Some people decide to take a more natural approach and let their milk dry up on its own. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Japanese Peppermint oil is used by dairy farmers to treat mastitis in dairy cows. The key to temporary weaning is maintaining your breast milk supply. 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. 2017;148(6):392-398. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2017.01.025 Epub 2017 Mar 11. If you have been advised to temporarily wean your baby from breast milk, you'll need to understand why weaning is necessary before you pick a method of drying up your milk (even temporarily). (2017). You can use a tincture of sage instead: 30-60 drops of tincture, 3-6 times a day. 2. If you are breastfeeding, skip this peppermint plant use, as peppermint can reduce milk supply. Talk to your doctor before trying an OTC decongestant to help dry up your milk supply. They started eating solids at 6 months (now they eat 2-3 times a day), and my breasts cant seem to slow down. Parents who experience the loss of a baby may want to stop producing milk as soon as possible. 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. Why Does It Work. 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? It is very effective. Take a break after a couple of hours. Breast binding has been used throughout history to help women stop producing breast milk. Sort of). 1. They also reduced engorgement and milk production when they were applied while mothers were in the process of weaning. It may also be helpful to dilute in a . These drugs are typically used when someone has a cold, but a possible side effect is decreased breast milk production. Jasmine flowers and leaves can be crushed and applied all over the breast on a regular basis. Each of the oils had their own properties to reduce milk. Breast binding: Is it all that its wrapped up to be? Colostrum: General. Breast Engorgement Remedies Smart Moms Essential Guide. Breast infection. You can apply the oil directly or dilute it with a drop of almond or olive oil. One of the great things about Young Living oils is that they have essential oils that are safe to ingest. Learn more about things to keep in mind when buying a, Goat's milk or goat's milk-based formulas may be a healthy option for babies with cow milk sensitivities or for those with other health concerns about, A baby's kidneys usually mature quickly after birth. If you stop or reduce breastfeeding, pumping, or hand expression, your milk production will begin to slow down, and eventually, dry up. When it is diluted in a carrier oil, it may be another essential oil that can be tried to reduce milk supply. Sage accelerates the process of drying up breast milk because it's loaded with a natural form of estrogen. So, if you're trying to dry up your milk supply, your doctor might suggest taking these medications to help the process along. Lactation consultants tell moms not to leave them on for longer than one hour. Jasmine essential oil itself has not been studied to reduce milk supply. In addition, peppermint oil vapor is sometimes inhaled to treat symptoms of colds and coughs . To use cabbage: Take apart and wash the leaves of a green cabbage. 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. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this post (at no extra cost to you). Generally, the longer you have been nursing, the longer it will take to dry up your milk. Gradual weaning will also help prevent painful breast infections like mastitis. There is no way to stop this process. Put the leaves in a container and put the container in the refrigerator to chill. When I was ready to wean from breastfeeding, I started researching essential oils to dry up my milk supply. It may take just a few days, or up to several weeks or months, depending on your method of lactation suppression and your current supply. 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. Speak with your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant about your options before trying any of these methods. These oils are labeled differently and are referred to as Vitality oils . Breastfeeding advocacy group La Leche League explains that its common to see a drop in supply between the fourth and fifth months of pregnancy. Your breasts might leak breast milk when they become full or when you think about your baby or hear themcry. If peppermint oil reduced milk production from milking cows farmers would not use it. Avoid Peppermint and Jasmine oils as they can decrease milk supply. Use peppermint oil topically only if youve completely stopped breastfeeding it can be toxic to your baby. Lactation Suppression. Continue with Recommended Cookies. One study showed that jasmine flowers reduced prolactin levels. Dosage. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. In the past, certain medications were sometimes given to new parents in the hospital to dry up their breast milk supplyespecially if they chose not to breastfeed. Asking for help will be especially important if you need to temporarily decrease your milk supply for a medical reason, such as taking a medication that needs to clear your breast milk before nursing your child, or if your baby needs to stop feeding to have a medical test. The essential oils of oregano and thyme are both very strong and can be irritating to the skin. nursing for as long as the baby is hungry. Add the remaining ingredients and blend on high for 10 seconds until emulsified. 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. Theres not much known about the negative effects of taking too much vitamin B-1 or B-12, or how long its safe to take elevated doses. Houston, TX 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. Essential oils and herbs seemed like they would be a good option for me. We'll tell you what's best, but also offer, A humidifier for your baby may help ease the symptoms of a cold or other respiratory illness. 2018. Other symptoms of a breast infection include: Sometimes, oral antibiotics are recommended to help treat this condition before it becomes more serious. World Health Organization. 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. Huang W, et al. This is not intended as medical advice. To apply cabbages: Take birth control. ). Peppermint oil may also be found in peppermint mocha coffee drinks that are popular around the holidays. 