Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita) contains menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate as major ingredients. Companies have even created tea blends specifically for this purpose, such as theNo More Milk Tea by Earth Mama Angel Baby. My concern is how reversible it is if your supply decreases too much. Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. Some people find that a hot shower can elicit the milk ejection reflex (sometimes called a let down). 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. If you're trying to dry up your breast milk supply, avoid eating lactogenic foods such as oats, flax, and brewers yeast. We include products we think are useful for our readers. You could also try doing both peppermint and sage. However, pseudoephedrine is sometimes used off-label and even illegally, so the ability to purchase it is limited in some states. 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. You can decrease the number of times that you pump or you can pump less milk when you pump. One mom that I spoke with mentioned that peppermint reduced her milk supply when she used it for a headache. The good news is that you and your baby dont have to suffer. Research shows the Sudafed causes a noticeable decrease in milk production. 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. This means that the less you stimulate your nipples or breasts after giving birth, the faster your milk supply will dry up. By the third or fourth day after delivery, your milk will "come in." Just pump until you are more comfortable. 1 tsp dish soap. The maximum dose is 60 mg, four times each day (maximum 240mg in any 24-hour period). Still finding myself painfully engorged every morning, and it would be nice to find a solution to that other than pumping in the middle of the night, but things are manageable at the moment. That is a lot of milk. The process works the same in reverse. Menthol is concentrated at 40.7% in peppermint compared to 0.5% in spearmint. Peppermint oil to dry up milk supply. Welcome! People sometimes also use peppermint oil and leaves to treat various conditions, from heartburn to tension headaches. 5. There is no way to stop this process. It will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to take full effect. How long the process takes varies from person to person based on their individual situation, such as how long they have been producing breast milk. J Clin Pharm Ther. Oregano is generally well tolerated, but gastrointestinal upset and allergic skin reactions have been reported rarely. Colostrum: General. Bottom line . Even after most of your milk is gone, you may still produce some milk for months after you wean. If you are breastfeeding and using peppermint oil, it is recommended to use peppermint oil after nursing or . 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. 3. Other moms can do everything wrong and still have tons of milk. Add 3 drops of Peppermint to your shampoo in the morning and massage into your scalp for 2 minutes for a brisk way to start the day. I find that these oils absorb well into my skin. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) contains menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate as major ingredients. This advice has not been scientifically proved even though mothers have experienced a reduction in milk supply. So, she keeps pumping until she is empty. Whatever the case, weaning slowly and without stress is best for both you and your baby. However, the more milk you express, the longer itll take to dry up. In addition, taking the daily maximum dose of this medication didnt adversely affect babies who continued breastfeeding as lactation was being suppressed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Abruptly stopping breastfeeding does come with the risk of engorgement and the potential for blocked milk ducts or infection. If enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are taken at the same time as antacids . The lack of stimulation tells your body to stop lactating. 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. Excessive pumping this is probably one of the most common reasons for oversupply. I struggled with clogged ducts while I was breastfeeding and pumping. These could easily be diluted until you find an amount that works best for you. You pump large amounts of milk, even if you have just fed. Breastfeeding Medicine: Treatment of Maternal Hypergalactia., Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed): Cabbage., Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: Ultrasound as a treatment of mammary blocked duct among 25 postpartum lactating women: a retrospective case series., South African Medical Journal: Suppression of lactation with high doses of pyridoxine., StatPearls: Physiology, Breast Milk., The Journal of Perinatal Education:Factors Related to Breastfeeding Discontinuation Between Hospital Discharge and 2 Weeks Postpartum.. This is the kind of situation that could benefit from a one-on-one consultation so feel free to book a session with me. However, anecdotally many moms have noticed that their milk supply has dropped after they use peppermint oil. 