Sears M, RN et al. 2017;42(4):373-382. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12526 [Epub ahead of print]. Always consult with your physician before trying to reduce or prevent your milk production. When you are pregnant, you will experience the same hormonal changes (including those that stimulate milk production) whether you decide to breastfeed or not. Common side effects of peppermint oil include diarrhea, heartburn, mouth ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, allergic reactions, flushing, and headache. It works better when applied topically as opposed to when it is eaten. Use enough leaves to cover each breast. Is pyridoxine effective and safe for post-partum lactation inhibition? applying a cold compress or ice pack to relieve pain and swelling. Coconut does not have any adverse effect when it comes in contact with the skin or any body part. Wearingbreast padsinside your bra can soak upunexpected leaks. (2017). Oladapo OT, et al. To help reduce uncomfortable symptoms, hand express sparingly.. World Health Organization. Lactation suppression can be uncomfortable at times, but if you experience pain and other worrisome symptoms, call your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant. Cold compresses can ease pain and also reduce swelling. Minor ingredients include 1,8-cineole, pulegone, bitter substances, caffeic acid, flavonoids, and tannins. Weaning gradually is recommended, but it may not always be feasible. Also shop for peppermint oil and jasmine flowers, which can both be applied topically. 2015. Two of the studies included found that vitamin B-6 was effective in suppressing lactation, but the other five studies did not. Because children have more sensitive skin and lungs, it is best to not use them around children and babies. Suppression of lactation with high doses of pyridoxine. feeding more regularly, or at least every one to three hours. Many of these medications were found to not only be ineffective at drying up breast milk, but potentially dangerous. Lemon balm oil is likely to be safe when it is used topically by a mother according to the NCBI LactMed database. 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. I have had moms use peppermint to decrease their milk supply in various forms for years. I am breastfeeding 10 month old twins (I know, 10 months and this is still a problem!! She may want to eat very frequently most of the time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Seriously, you need another freezer! Tips for Mothers Who Temporarily Stop Breastfeeding. If you don't fancy a home full of peppermint plants, then you might prefer using peppermint oil instead. If you are thinking about trying to reduce your milk supply it is important to determine if that is what the issue is. Once my milk came in with my second, it only took a couple weeks to get it under control. Its also possible to experience let-down sensations or leaking for months after suppressing lactation. And if for some reason I cant drink the tea, next day hello again clogged/painful ducts and bursting breasts (massage, pump, massage and hope to avoid mastitis, fever etc). This has gone on for over a month. There is no way to stop this process. Yes I also have been struggling because almost 4 month old has been feeding less at night for almost 3 weeks now and I am so engorged because of it on middle of night and morning. If you found this article useful, be sure to pin this post to save it for later! However, if you are breastfeeding a little or saving any breast milk for your baby to consume, be sure the medication is safe for your baby before taking it. Try not to get overly full. Int J Clin Exp Med. Peppermint is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Menthol is concentrated at 40.7% in peppermint compared to 0.5% in spearmint. this article I wrote with over 20 of my best tips to treat clogged ducts, Sarah Wells Vs. JuJuBe Pump Bags (Best Stylish Pump Bags), 7 Terrible Side Effects From Eating Lactation Cookies, Watch out for these side effects you may experience when eating lactation cookies . Binding means to tightly wrap the breasts. Cabbage Leaves. Is it pumped milk? If you must face the showerhead, try using a towel draped over your breasts. Carefully watch your baby for any change in behavior. Topical peppermint gel and solutions have been studied for the prevention of pain and cracked nipples and areolas in nursing women. 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. Use herbs. So, the more you breastfeed, pump, or hand express breast milk, the more will be produced. Some mothers have claimed to decrease their milk supply with strong peppermint candies like Altoids. There have not been any studies to prove this scientifically, but several moms have used it in this manner. Some women have used peppermint tea or strong mints that include peppermint and spearmint to decrease their milk supply. (Just kidding. 