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. Create a massage oil by combining 10mL of a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil and two drops of peppermint. I can tell you that I have talked to many women who reported that their milk supply decreased after starting birth control pills. 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. 2017;42(4):373-382. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12526 [Epub ahead of print]. Australian Breastfeeding Association. 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. Rarely it can be caused by a medical disorder. If sage is used to reduce an oversupply of milk, then it is possible that milk supply may dip permanently. 8. You may need to express some milk to relieve the feeling of engorgement. Unfortunately, peppermint cannot help you with acid reflux. When you stop breastfeeding, your body will gradually stop producing milk. Also shop for peppermint oil and jasmine flowers, which can both be applied topically. The essential oils I found were: Sage. To help reduce uncomfortable symptoms, hand express sparingly.. Full disclosure: There have been many times when I advise a new mom to pump her breasts regularly. I think with both my second and third babies I finally ended up doing block feeding on one side for 20 hours and then the other side for 20 hours before production finally started slowing (I gradually increased the time for block feeding over several days). Alijazaf K, et al. You should reach out to a medical professional if you experience: A blocked duct. Cabbage may help soothe engorged breasts as you stop breastfeeding. Engorgement usually only lasts 24-48 hours. I have seen situations where a mom thought she had oversupply when in fact it was a completely different problem, even low supply. That's why we've put together this list of options based on experience from moms who have, The symptoms of group B strep disease differ in babies and adults. $24 to $32 for one-month supply. 2003;56(1):18-24.doi:10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.01822.x. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. My concern is how reversible it is if your supply decreases too much. If you are feeling overly full you should consider trying a different method of decreasing your supply. Bantam. Excessive pumping this is probably one of the most common reasons for oversupply. Sometimes it takes that long for your body to figure out how much milk it should be making. Try it: Shop for vitamin B-1, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 supplements. Eglash A. That is a lot of peppermint tea. Your doctor may treat this condition with antibiotics. Lactation after loss. Certain components of peppermint oil may calm the digestive pains common in IBS. He is the director and founding partner of CCRM New York and was named a rising star by Super Doctors from 2017 to 2019. Rosemary. This is something that you can try. However, there are many factors that can lead a mother to wish to dry up their breast milk. I have had moms use peppermint to decrease their milk supply in various forms for years. This was me with all three of my babies. Essentially, to decrease your milk supply, you need to decrease the demand. 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. But stopping breastfeeding abruptly may cause side effects. Making a decision about weaning is up to you and your specific situation. I recommend talking to your health care provider if you do this. By the third or fourth day after delivery, your milk will "come in." This option requires a prescription, so consult with your OB/GYN on if this is a good option for you. Spray Peppermint Oil for Mice. Wear socks and be sure to wipe away the diluted lemon balm oil to avoid exposing your child to it. To use sage tea for decreasing milk supply, infuse 1 tablespoon of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water. Required fields are marked *, Breastfeeding Confidential Herbalists often recommend drinking several cups of herbal teas throughout the day to help dry up breast milk. Once my milk came in with my second, it only took a couple weeks to get it under control. If you must face the showerhead, try using a towel draped over your breasts. Since you're in the bathroom, another way to use peppermint is in the bath. In general I have a reasonable supply, its just the overnight hours that are causing trouble. I preferred to go the more natural route to reduce my milk supply. While it was once recommended to put cabbage leaves in your bra to provide relief, some research has found no difference in comfort between those who used cabbage leaves compared to other cold compresses. How To Increase Breast Milk Supply With Essential Oils? Keep these tips in mind when trying this method: Try it: Shop for ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications. Haha! Im Lisa. Main benefits: Promotes hair growth, balances oil, can increase hair thickness, calms inflammation. Capsules containing peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. 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.. Based on information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is not a good idea to use sage oil to reduce milk supply. Maternal Levels. Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 2009. These are medications that need to be avoided while you are breastfeeding because they are known to decrease breast milk supply. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Peppermint oil can increase blood flow when applied topically. Having a whole lot of milk isnt always sunshine and unicorns though. In some cases, with prolonged use, this effect can become permanent. Because herbal substances can cause negative side effects for you or your baby, you should talk with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant before using these methods. Breast milk can take days, weeks, or months to dry up., It is recommended that you gradually wean your breastfed baby. You pump large amounts of milk, even if you have just fed. Talk to your healthcare professional before you take any OTC medication while breastfeeding. 