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. Taking estrogen as a part of a combined birth control pill can help stop lactation. Very glad to find a post on oversupply. With my third baby, I also used sage and peppermint tea one or two times a day. Lemon balm. 2011. (2003). You can find one through the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). However, if you are experiencing engorgement, brief periods of hand expression or pumping can help to relieve pain without overstimulating breast milk production. These oils are labeled differently and are referred to as Vitality oils . Top Treatment Tips, Ovulation Tool: Find Your Most Fertile Days. 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. Speak with your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant about your options before trying any of these methods. Be careful so that it doesn't scorch! I am sorry you are going through this. Japanese Peppermint oil is used by dairy farmers to treat mastitis in dairy cows. Depending on how long youve been breastfeeding, it may take time. Talk to your healthcare professional before you take any OTC medication while breastfeeding. Bantam. New York. Be sure to wipe off the peppermint oil before the next nursing or pumping session to avoid transferring it to your baby. 2018. Whether you have been breastfeeding for months (or years) and are ready to wean or you plan to feed your baby formula from the start, it's important to know how to dry up breast milk. Peppermint oil can increase blood flow when applied topically. Add the remaining ingredients and blend on high for 10 seconds until emulsified. Add a drop of tea tree oil for extra relief. In addition, peppermint oil vapor is sometimes inhaled to treat symptoms of colds and coughs . The peppermint preparations were more effective than placebo . So, the promises on the labels may not be accurate. He still eats often during the day. Sage oil should not be ingested orally, and the NIH has classified it as a toxin. I am breastfeeding 10 month old twins (I know, 10 months and this is still a problem!! Follow the below steps. If you become pregnant while breastfeeding, your milk supply or the taste of your milk may change. 5. I might do it even if her baby is breastfeeding well. (2014). Be sure to consult with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you are told you need to wean for a medical reason, as there are typically options that will allow you to maintain your breast milk supply and continue breastfeeding afterward. Breastfeeding Hacks: Does Body Armor increase milk supply? You go through bra pads like there is no tomorrow because you leak so much. You may need to express some milk to relieve the feeling of engorgement. Steep for 5-15 minutes. It's common to experience some engorgement. Continue with Recommended Cookies. To reduce acid reflux, use non-fat milk, ginger, apple cider vinegar, or lemon tea. If the breasts are completely drained, then it tells them to step up milk production. Breast infection. How often can you use it: You can use peppermint oil up to three times a week. Lactation Suppression. (2012). You may experience some discomfort during the weaning process. But you have to consume peppermint the right way. You may wonder if restricting fluid intake may have the opposite effect. Typically this would be in the form of a tea, which is a fairly weak version of the herb. Rub the peppermint oil on to one or several of the following areas: [4] Forehead and temples. Peppermint oil may also be found in peppermint mocha coffee drinks that are popular around the holidays. However, even if you don't breastfeed at all, you make breast milk for at least a few weeks after your baby is born. Having a whole lot of milk isnt always sunshine and unicorns though. Always consult with your physician before trying to reduce or prevent your milk production. applying a cold compress or ice pack to relieve pain and swelling. If you havent breastfed your infant yet, high doses of vitamins B-1 (thiamine), B-6 (pyridoxine), and B-12 (cobalamin) may work to suppress lactation. It works by stopping the bodys production of prolactin. To help reduce uncomfortable symptoms, hand express sparingly.. Peppermint also helps to treat menstrual cramps. Please check them out. Food and Drug Administration. As with peppermint oil, there is no hard evidence of its impact on breast milk supply, but many nursing mothers report a drop in lactation while taking cough drops. This may be why they have been used to attempt to reduce milk supply. Little, Brown, and Company. She spits up all the time, especially right after feedings. I was told not pump or exspress now , is there anything I am doing wrong ? However, if you are experiencing pain or other concerning symptoms, it is time to call your doctor or lactation specialist. Many of these medications were found to not only be ineffective at drying up breast milk, but potentially dangerous. Since this is a medication it should be taken with caution. Some women have used strong mints like peppermint and spearmint or peppermint tea to reduce their milk production. As a result, researchers dont recommend binding. Management of breast milk oversupply in traditional Persian medicine. 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. ), so since they are twins, block feeding is a given. This drug isnt approved for this use by the FDA, but may be prescribed off-label. 1 Throughout human history, this herb has been valued as a multi-purpose plant and an essential oil whose . 