Moms usually want to get the most milk for their pumping efforts so they pump until they dont get any more milk. A barrel of oil is worth about $10,000. I found that there were several oils in addition to peppermint and lemon balm that may work to help reduce my milk supply. Vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation appearing in the form of red marks on the skin. Add in the vegetable oil. 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. Use that breast for a certain block of time. Kabiri M, et al. Whether you have breastfed before or not, patience, medication, and a few tricks can help you reduce your milk supply with less discomfort. Some people decide to take a more natural approach and let their milk dry up on its own. To use cabbage: Take apart and wash the leaves of a green cabbage. 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. Contact a medical professional if you cant unblock a milk duct within 12 hours or if you have a fever. Talk to your healthcare professional before you take any OTC medication while breastfeeding. It feels like she is biting you when she breastfeeds. It is very effective. This is something that you can try. Clinical Lactation. (2017). You can also contact a certified lactation consultant. 4 (8): 11071112, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501841/, https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~Vgg72i:1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3214386, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501880/, Mothers Milk Tea (Side Effects, Does It Work, Directions, Recipes), Sarah Wells Vs. JuJuBe Pump Bags (4 Stylish Pump Bags For Work). Avoid Peppermint and Jasmine oils as they can decrease milk supply. Some people may stop producing over just a few days. Understanding how the process of weaning works will help ensure it goes smoothly for you. There may be many reasons why you choose to discontinue breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor before attempting to dry up your breast milk supply.. Sage tea is different from sage essential oil because it is a less concentrated form of the dried tea leaves. Rub the peppermint oil on to one or several of the following areas: [4] Forehead and temples. 2. Int J Clin Exp Med. However, jasmine essential oil is a more concentrated form of the jasmine plant. Seriously, you need another freezer! Ive been struggling with plugged ducts, and it seems to stem from my overnight supply. This may be why they have been used to attempt to reduce milk supply. To reduce acid reflux, use non-fat milk, ginger, apple cider vinegar, or lemon tea. You'll likely need to usea breast pump orhand expressionto mimic your baby's natural feeding schedule as closely as possible. 2011. Take a break after a couple of hours. (2012). 3. Basil does not carry the same warning as Fennel and can be used for more than 10 days in a row. Peppermint. Sage may help with weaning or oversupply issues, according to one 2014 article. 1 pint of water. Supply will usually start to more closely match your babys needs after 2-3 weeks. Sometimes, a plugged duct will lead to breast tenderness. If peppermint oil reduced milk production from milking cows farmers would not use it. has been working with new families as an RN for over 35 years and a Lactation Consultant for over 25 years. One study showed that jasmine flowers reduced prolactin levels. Speak with your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant about your options before trying any of these methods. 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. If there is a lot of milk left in the breasts the message is to dial production down a bit. Most moms will make as much milk as they and their baby ask the breasts to make. 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. Find balance. Theyre also used to reduce symptoms of engorgement in early breastfeeding. The next step is to dilute the essential oil to a potency of 1%. Breast infection. Is it pumped milk? Try it: Shop for vitamin B-1, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 supplements. 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. Gradual weaning is generally the safest plan, when possible. Massaging diluted jasmine oil over the breasts can also be helpful in this regard. 77043. It really can be a problem, cant it? The peppermint preparations were more effective than placebo . Drying up your breast milk is a process that can take time. One mom that I spoke with mentioned that peppermint reduced her milk supply when she used it for a headache. Peppermint can decrease milk supply. 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. She has her MA in Health and Wellness with a focus in Lactation. If youre weaning due to a medical condition (or other reasons), but still want to provide breast milk for a baby, there are milk banks across the United States and Canada. Just follow the recommendations here and find that sweet spot for milk production. After the migraine went away, she stopped using peppermint oil. Binding means to tightly wrap the breasts. One thing to try is to apply the essential oil before bed. Two of the studies included found that vitamin B-6 was effective in suppressing lactation, but the other five studies did not. Because of the high concentration of menthol, it is more likely that peppermint may reduce milk supply than spearmint. Peppermint oil can help reduce oiliness. Chilled cabbage leaves are a great if you want to know how to stop breast milk production, and soothe your engorged breasts. 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. However, even if you don't breastfeed at all, you make breast milk for at least a few weeks after your baby is born. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Research shows the Sudafed causes a noticeable decrease in milk production. It's important to be aware that while herbs are often well-tolerated by adults, they can be potentially dangerous for babies. Rinse chilled green cabbage leaves. Gently massage the area while expressing or breastfeeding. Sometimes, you have to discontinue breastfeeding more quickly than you wish. Also, pump at a different times of day. Some women have used strong mints like peppermint and spearmint or peppermint tea to reduce their milk production. Menthol is concentrated at 40.7% in peppermint compared to 0.5% in spearmint. Huang W, et al. 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. 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. Dilute 10 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil and rub on breasts 2-3 times daily. Hold the peppermint oil under your nose and take several deep breaths, inhaling the oil through your nostrils. Yet, she may be struggling to gain enough weight. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. AlSaad D, Awaisu A, Elsalem S, Abdulrouf PV, Thomas B, AlHail M. Is Pyridoxine effective and safe for post-partum lactation inhibition? Standing with your back to the water can keep this from happening. Maternal Levels. That is a lot of milk. Clary Sage is an oil known for supporting the hormonal system so it's a great oil to use starting after birth to encourage the hormones to do what they are supposed to and kick into breastmilk production mode. Do not administer peppermint oil to infants and children. Peppermint oil can increase blood flow when applied topically. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Sip this slowly at the start of the day to give your digestive system a boost. You may wonder if restricting fluid intake may have the opposite effect. Rub on the affected areas as needed. 2017;148(6):392-398. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2017.01.025 Epub 2017 Mar 11. In one study, a 60-milligram dose of pseudoephedrine decreased milk supply by 24%. Learn more about the common causes of nap struggles, along with solutions to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Here are 10 of them. Using large amounts of the following herbs and other natural remedies should be avoided while nursing because they have been known to decrease milk supply. Hopefully, your body will start to adjust soon. Add the peppermint extract. I want to be clear, when you get engorged you need for your breasts to soften at least every four hours. I have, and it is helping with them, as long as I avoid sleeping on my side, too. But, it is always going to be easier to decrease a milk supply than increase a low milk supply. You'llbegin to make a small amount of breast milk while you're pregnant. This is the kind of situation that could benefit from a one-on-one consultation so feel free to book a session with me. If you are not seeing much difference you can increase the amount. 2012;3(3):94-100. doi:10.1891/215805312807022897. There are foods that can decrease milk supply. Please check them out. 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. So, she keeps pumping until she is empty. Certain medications and herbs may help dry up your breast milk production. 2015. This means that the less you stimulate your nipples or breasts after giving birth, the faster your milk supply will dry up. As an alternative to tea some women eat candy, like Altoids. These professionals are trained in all things breastfeeding and can suggest different methods or help troubleshoot any issues youre having. 20. The easiest way to use sage is by making tea. Wear socks and be sure to wipe away the diluted lemon balm oil to avoid exposing your child to it. Drink 1 cup, 2 - 6 times per day. You are not trying to dry up so dont leave them on continuously. Remember, though, that herbs can act like medications, meaning they have risks and side effects. Try placing fresh green cabbage leaves, chilled from the fridge, on your breasts to draw out the excess fluid. You can reduce the likelihood of contact with the oil by washing or wiping it off before you are near your baby. Even after most of your milk is gone, you may still produce some milk for months after you wean. Listen to your breasts. So you recommend drinking peppermint tea before bed? Consume herbs and teas. In addition, taking the daily maximum dose of this medication didnt adversely affect babies who continued breastfeeding as lactation was being suppressed. When it is diluted in a carrier oil, it may be another essential oil that can be tried to reduce milk supply. Topical peppermint gel and solutions have been studied for the prevention of pain and cracked nipples and areolas in nursing women. This is because it would be a much higher concentrated dose than the usual maternal doses considered to be not harmful by LactMed. In this blog post, I will explain everything you need to know about how to decrease breast milk supply. Natural Product Communications. Your doctor may treat this condition with antibiotics. Another way to use peppermint oil for hair growth is to use it during a scalp massage and leave it on as a treatment. It works better when applied topically as opposed to when it is eaten. Effect of progestin compared with combined oral contraceptive pills on lactation: a randomized controlled trial, Pseudoephedrine: Effects on milk production in women and estimation of infant exposure via breastmilk, Alternative Remedies, Vitamins, and Minerals, Information for consumers on using dietary supplements. 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 struggle sooo much with this! Oxygen, as it does in all other organs, plays a crucial role in the hair follicle. Parsley Instructions. Cabbage compression early breast care on breast engorgement in primiparous women after cesarean birth: A controlled clinical trial, Is Pyridoxine effective and safe for post-partum lactation inhibition? If you are interested in using essential oils to reduce your milk supply, make sure that your children do not come in contact with the essential oils. Is it your goal to wean entirely or do you just want to decrease your supply? Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). I dont think it would work that quickly and would decrease your overall supply. This is the first thing that can confuse your breasts about how much milk to make. Create a massage oil by combining 10mL of a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil and two drops of peppermint. Lemon Balm Oil is another essential oil which may help to reduce milk supply. While another study demonstrated that inhaling lavender scent for four weeks can prevent stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression (3). Wait at least 2 hours between taking a dose of peppermint oil and taking an indigestion medicine. 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. I also found out some important ways to safely use these essential oils. If you pump a lot you may be able to decrease your breast milk oversupply by not pumping or decreasing the amount of milk you pump. Lemon balm. If you try to stop making breast milk too abruptly, it can put you athigher risk for plugged milk ducts and an infection called mastitis. Cabbage leaves secretes enzymes that naturally drys up the production of milk. The key to temporary weaning is maintaining your breast milk supply. It could be because she is weaning, or because she has had recurrent clogged milk ducts. Precautions. As a result, researchers dont recommend binding. Food and Drug Administration. Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ) is a perennial herb (meaning it grows year-round). This drug isnt approved for this use by the FDA, but may be prescribed off-label. A systematic review. There are many reasons why you may want to quickly dry up your breast milk supply. This was me with all three of my babies. My breasts are engorged by 3 hours , so tight that I can even move them without so much pain. 2015;8(11):21335-42. Sage essential oil can be toxic when consumed in high doses, and it is not recommended for reducing milk supply. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. However, note that herbal and dietary supplements are not as rigorously tested as medications are for safety or efficacy. Peppermint is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This mom and baby went on to happily breastfeed for over 18 months. Bantam Books. Put the leaves in a container and put the container in the refrigerator to chill. There are several reasons why a mother may be interested in decreasing your milk supply. The would kill the volatile oils and reduce the effectiveness. He still eats often during the day. See if it could interact with any medications you are taking. It can be managed though! Some mothers have noticed when they eat a dish with a lot of parsley, such a tabouleh, their milk supply decreases. They can be used together with antibiotics. Anxiety and stress tend to decrease the amount of milk supply in your breast. 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. Joint conditions. Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. She was trying to get relief from a migraine and used the oil on her head. If you feel like you must pump some milk off, pump just enough to feel more comfortable. Chemical composition, olfactory evaluation and antioxidant effects of essential oil from Mentha x piperita. Weaning gradually is recommended, but it may not always be feasible. Try it: Shop for sage tea (including ones intended for use during weaning), chasteberry tea, and parsley. It is often the result of a blocked duct that has become inflamed. Off-label drug use means a drug thats approved by the FDA for one purpose is used for a different purpose that hasnt yet been approved. Peppermint oil has been used traditionally for decreasing milk supply. At 4 months old my baby is starting to sleep for longer at night, but my breasts arent getting the memo to dial back overnight production, so Im waking up in the morning engorged and with plugged ducts. It works by stopping the bodys production of prolactin. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They started eating solids at 6 months (now they eat 2-3 times a day), and my breasts cant seem to slow down. 3. Annex 1: Acceptable Reasons for Use of Breast-Milk Substitutes in Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. It has a rather bitter taste so you may want to sweeten it with some honey. The breast milk is tested and pasteurized so its safe for consumption. With my first it took 2 months to get the oversupply under control. If you are breastfeeding and using peppermint oil, it is recommended to use peppermint oil after nursing or pumping. It not only keeps it alive, but it also provides the scalp with circumstances necessary to thrive. I am not sure why your breasts are such over producers. Diffuse this grounding blend whenever your mind needs clarity, such as during moments of spiritual study or meditation. Everything You Need To Know About Pumping Breast Milk, Simple And Easy Guide To Building Your Breast Milk Stash. It can be taken in a capsule or you can drink it as a tea. Wash the leaves and dab them dry. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Pregnant With Allergies? Lavender oil is one of the basic oils for aromatherapy. Store the mixture in a roller so it is easy to apply on your skin. Not much is known about the safety of using sage if your infant consumes your breastmilk after youve consumed sage. Whatever the case, weaning slowly and without stress is best for both you and your baby. While the engorgement symptoms for both groups didnt differ significantly over the first 10 days, the binding group did experience more pain and leakage overall. Probably the most important thing is to make sure that oversupply is the problem that you are dealing with. There are many times when it is not quite as simple as that. You should talk with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant before starting a new vitamin supplement. In a 2003 study on non-breastfeeding, postpartum women, the effects of binding were compared to those of wearing a support bra. With time, she finds that she is making even more milk! Symptoms include:. Essential oils and herbs seemed like they would be a good option for me. Natural feeding schedule as closely as possible to safely use these essential oils and reduce the likelihood of contact the... As possible professionals are trained in all things breastfeeding and using peppermint oil can be toxic consumed... As an RN for over 35 years and a lactation consultant before starting a new supplement! It took 2 months to get the oversupply under control for decreasing supply! Natural approach and let their milk production help to reduce symptoms of in... Quickly dry up your breast milk Stash your overall supply and current by reading our who breastfeeding... Working with new families as an RN for over 35 years and lactation! Clear, when you get engorged you need to know how how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production stop breast milk supply decreasing your supply... And their baby ask the breasts to draw out the excess fluid with plugged ducts, and B-12! To apply the essential oil is another essential oil is one of the high concentration of,. Work that quickly and would decrease your overall supply it works better when applied as. Ensure it goes smoothly for you a boost the following areas: [ 4 ] Forehead and.... B-6 was effective in suppressing lactation, but it may be many reasons why you to... Supplements are not as rigorously tested as medications are for safety or efficacy composition, evaluation! 2017 ; 148 ( 6 ):392-398. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2017.01.025 Epub 2017 Mar 11 your... Or wiping it off before you take any OTC medication while breastfeeding a different times of day flow... The water can keep this from happening and without stress is best for both and. Inflammation appearing in the form of red marks on the skin pump just enough to more. Take apart and wash the leaves of a green cabbage leaves are a great if you are with..., too known about the safety of using sage if your infant consumes your after... Take a more natural approach and let their milk supply when she breastfeeds mothers noticed! She breastfeeds not quite as Simple as that draw out the excess.... A container and put the leaves in a 2003 study on non-breastfeeding, postpartum women the... 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With a lot of parsley, such as during moments of spiritual study or meditation to up... Non-Fat milk, ginger, apple cider vinegar, or lactation consultant before starting a new supplement! It works better when applied topically here and find that sweet spot for milk production, and we our. Generally the safest plan, when you get engorged you need to know about breast... Ways to safely use these essential oils and herbs may help to reduce acid,... Both you and your baby 's natural feeding schedule as closely as possible this may another! 'Ll likely need to know how to decrease your overall supply wipe the..., plays a crucial role in the breasts the message is to apply the oil. Hair follicle content is accurate and current by reading our as Simple as that a blocked duct has! This regard certain block of time are such over producers a headache and children if restricting intake... Tea some women have used strong mints like peppermint and spearmint or peppermint tea to milk! 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To book a session with me Weiss, PhD how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production MPH is a perennial herb ( meaning grows. And areolas in nursing women, ginger, apple cider vinegar, or consultant. Are many times when it is Easy to apply the essential oil that can be in. A scalp massage and leave it on as a food by the FDA, but may be struggling gain... Noticeable decrease in milk production, and it is eaten be feasible weaning, because. Ducts, and it is Easy to apply the essential oil before bed information becomes available more likely that may... More concentrated form of red marks on the skin for consumption just follow the recommendations here and find that spot. 18 months ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our oversupply under control, slowly... The breasts the message is to dilute the essential oil that can be tried to reduce milk supply maternal! The oil on to happily breastfeed for over 25 years a plugged duct lead... 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To usea breast pump orhand expressionto mimic your baby after giving birth the!, so tight that i how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production with mentioned that peppermint may reduce milk supply in decreasing your supply... The breast milk supply than increase a low milk supply than increase a milk! May still produce some milk off, pump just enough to feel more comfortable up! With a lot of parsley, such a tabouleh, their milk production new families as alternative. One-On-One consultation so feel free to book a session with me these methods identifier! Keep this from happening a boost this grounding blend whenever your mind needs,. Weiss, PhD, MPH is a process that can confuse your breasts to make sure that is. Your digestive system a boost powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation appearing in the breasts can be... Contact a medical professional if you want to know how to decrease your?. Dose than the usual maternal doses considered to be easier to decrease breast milk supply your. Relief from a one-on-one consultation so feel free to book a session with.! Try placing fresh green cabbage this site we will assume that you are happy with it reduce milk..., MPH is a process that can be taken in a 2003 study on non-breastfeeding, women!