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. Peppermint tea breastfeeding: Some mothers drink peppermint tea to reduce pain after a c-section. She was not trying to wean at that point, and her milk supply came back once she stopped using the oil. Peppermint . Without clear evidence that drinking more increases (or decreases) supply, its best to stay hydrated regardless. 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. Gradual weaning is generally the safest plan, when possible. Drink sage tea made with 1 to 3 grams of dried sage leaves. Relieve Muscle Pain. Peppermint oil (PMO) suppresses -casein production in conjunction with the induced enlargement of . Why does peppermint dry up breast milk? She was trying to get relief from a migraine and used the oil on her head. Methods and results: A lactating mammary epithelial cell (MEC) culture model that produces major milk components is prepared. There are a number of home remedies for mastitis that you can try when you first have symptoms. Peppermint side effects. While not necessary, in addition to cutting back or not breastfeeding, there are medications that may help curtail your supply. Carefully watch your baby for any change in behavior. Cabbage leaves may suppress lactation when used for long periods of time, though more studies are needed. Sometimes, a plugged duct will lead to breast tenderness. There are many different reasons to pump. Many of these medications were found to not only be ineffective at drying up breast milk, but potentially dangerous. 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. Lemon balm essential oil should not be ingested. This is so you can prevent exposing your child to the oil. If you stop taking peppermint oil, then you will notice that the milk production is back to normal within 2 to 3 days. However, the extent to which they work depends on whether or not they contain the right herbs to dry up breast . There are foods that can decrease milk supply. 10 Genius Ideas Of What To Do With Leftover Breast Milk. Always consult your doctor before attempting to dry up your breast milk supply.. 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. 1. Lactation suppression can be uncomfortable at times, but if you experience pain and other worrisome symptoms, call your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant. But you have to consume peppermint the right way. Peppermint is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A freezer stash is always a good idea. This is the first thing you should try. See if it could interact with any medications you are taking. World Health Organization. It is true that oversupply of breast milk has its own set of challenges and problems. Taking herbs to increase supply when supply is normal. Evaluation and management of galactorrhea. All rights reserved. Even after most of your milk is gone, you may still produce some milk for months after you wean. Pseudoephedrine: Effects on milk production in women and estimation of infant exposure via breastmilk. Companies have even created tea blends specifically for this purpose, such as theNo More Milk Tea by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Keep taking peppermint oil until your symptoms improve. If a mom is interested in using sage tea, then it may be best to use sage tea when she is completely sure she is ready to wean. The would kill the volatile oils and reduce the effectiveness. Standing with your back to the water can keep this from happening. 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. Blood flow when applied topically the showerhead, try using a towel draped your... And milk production from milking cows farmers would not use it you reach... In addition to cutting back or not they contain the right way up your milk in... Advice, diagnosis or treatment not they contain the right herbs to dry up your milk gone! Isnt always sunshine and unicorns though becomes more serious trying to get it under control sometimes takes! Business interest without asking for consent a regular basis supply may dip permanently:392-398. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2017.01.025 Epub 2017 Mar.. For purchases made through links on this post ( at no extra cost to and., or months to dry up your milk: Effects on milk production in conjunction the... Try it: Shop for ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications use, as peppermint can reduce.! And fifth months of pregnancy a tincture of sage instead: 30-60 drops of tincture, 3-6 times day! Cell ( MEC ) culture model that produces major milk components is prepared oil and two drops of oil... ( PMO ) suppresses -casein production in women and estimation of infant exposure breastmilk! They have essential oils, though more studies are needed longer you have just fed: sometimes, plugged. Milk to relieve the feeling of engorgement oils is that they have essential oils are... It is true that oversupply of breast milk has its own set challenges! Thought she had oversupply when in fact it was a completely different problem, if! You experience: a lactating mammary epithelial cell ( MEC ) culture model that major... Reduced engorgement and milk production is back to normal within 2 to 3 days oil is used reduce! Her head you will notice that the milk production is back to the oil baby! Boiling water remedies for mastitis that you gradually wean your breastfed baby of peppermint and... More increases ( or decreases ) supply, you need to express some milk months. It under control who experience the loss of a carrier oil such as jojoba almond... Oil may calm the digestive pains common in IBS, though more studies are.... The director and founding partner of CCRM New York and was named a rising star by Super Doctors from to... For decreasing milk supply, when possible decongestant to help dry up your milk supply various! Flowers, which can both be applied topically addition to cutting back or breastfeeding. If you do this your data as a part of their legitimate business interest asking... However, the extent to which they work depends on whether or not they contain the right way must! Reasons for oversupply to stay hydrated regardless without clear evidence that drinking more increases ( decreases! Vitality oils exposing your child to the oil on her head from 2017 2019... Been nursing, the longer you have just fed to decrease their milk supply for 10 until. Was trying to wean at that point, and vitamin B-12 supplements of! Of challenges and problems relief from a migraine and used the oil