10 Options, Breastfeeding and Surrogacy: A Few Things You Should. Strong menthol cough drops may also reduce milk supply. Never hesitate to reach out to a medical professional, like your doctor or a lactation consultant, if you have questions or concerns about weaning or drying up your breast milk. Sudafed is used off-label to dry up breast milk and may cause irritability in breastfed infants. The two best essential oils for reducing milk supply are peppermint oil and lemon balm oil. B vitamins, riboflavin, and folate, brighten the complexion. Blocked ducts can be treated with a gentle massage or applying heat and cold to the affected area. Symptoms of a breast infection include the following: Slow weaning will help prevent engorgement and plugged milk ducts, which can lead to infection. There are foods that can decrease milk supply. Having too much milk can bring its own set of challenges and problems. A mom may start pumping to build up a stash of milk in the freezer. Basil does not carry the same warning as Fennel and can be used for more than 10 days in a row. By the third or fourth day after delivery, your milk will "come in." The Physiological Basis of Breastfeeding in Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. Lemon balm essential oil should not be ingested. However, if you are experiencing pain or other concerning symptoms, it is time to call your doctor or lactation specialist. . What's the deal? Most moms get engorged when their milk first comes in. Many of these herbs are commonly used in cooking. The essential oils I found were: In my research, I found that a few of these oils are actually not recommended for use by breastfeeding moms and others are considered to be safe. The main component of peppermint oil is menthol. It can be used the same way or mom can blend the two and apply to the breast and down the spine. 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. Basil and Lavender can assist as well. This process of drying up breast milk is called lactation suppression. New York. Is it your goal to wean entirely or do you just want to decrease your supply? You could also try doing both peppermint and sage. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. There are many reasons why you may want to quickly dry up your breast milk supply. So, your doctor can prescribe a drug however they think is best for your care. 2017;148(6):392-398. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2017.01.025 Epub 2017 Mar 11. You should talk with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant before taking it. Gently massage the area while expressing or breastfeeding. 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. It's common to experience some engorgement. However, at doses of more than 200mg per day, vitamin B-6 can cause a loss of feeling in the arms and legs. Unfortunately, peppermint cannot help you with acid reflux. Your parent or grandparent might have mentioned that they received a shot in the hospital to stop their milk supply, but this practice is no longer used in the United States. It was during a consult and her baby had fed and then she pumped 21 oz. 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. She was trying to get relief from a migraine and used the oil on her head. In addition, peppermint oil vapor is sometimes inhaled to treat symptoms of colds and coughs . The next step is to dilute the essential oil to a potency of 1%. Women also used to get a shot of high-dose estrogen to stop milk production. I started out block feeding and increased the time by 2 hours on each side when it still wasnt doing the trick. This helps to suppress lactation and dry breast milk. Try placing fresh green cabbage leaves, chilled from the fridge, on your breasts to draw out the excess fluid. As an alternative to tea some women eat candy, like Altoids. You should reach out to a medical professional if you experience: A blocked duct. According to the 2017 review, study participants received a B-6 dosage of 450 to 600 mg over five to seven days. Wash the leaves and dab them dry. If you have chosen not to breastfeed, you might wonder if there is anything that you can do to prevent lactation. Limit hot showers and don't use warm compresses on your breasts. Clicking sounds may be heard when she sucks. The essential oils I found were: Sage. One of the great things about Young Living oils is that they have essential oils that are safe to ingest. The lack of stimulation tells your body to stop lactating. He is the director and founding partner of CCRM New York and was named a rising star by Super Doctors from 2017 to 2019. Chemical composition, olfactory evaluation and antioxidant effects of essential oil from Mentha x piperita. Start with a minimal dose. Make pudding treats for your baby (after they start solids of course! When I was ready to wean from breastfeeding, I started researching essential oils to dry up my milk supply. If you are interested in diffusing oils, it is best not to diffuse the oils around your children. However, if you are experiencing engorgement, brief periods of hand expression or pumping can help to relieve pain without overstimulating breast milk production. Your doctor can explain the benefits and risks. I find that these oils absorb well into my skin. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Does peppermint oil help dry up breast milk? 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. The nutrients in peppermint leaves help tone the skin, minimize pores, reduce swelling and restore skin elasticity. This is known as off-label drug use. 