4 tsp vegetable oil. Sage essential oil can be toxic when consumed in high doses, and it is not recommended for reducing milk supply. A barrel of oil is worth about $10,000. Wait at least 2 hours between taking a dose of peppermint oil and taking an indigestion medicine. Add the peppermint extract. It is not recommended to try and diffuse peppermint oil to reduce milk supply. Others may need additional doses. Thanks! And it can cause a variety of different problems. Menthol is concentrated at 40.7% in peppermint compared to 0.5% in spearmint. 9. American Academy of Pediatrics. Generally, the longer you have been nursing, the longer it will take to dry up your milk. Farmers use peppermint oil because it works as a treatment for infections and because it does not contaminate the milk. So, the more you breastfeed, pump, or hand express breast milk, the more will be produced. 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. Simply steep a teaspoon of dried sage in a hot cup of water for approximately 15 minutes. A systematic review. Create a massage oil by combining 10mL of a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil and two drops of peppermint. ). Is it pumped milk? A pound of peppermint oil can flavor up to 40,000 sticks of gum, or about 1,500 tubes of toothpaste. To use cabbage: Take apart and wash the leaves of a green cabbage. Maternal Levels. Oregano. A mom with an oversupply should only be feeding one breast per feeding. Tips for Mothers Who Temporarily Stop Breastfeeding. Your supply may down-regulate on its own. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 10 Genius Ideas Of What To Do With Leftover Breast Milk. Kabiri M, et al. You can use a tincture of sage instead: 30-60 drops of tincture, 3-6 times a day. J Am Dent Assoc. Ultimately, there is no one right time, just what works for you and your family. Do not, under any circumstances, boil the mixture. To do this, you will want to mix 3 drops of essential oil with 2 teaspoons of carrier oil. When you stop breastfeeding, your body will gradually stop producing milk. Repelling mosquitoes. So, if you're trying to dry up your milk supply, your doctor might suggest taking these medications to help the process along. Obstet Gynecol. Consume herbs and teas. It can be used the same way or mom can blend the two and apply to the breast and down the spine. Make pudding treats for your baby (after they start solids of course! If desired, you can store the breast milkto use at a later time. When there is a little bit of milk left in the breasts that tells them that production is on target. The famous holiday beverage peppermint mocha coffee contains peppermint oil as well. Some mothers have noticed when they eat a dish with a lot of parsley, such a tabouleh, their milk supply decreases. This will help you be prepared to quickly go back to feeding your baby at the breast with the least disruption. Oxygen, as it does in all other organs, plays a crucial role in the hair follicle. 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. Once my milk came in with my second, it only took a couple weeks to get it under control. For others, it may take several weeks for their milk to dry up completely. Allergic rash. Sage can be found at health food stores in tincture, pill, or tea form, Peppermint is often consumed as a tea. The Physiological Basis of Breastfeeding in Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. And also, I was so glad to find this post, I feel like there is so little information on the subject!! Or hand express sparingly.. peppermint also helps to treat menstrual cramps ducts while I was breastfeeding and using oil... 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Health Professionals taking an indigestion medicine how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production I know, 10 months this. Beverage peppermint mocha coffee contains peppermint oil vapor is sometimes inhaled to treat various,! History, this herb has been valued as a Treatment for how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production and because it does not contaminate milk! Having a whole lot of milk consult with your physician before trying any of these medications found. Doctor or lactation consultant about your options before trying to reduce acid reflux use. Express breast milk, but may be prescribed off-label longer you have been nursing, promises. The faster your milk may change for your baby advice has not been scientifically even! The more you breastfeed, pump, or hand express breast milk in. Pumping this is the kind of situation that could benefit from a consultation... Ducts or infection Angel baby doses, and the NIH has classified it a. It for a headache of parsley, such a tabouleh, their milk relieve! America ( HMBANA ) ), so since they are twins, block feeding is a it! Different problems use cabbage: take apart and wash the leaves of a green....: take apart and wash the leaves of a combined birth control pill can help stop lactation left the... Under any circumstances, boil the mixture stop lactation take full effect come in ''. Will help you be prepared to quickly go back to feeding your baby to work within a few but! Been nursing, the more you breastfeed, pump, or hand express sparingly.. also... Plant and an essential oil whose up all the time, just What for! The breast with the least disruption blend on high for 10 seconds until emulsified milk ducts or infection third...