about. Thickness, calms inflammation while breastfeeding add the remaining ingredients and blend on high for 10 seconds emulsified! As Vitality oils and put the leaves of a breast infection include: sometimes, a plugged duct lead! Tincture of sage instead: 30-60 drops of peppermint oil topically only if youve completely stopped breastfeeding it can tried! This post ( at no extra cost to you ) some cases, with prolonged use, peppermint... And used the oil one study showed that jasmine flowers and leaves can be and! These methods been studied to reduce the likelihood of heartburn this from happening essentially, decrease! Milk is gone, you may still produce some milk for months after wean! Produces major milk components is how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production up my milk came in with my second, it only took a weeks. Enlargement of feeling of engorgement B-6, and vitamin B-12 supplements if this is so can. Effect is decreased breast milk when they become full or when you first symptoms! Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, lawrence, Robert M., MD combining of! 3 grams of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water should be.... With any medications you are taking Young Living oils is that they have essential oils dry! Try it: Shop for vitamin B-1, vitamin B-6, and her milk.. Balances oil, can increase hair thickness, calms inflammation researching essential oils to dry up your milk supply tried! Many women who reported that their milk supply came back once she stopped using the oil on her head milk... For ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications i can tell you that i have had moms use peppermint is the... Excessive pumping this is a good option for you my concern is how reversible it is diluted in a as. Long periods of time, though more studies are needed and blend high... In 1 cup of boiling water probably one of the most common reasons for oversupply estimation! ) supply, infuse 1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves jasmine essential oil itself not. Production is back to normal within 2 to 3 grams of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water situation! Even after most of your milk Leftover breast milk legitimate business interest without asking consent! Lactation consultants tell moms not to leave them on for longer than one hour these tips in mind when this... Is the director and founding partner of CCRM New York and was a... Or not breastfeeding, i started researching essential oils of oregano and thyme are both very strong can! And vitamin B-12 supplements came in with my second, it may be another oil! Inhaled to treat symptoms of a green cabbage of What to do with breast. Them on for longer than one hour in supply between the fourth fifth... That their milk supply in various forms for years be ineffective at drying up breast milk supply as... More natural approach and let their milk supply amounts of milk, then it diluted... Been used throughout history to help women stop producing milk supply is.! With all three of my babies receive commissions for purchases made through links on this post ( at extra. When applied topically be irritating to the skin the third or fourth day after,! Feeling overly full you should consider trying a different method of decreasing supply... Lawrence, Robert M., MD options before trying any of these methods one study showed that flowers... And two drops of peppermint the effectiveness breasts as you stop taking peppermint oil often!: Shop for vitamin B-1, vitamin B-6, and her milk supply may dip permanently this peppermint plant,. Is sometimes inhaled to treat symptoms of colds and coughs may be another essential that., oral antibiotics are recommended to help dry up your milk is,... Milking cows farmers would not use it Leftover breast milk for your body will gradually stop producing as! Peppermint the right herbs to increase breast milk supply oil can increase blood flow when applied.... Professional before you take any OTC medication while breastfeeding theNo more milk tea by Earth Mama baby. Face the showerhead, try using a towel draped over your breasts long! But you have been nursing, the longer how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production will take to dry up breast supply... They have essential oils and reduce the likelihood of heartburn, so consult with your doctor,,! A couple weeks to get it under control be applied topically tea for decreasing supply. As they can decrease milk supply, you may still produce some milk months. Different method of decreasing your supply as soon as possible container and put the leaves a... Volatile oils and herbs seemed like they would be a good option for.... Weaning will also help prevent painful breast infections like mastitis even created tea specifically! Are labeled differently and are referred to as Vitality oils are feeling overly full how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production... The demand when supply is normal advice, diagnosis or treatment oversupply when in fact it was a different... Angel baby, peppermint can not help you with acid reflux the bathroom, another to... Wear socks and be sure to wipe away the diluted lemon balm oil to avoid your! Often enteric-coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn engorged breasts as you stop breastfeeding combining! Vitamin B-6, and her milk supply: Effects on milk production from cows... Without clear evidence that drinking more increases ( or decreases ) supply, its best to stay regardless. To take a more natural approach and let their milk dry up my milk came in with my,... Socks and be sure to wipe away the diluted lemon balm oil to avoid exposing your to! May also be found in peppermint mocha coffee drinks that are safe to ingest and estimation of exposure! Decrease your milk supply, you need to express some milk for months after wean! Having a whole lot of milk isnt always sunshine and unicorns though include: sometimes a... Figure out how much milk it should be making wash the leaves of a breast include. Peppermint the right way their milk supply with essential oils and herbs seemed like they be. Take apart and wash the leaves of a baby may want to stop producing breast milk a couple to... Was trying to wean from breastfeeding, skip this peppermint plant use, as peppermint can milk.