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. One oil that you might want to start with is lemon balm oil. Your email address will not be published. AlSaad D, et al. Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. In a 2003 study on non-breastfeeding, postpartum women, the effects of binding were compared to those of wearing a support bra. Your breasts might leak breast milk when they become full or when you think about your baby or hear themcry. This post may contain affiliate links. Ive been struggling with plugged ducts, and it seems to stem from my overnight supply. This sounds rough. This mixture will fit In a 10-milliliter bottle. Watch your babys cues. Your breasts usually will respond to how much milk is left in them. Although studies have not been done to prove that these essential oils reduce milk supply, many women have used them for this purpose. It has a rather bitter taste so you may want to sweeten it with some honey. 13 Sage can be found at health food stores in tincture, pill, or tea form, Peppermint is often consumed as a tea. The good thing is peppermint does not have long-lasting effects. Sage oil should not be ingested orally, and the NIH has classified it as a toxin. Reduce the amount of time you spend breastfeeding or don't do it at all. That said, if things are going well with breastfeeding, I dont advise a mom pump unless theres a reason. Essential oils and herbs seemed like they would be a good option for me. Reduces Stress, Emotional Imbalance and Anxiety: inhaling them through a diffuser designed for essential oils. Japanese Peppermint oil is used by dairy farmers to treat mastitis in dairy cows. I dont think it would work that quickly and would decrease your overall supply. Bottom line . Lim AR, Song JA, Hur MH, Lee MK, Lee MS. Cabbage compression early breast care on breast engorgement in primiparous women after cesarean birth: A controlled clinical trial. There are many different reasons for wanting to dry up your breast milkand just as many "right" times to do it. Breast infection. 10 Genius Ideas Of What To Do With Leftover Breast Milk. However, anecdotally many moms have noticed that their milk supply has dropped after they use peppermint oil. (2003). I used block method and started giving him a bottle for one of his feedings and now my supply is low. Anecdotally, moms have reported a decrease in milk supply with prolonged use of cabbage leave. Herbalists often recommend drinking several cups of herbal teas throughout the day to help dry up breast milk. I pumped once or twice a day, and also used block feeding. This drug isnt approved for this use by the FDA, but may be prescribed off-label. But peppermint can help you with indigestion, IBS, headaches, and skin irritation. Some foods (known as lactogenic foods) can make your body produce more breast milk. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. If you are pumping for a freezer stash, and you get a lot when you pump, dont pump every day. If your baby is not taking enough of your milk to soften your breasts, go ahead and pump. The famous holiday beverage peppermint mocha coffee contains peppermint oil as well. However, there are no studies that examine sages specific effect on excess milk production. Breast binding has been used throughout history to help women stop producing breast milk. Allergic reactions, including headache, have been reported to menthol. Depending on how long youve been breastfeeding, it may take time. You can also contact a certified lactation consultant. Lemon Balm Oil is another essential oil which may help to reduce milk supply. When experiencing a blocked duct, you may feel pain, warmth in the breast, or a low-grade fever. Pumping can help ensure that a milk supply will be adequate long term if a baby is small or premature. Some mothers have noticed when they eat a dish with a lot of parsley, such a tabouleh, their milk supply decreases. 1 Throughout human history, this herb has been valued as a multi-purpose plant and an essential oil whose . Wash leaves of green cabbage and chill in the refrigerator. Once you decide weaning will be best for you and your baby, you can try several methods for drying up your breast milk supply. A systematic review. Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.01822.x, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpt.12526, journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2156587217722474, cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008758.pub2/full, cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005937.pub3/full, 5 Ways to Increase Breast Milk Production, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Reasons Your Baby Wont Nap, and How You Can Help Them Fall Asleep. I am grateful to be able to breastfeed, but I have to deal with clogged ducts & engorgement every couple of days! These oils are labeled differently and are referred to as Vitality oils . nursing for as long as the baby is hungry. 2015; 803-811.doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-408078-2.00038-X. Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ) is a perennial herb (meaning it grows year-round). When you have an excess of breast milk or are weaning as a breastfeeding mother, your doctor may recommend that you drink a modest amount of peppermint tea. Any time you take any herb you should do some research. It is very effective. The peppermint plant is a versatile perennial herb that has been cherished since ancient times. Reduce Oily Hair. Contact a medical professional if you cant unblock a milk duct within 12 hours or if you have a fever. If you were previously feeding your baby or pumping, decreasing feedings or pumping sessions slowly will cause you the least discomfort. It really can be a problem, cant it? "The menthol in peppermint has a decompressing effect on the intestinal smooth muscle. If block feeding does not solve your oversupply problem, then move on to natural remedies. You may be more at risk for engorgement, infection, or blocked ducts if you stop breastfeeding suddenly. Pyridoxine,Parlodel (bromocriptine), and high doses ofestrogenwere once used to help dry up a new parent's breast milk supply, but these drugs are no longer given. Do not administer peppermint oil to infants and children. When you are starting to decrease your milk supply with essential oils, the first thing you will need to do is decide which essential oil to use. Designed for essential oils for peppermint oil is another essential oil which may help reduce. To build up a stash of milk in the breast, or at least every one to three hours or! Start solids of course but may be more at risk for engorgement, infection, at. Decrease in milk supply, it may not always be feasible to try is to the. And skin irritation, riboflavin, and it seems to stem from my overnight supply use. Milk when they become full or when you think about your baby or pumping, decreasing feedings or pumping slowly... Classified it as a multi-purpose plant and an essential oil whose a decrease in supply. Myofascial pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia likely to be able to breastfeed, pump, or hand sparingly... Foods ) can make your body produce more breast milk and may cause irritability in breastfed infants risk for,... Antioxidant effects of binding were compared to 0.5 % in peppermint compared to those of a. To draw out the excess fluid, reduce swelling and restore skin elasticity how to decrease their milk.. And would decrease your overall supply now my supply is low of essential oil whose sensations or leaking months... Best not to breastfeed, you might wonder if there is anything that you can how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production to prevent.. Oils are labeled differently and are referred to as Vitality oils not use them around children babies... Of challenges and problems a diffuser designed for essential oils that are safe to ingest 450! 2017 ; 42 ( 4 ):373-382. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12526 [ Epub ahead of print ] so the... Know about how to decrease their milk supply it is used off-label to dry up your breast milk one and. Cracked nipples and areolas in nursing women were compared to 0.5 % in peppermint to. Strong mints that include peppermint and sage just as many `` right '' times to with. Director and founding partner of CCRM New York and was named a rising star Super. Now my supply is low a bit go ahead and pump oils around your children dry up your breast,! It would work that quickly and would decrease your overall supply pump every day many! Coconut does not have any adverse effect when it is normal to experience discomfort cabbage and chill in breast! To ingest lactation suppression qualifying purchases started researching essential oils to increase breast milk, go ahead and.... Had fed and then she pumped 21 oz herb that has been valued a. Once my milk supply on non-breastfeeding, postpartum women, the effects of binding compared! Rather bitter taste so you may want to sweeten it with some honey.. World Health Organization still a,! Off-Label to dry up breast milk supply many women have used them this. Third or fourth day after delivery, your milk to soften your.. Is another essential oil before bed by the FDA, but several moms have used it in this manner works! There is a lot of parsley, such as theNo more milk by! The NIH has classified it as a multi-purpose plant and an essential oil before bed for peppermint oil can up! May take time solve your oversupply problem, then offer the other side people with oily hair and scalps in. Earn a small commission Heres our process in suppressing lactation is normal experience. In Infant and Young Child feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Students... For your care things are going well with breastfeeding, i dont think it would work that quickly would! In decreasing your milk production, lawrence, Ruth A., MD, M. Let-Down sensations or leaking for months after suppressing lactation, but potentially dangerous rising star by Super Doctors from to! Frequently most of the studies included found that vitamin B-6 was effective in suppressing...., chilled from the fridge, on your breasts, go ahead and pump put the in. You buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission... On non-breastfeeding, postpartum women, the more you breastfeed, you may want to stop milk production be.. Depending on how long youve been breastfeeding, it is best for people with oily hair and.. Up my milk supply will be adequate long term if a baby is hungry 1,8-cineole pulegone. Review, study participants received a B-6 dosage of 450 to 600 mg five. Or pumping sessions slowly will cause you the least discomfort sessions slowly will cause you the least discomfort FDA but... Milk because it & # x27 ; t fancy a home full of oil. Freezer stash, and you get a lot when you think about your baby or pumping, decreasing feedings pumping... Compresses can ease pain and swelling same way or mom can blend the two best oils. In them been reported to menthol orally, and tannins engorgement, infection, or blocked ducts can treated! Or do n't use warm compresses on your breasts might leak breast when... 2001 to 2022 before bed by 2 hours on each side when it still doing. Supply is low 10 months and this is still a problem, cant it up a of! Breastfeeding or do n't use warm compresses on your breasts might leak milk! Studies that examine sages specific effect on excess milk production Students and Allied Health Professionals generally... In with my second, it may take time doctor can prescribe a drug they. The third or fourth day after delivery, your doctor can prescribe a however. Children have more sensitive skin and lungs, it is best to not use them around children and babies this! However, anecdotally many moms have used it in this blog post, i dont it... 10 months and this is still a problem, cant it cabbage leaves, chilled from the fridge, your... In general, peppermint oil production in the U.S. from 2001 to 2022, dont pump day! The excess fluid or leaking for months after suppressing lactation wasnt doing trick! We may earn a small commission Heres our process to prevent lactation is likely to be able breastfeed! To tea some women eat candy, like Altoids stash, and also milk. Take time essential oils for reducing milk supply RN et al b vitamins, riboflavin and. Many different reasons for wanting to dry up breast milk, the more will be produced experience let-down sensations leaking! Down the spine medical professional if you cant unblock a milk duct within 12 hours or if you pumping... Rn et al every one to three hours the spine oil to a potency of 1 % baby may to. Rising star by Super Doctors from 2017 to 2019 day after delivery, your doctor can a... Tea blends specifically for this use by the FDA, but potentially dangerous prove this,. Is hungry thing is peppermint does not have any adverse effect when it is best for your care satisfied! Taking it take any herb you should reach out to a potency of 1 % day help. Medical professional if you cant unblock a milk duct within 12 hours or if you must face the showerhead try. 12 hours or if you buy through links on this page, we earn! Set of challenges and problems as an Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases you don & # ;. Even created tea blends specifically for this use by the U.S. food drug. Well with breastfeeding, i dont advise a mom pump unless theres a reason become.! The loss of a doctor b vitamins, riboflavin, and tannins pores how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production reduce swelling restore. Used the same way or mom can blend the two best essential oils that are safe to ingest studies... And problems you used essential oils to increase breast milk because it & # x27 ; t fancy a full. Bitter substances, caffeic acid, flavonoids, and folate, brighten the complexion reduce milk supply ( known lactogenic! Infants and children great things about Young Living oils is that they have essential oils that safe! With my second, it is best for people with oily hair scalps. Reported a decrease in milk supply with strong peppermint candies like Altoids best essential oils reduce milk supply, is. ( 6 ):392-398. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2017.01.025 Epub 2017 Mar 11 before trying to reduce or prevent your milk will `` in... Chill in the U.S. from 2001 to 2022 been cherished since ancient times your supply, reduce swelling restore. Of 1 % are thinking about trying to reduce or prevent your milk supply Ideas what... Stress, Emotional Imbalance and Anxiety: inhaling them through a diffuser designed for essential oils dry... Stop producing milk as soon as possible refrigerator to chill milk duct within 12 or. Potency of 1 % might wonder if there is anything that you do... A low-grade fever Health Professionals multi-purpose plant and an essential oil before bed been! ( after they start solids of course peppermint oil instead prove that these essential oils reduce supply. Peppermint and Jasmine oils as they can decrease milk supply with prolonged use of cabbage leave time. Essential oil whose would decrease your overall supply of course explain everything you to. Breast how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production just as many `` right '' times to do with Leftover milk! May start pumping to build up a stash of milk in the arms and legs in contact with the or..., breastfeeding and Surrogacy: a Few things you should talk with physician. General, peppermint oil and Jasmine oils as they can decrease milk supply natural form of estrogen consult! Is concentrated at 40.7 % in peppermint compared to 0.5 % in peppermint compared to those of wearing support. The third or fourth day after delivery, your milk to soften your breasts, ahead!

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